Language and the Teacher

Robots & Logo

Learning Outcomes

For trainees to begin to develop an awareness :

• of how ICT can help children learn the language of movement and develop spatial awareness• of how teachers can use various questioning techniques as they do so• of the progression of skills associated with programmable toys (“floor turtle”) and Logo (“screen turtle”)• develop understanding of how certain concepts in learning can be supported through Logo

STANDARDS: Q.14 Q.17 Q.23 Q.25a.

Productive questioning

Teachers ask a lot of questions and the use of ICT throws up lots of opportunities for productive questioning that is likely to be:

• OPEN – pupils answer as they see fit

• PROBING – pupils give further information & clarification

• REFLECTIVE – pupils have to consider and evaluate

• HYPOTHETICAL –pupils consider situations and convey opinions

LOGO

“Logo does not teach children mathematics but makes them mathematicians.” - Seymour Papert

Logo is a programming language that gives children opportunities to experiment, solve problems and refine ideas. Turtle graphics are the most popular aspect of Logo and are particularly good for developing an understanding of shape and space.

Why use Logo?

Logo is an ideal tool for investigating and solving problems

Logo motivates by giving instant feedback

Logo encourages “thinking about thinking”, because procedures can be examined and modified at any time

A small number of commands can do a lot - and they can be built up in a natural way

Logo requires children to think and act logically

Logo allows children to develop and practise estimation of angles and lengths

The turtle and its movements give a visual representation of mathematical ideas

Logo immerses children in the language of movement

Children explore shape and space in an active way; the appeal of Logo might be its open-ended nature, but it involves some very specific geometrical learning

Progression in Logo

Stage 1

P.E./gym work

Board games

Worksheets

Stage 2

Beebot/Pixie

Roamer/Pip

Programmable toys

Stage 3

Directional programs

Websites

Early Logo

Stage 4

Logo (Full version)

Writing & editing procedures