The progression from simple interest to compound interest leads naturally and quickly to the number e, involving mathematical discovery learning through writing programs. Several programs are given, with suggestions for a teaching sequence. (MNS)

In traditional programming courses assignments usually consist of problems that are somewhat closed in nature. That is, students are usually given a rigidly defined problem statement and are provided with a set of data that they are to use to test their program to produce a unique result. While this approach makes evaluation easy, it discourages…

A study is reported in which 7 children (2 girls and 5 boys, 11 to 12 years of age) with a year of LOGO Programming experience were asked to think aloud about how a LOGO procedure would work, and then to predict by hand-simulation of the programs, what the graphics turtle "pen" would draw when the program was executed. While all children…

Details are given of a university course that utilizes computer programing to help students explore aspects of number theory. The course is thought to provide acceleration of the discovery process to the point where pupils can study a full range of topics. (MP)

Two methods of teaching computation to undergraduates in a department of technology are described and the results are contrasted quantitatively and qualitatively. Conclusions indicate that a learner-directed discovery approach is best suited to this type of course. (Author/JEG)

This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in students in grades 4-6 in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be used…

Explores a particular method of searching for roots that lends itself well to discovery learning through writing a computer program. The teacher-student interaction is given, and two computer program listings are included. (MNS)

Briefly discusses several frequently encountered barriers to learning--negative impact on inner self, threatening situations, rewards, and blockage of spontaneous exploration--from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Ways in which Logo is useful in removing these barriers are noted. (MBR)

Reviews Logo programming language's developmental history, including Papert's vision, creation of LISP, and evolution of Logo from LISP; discusses reasons for Logo not becoming a commonplace programming language; describes Logo program design and its utility for serious programmers; and lists sources of further information on Logo. (MBR)

This paper describes part of a course for college freshmen entitled "Computation, Reasoning, and Problem Solving," which uses the LOGO programming language to integrate computer programming skills, collaborative problem solving skills, and writing skills. Discussion of the computer programming component includes two of the LOGO problem…

LOGO (a computer language) is designed to provide an environment in which learners determine a problem to solve, make choices, experiment, try out solutions, and build on what they already know. Student activities using LOGO and the teacher's role in a LOGO classroom are discussed. (JN)

A computer language that can be used by people of all ages, Logo allows children the freedom to direct their own learning. Integrating Logo into the curriculum provides students the opportunity to program a computer, to engage in logical, sequential thinking and planning, to solve problems, and to manipulate text, language, graphics, and music…

This guide was developed to assist teachers in achieving goals related to the development of computer awareness in junior high school students in the Canadian province of Manitoba. An overview of the program describes a set of basic concepts, skills, and attitudes relating to computer technology, and provides information on activities that can be…

This paper describes the use of LOGOWriter with fifth grade boys as a means of developing programming procedures for computer games that they could use to simulate motion with acceleration, as well as techniques for controlling the direction of motion. The kinds of programs developed, student responses to this work, observations about teaching…

Twenty-three children in each of 2 first-grade classrooms were observed as they worked in pairs with the computer language Logo in a learning-by-discovery context. Describes children's behaviors related to planning, correction of errors, reflection, causality, and procedure-writing. (RJC)