Emphasizing the importance of economy and efficiency in the production of computer animation, this master's thesis outlines methodologies that can be used to develop animated sequences with the highest quality images for the least expenditure. It is assumed that if computer animators are to be able to fully exploit the available resources, they…

A theory of the planning and debugging of computer programs is formalized as a context free grammar, which is used to reveal the constituent structure of problem solving episodes by parsing protocols in which programs are written, tested, and debugged. This is illustrated by the detailed analysis of an actual session with a beginning student…

A unified theory of planning and debugging is explored by designing a problem solving program called PATN. PATN uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent a broad range of planning techniques, including identification, decomposition, and reformulation. (The ATN is a simple yet powerful formalism which has been effectively utilized in…

PATN is a design for a machine problem solver which uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent planning knowledge. In order to explore PATN's potential as a theory of human problem solving, a linguistic approach to protocol analysis is presented. An interpretation of a protocol is taken to be a parse tree supplemented by semantic and…

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)

A problem is detailed which has a solution that embodies geometry, trigonometry, ballistics, projectile mechanics, vector analysis, and elementary computer graphics. It is felt that the information and sample computer programs can be a useful starting point for a user written code that involves missiles and other projectiles. (MP)

A hungry worm is looking for something to eat according to very specific rules, and the path he takes is a graph. The problem is detailed in Applesoft BASIC using low resolution graphics for worms that turn 90 degrees and high resolution for worms that can turn 45 degrees. (MP)

Discusses constructive ways to use microcomputers as educational aids. Areas considered include software packages with graphics capabilities to help students visualize their work, programs fostering skill development (including problem-solving), microcomputer rentals, use of computers to learn programing languages, and others. (JN)

This article examines naive conceptions of spatial reference that children bring to Logo programing language learning. Students from Grades 4, 5, 6, and 8 were introduced to six Logo commands, and then were tested on predicting the output for instances of each of the commands. (Author/LMO)

Provides examples of such statistical graphs as line, bar, picture and pie. Suggests uses of Logo Turtle Graphics in graph construction. Includes several program procedures for creating designs with the computer. (RT)

This study investigated the effectiveness of LOGO's turtle graphics in both providing a model of systematic thought and in teaching simple geometry to young children in the second grade. The treatment given to 25 second grade students in the experimental group consisted of programming with LOGO's turtle graphics using four Apple II+…

Describes a study conducted with six pupils using Apple II Plus microcomputers and LOGO to determine whether five year olds can perform simple computer programing. This report describes the introductory educational games and activities, the pre- and posttests, some general findings, and possible implications for the teaching of problem-solving…

Spider World is an interactive program designed to help individuals with no previous computer experience to learn the fundamentals of programming. The program emphasizes cognitive tasks which are central to programming and provides significant problem-solving opportunities. In Spider World, the user commands a hypothetical robot (called the…

Describes some commands, simple programing procedures, and applications of the programing language LOGO, including its powerful recursive feature and its value in teaching problem solving. A listing of LOGO graphics packages includes details of software and print materials, prices, and microcomputers that will support the packages. (EAO)

Developed to assist primary school teachers who wish to implement LOGO and One-Key LOGO (OKL) in their schools, this document consists of a LOGO resource manual and 92 color-coded activity cards designed to guide a pre-reader or primary child through a series of problem solving steps. After a brief introduction, which contains computer terminology…