Logo

NASA+IBM+BIPM logos

Chiswick Lion

BMC 06

Bass logo

Croixrouge logos

Cocacola cyrilic

Logo is a high-level programming language known for its simplicity and its application in education, particularly in the introduction of children to computer programming and computer science. Logo was created in the 1960s by Wally Feurzeig, Seymour Papert, and Cynthia Solomon, inspired by the constructivist learning theories of Jean Piaget. This language is famously associated with its use of turtle graphics, where commands for movement and drawing produced graphical output. Logo's design encourages exploration, experimentation, and the transformation of abstract ideas into concrete reality through programming, making it a pioneering tool in educational technology.

History

The development of Logo began in 1967 at Bolt, Beranek, and Newman (BBN), a research firm in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Seymour Papert, a mathematician and educator, was instrumental in its development, aiming to create a mathematical land where children could play with words and sentences. The idea was that, through manipulating code, children could learn mathematical concepts, problem-solving skills, and the basics of programming in a more intuitive and engaging way than traditional teaching methods offered.

Features

Logo is best known for its turtle graphics, but it encompasses much more. It is a multi-paradigm language that supports procedural, functional, and object-oriented programming. Logo allows users to control a turtle, an on-screen cursor, which creates line graphics based on the commands it receives. The simplicity of starting with commands like FORWARD, BACK, RIGHT, and LEFT makes it accessible to beginners.

Turtle Graphics

The concept of turtle graphics is perhaps the most iconic aspect of Logo. The turtle, which can be a simple arrow or a more elaborate icon, moves around the screen under the control of the programmer. The commands given to the turtle are straightforward yet powerful, enabling the creation of complex patterns and designs. This hands-on approach to programming and immediate visual feedback is effective in teaching the fundamentals of computational thinking and geometric concepts.

Educational Philosophy

Logo's development was heavily influenced by the educational philosophy of constructivism, which asserts that knowledge is best acquired through hands-on, active learning. Papert's vision was to create a learning environment where children could experiment, explore, and discover mathematical concepts through the use of Logo. This philosophy has influenced not only the development of educational software but also the approach to teaching computer science and mathematics in schools.

Applications and Legacy

While Logo's popularity in education has waxed and waned over the years, its influence on the field of educational technology and computer science education cannot be overstated. Logo has been implemented in various forms and on various platforms, from early microcomputers to modern PCs and tablets. It has inspired the development of numerous other educational programming languages and tools, such as Scratch, which shares Logo's emphasis on visual programming and is designed to foster creativity and logical thinking.

Conclusion

Logo remains a significant part of the history of programming languages and educational technology. Its emphasis on exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning continues to influence educators and software developers. As technology and educational paradigms evolve, the principles underlying Logo provide a timeless reminder of the power of engaging, constructivist learning environments.