[MWForum]research project help
Steve Robson
mwforum@lists.mathcats.com
Fri, 09 Jul 2004 07:50:11 +0000
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<P>Hi Karen,</P>
<P>I don't know whether this is helpful to you or not... </P>
<P>We are currently evaluating MicroWorlds EX here in Northumberland (UK) in the context of improving teaching and learning in Key Stage 3 (12 -15). Although I have been using Logo for many years, it has had a low professional profile and is therefore new to the majority of colleagues who were unaware of the possibilities which lie beyond turtle graphics. The reception has been extremely positive with both staff and students, and following a period of evaluation, I would like to see the tool embedded in the ICT curriculum, especially in the higher orders of study where students are encouraged to develop projects independently.</P>
<P><BR>Initially, the learning curve for teachers can be fairly steep, but this is because the students are absorbing the program very quickly and always want to know "How to ..." to develop their capacity. It seems that once sufficient capacity has been generated, pupils can begin to create increasingly sophisticated projects which demonstrate the higher levels of skill and understanding that we would wish to see.</P>
<P>In short, a very powerful tool for developing teaching and learning that I would like to see more widely used.</P>
<P>Hope this helps</P>
<P>Steve Robson</P>
<P>ICT Consultant</P>
<P>Northumberland LEA</P>
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<DIV></DIV>From: Karen Randall <krandall@ties2.net>
<DIV></DIV>Reply-To: mwforum@lists.mathcats.com
<DIV></DIV>To: mwforum@lists.mathcats.com
<DIV></DIV>Subject: [MWForum]research project help
<DIV></DIV>Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2004 17:05:44 -0500
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<DIV></DIV>Greetings,
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<DIV></DIV>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!
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<DIV></DIV>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?
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<DIV></DIV>In your opinion, how wide-spread is the use of Logo in 2004, in whatever format?
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<DIV></DIV>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?
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<DIV></DIV>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?)
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<DIV></DIV>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?
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<DIV></DIV>Thank you for any comments you'd care to share.
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<DIV></DIV>Karen Randall
<DIV></DIV>krandall@ties2.net
<DIV></DIV>Expo Elementary
<DIV></DIV>Saint Paul, MN
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