[MWForum]research project help

[Karen Randall]

Greetings,

I'm taking a three-session university course on computer applications 
and teaching and chose to learn more about the history of Logo for my 
required research project.  I've been enjoying working through 
on-line papers on the topic but have a couple questions which they 
don't really answer.  I'd be interested in thoughts from people in 
this users group.  The deadline needs to be Sunday, July 11, though, 
if you'd like to influence the conclusions in my presentation!

I used Logo in the 1980s, then lost track of it until introduced to 
MicroWorlds a couple years ago. I'm curious as to its status in the 
broader educational community of today, and the status of the "give 
kids the tools to figure it out" philosophy which goes with it, at 
least in regards to computing.  My impression is that Logo users are 
like the lone Apple computer fanatic in an office of PCs.  Is this 
accurate?

In your opinion, how wide-spread is the use of Logo in 2004, in 
whatever format?

Are the typical people who put together tech integration projects and 
curriculum (as opposed to people who've been using Logo for the last 
20 years) at all looking at Logo as part of their toolbox?

Are there parts of the US and world where Logo is more solidly part 
of current instruction? (I read an article which projected that in 
Costa Rica 50% of students would soon be using Logo (well, as of 
1988).  I wonder if it came true, and stays true?)

With constructivism on the backswing of its popularity pendulum and 
standards/testing/accountability on the front, how hard is it for you 
to keep Logo as a tool and a philosophy in your technology 
implementation?

Thank you for any comments you'd care to share.

Karen Randall
krandall@ties2.net
Expo Elementary
Saint Paul, MN