LOGO-L> Re: Is Logo old technology?

[Ehud Lamm <mslamm@mscc.huji.ac.il>]

"ToonTalk versus Logo". Before saying one more word, I have to admit I
didn't check the toontalk site yet. But...

I once thought about doing alittle experiment and writing an article
comparing how people "think" with TIM (The Incredible Machine, computer
game) and how they think with Logo.

I believe that aisde from all else, one of Logo's greatest strengths is
that it is a language.

When I consider the way my thinking changed over the years, I think the
most crucial point was grasping the concept of LANGUAGE. This concept, and
the intuitive feeling I have of it, helped me in studiying CS and also in
thinking about other issues. Logo was one of my first exposures to
language. Indeed, a computer language and not a human tongue, but none the
less a language where you have to try to put linear syntax on your ideas.
A system in which semantics are tied to syntax.

I also think that being a computer language, Logo  helps in giving a good
method for structuring algorithms into self contained parts, and building
complex strucutures.

I did look for other ideas (and there are many ideas in trying to find a
better method for programming a computer, than using a computer language),
and was always dissatisfied. I wanted the flexebility, genericity and
elegance of Logo.

I think that the great thing about Logo is that it is not really a
protective enviroment. It is REAL. You can get infinite loops, you can do
harm. You have the real thing under your hands. Kids shouldn't settle for
less.

(Note: This is not against ToonTalk, which as I said I know nothing about.
Only general comments about computer languages as superior to any other
way of teaching kids through computers).

(Second note. This is somehow also connected to the theme of Hands-On
Learning. A short piece on this topic can be find in the archive on my web
site.)

Ehud Lamm     mslamm@mscc.huji.ac.il
http://www2.cybercities.com/e/ehud - Some of the work a MISCologist.




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