MicroWorlds

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MicroWorlds Logo
MicroWorlds Logo

MicroWorlds is a program that uses the Logo programming language, a dialect of Lisp programming language. It uses a turtle object which can be moved around, given commands, and eventually make shapes or even an animation.

It is part of a large set of dialects and implementations of Logo originating from the invention of Seymour Papert and aimed at triggering the development of abstract ideas by children through experimentation. As a tool for learning, Logo is flexible and provides immediate feedback; it is both accessible to young users and robust enough to create sophisticated projects. In original versions of Logo, Papert created a large 'turtle' that was programmed to move around the room by providing commands via the computer.

MicroWorlds is made by LCSI, and can be used with PC and Mac. The language looks like the following:

to go.crazy
fd 90
lt 90
rt 180
fd 499999
end

In the example above, the user has gone into a part of the program called the procedure page, which allows for longer series of commands, and therefore more complex programs can be written. In this program, the cursor moves forward 90 units, turns left 90 degrees, right 180 degrees and then moves forward 499999 units.

Commands can be written in one of two ways: using the procedures page, or the command module. The command module allows for instructions to be executed immediately.

MicroWorlds is a basic piece of software that can give a good first start into programming and move on to more robust activities such as programming robotic devices or sensors. MicroWorlds EX Robotics can control a LEGO RCX and the Handy Cricket. MicroWorlds has the ability to execute multiple tasks independently, also called parallel processing. Several processes can be launched independently which is very helpful when creating multiple character animations and simulations. Extra features in MicroWorlds, for example a text editor, shape centre, melody centre and the ability to import pictures all work with the Logo aspects to create multimedia projects, video games and simulations.

LCSI also provides MicroWorlds JR, an iconic version of Logo that allows younger children who are non-readers begin to learn to program the turtle.

MicroWorlds is used as the main component of the curriculum used by OpenWorld Learning a non-profit based in Denver, Colorado in the United States, that as to 2007 operated 11 sites in the Denver area.

Contents

[edit] References

  • John Gough, "MicroWorlds as a Learning Environment: Years 5 - 7: Tools Versus Thinking", Symp. on Contemporary Approaches to Research in Mathematics, Science, Healthand Environmental Education, Deakin University December 2-3, 1996. (a pdf file)
  • Logo Computer Systems Inc., 1999, Logo Philosophy and Implementation. LCSI. What is Logo? And Who Needs It?
  • Papert, Seymour (1980). Mindstorms.New York:Basic Books.
  • Papert, Seymour (1993)."The Children's Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer. New York: Basic Books.

[edit] External links

[edit] MicroWorlds Related

[edit] Logo Philosophy

  • Gary Stager A teacher and teacher educator specializing in laptop education, Logo, and Robotics.
  • Seymour Papert An excellent collection of the articles and works of Seymour Papert.
  • MaMaMedia Idit Harel's excellent site for children. The "For Grown-Ups" section has thought provoking articles about 21st- CENTURY LEARNING, including the use of Logo
  • The Logo Foundation A foundation that provides support for Logo users and educators

[edit] MicroWorlds Robotics

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