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MicroWorlds EX
At Columbia Grammar and Prep School we use MicroWorlds EX with 2nd
through 7th grades. Our youngest students learn drawing commands,
animation, and simple programming concepts. In the 5th grade we
introduce the kids to Lego Logo robotics with MicroWorlds EX Robotics
Edition. In 7th grade we use MicroWorlds EX to explore game theory and
design. MicroWorlds offers us a unique environment for channeling our
students natural creativity into exciting and thought provoking
projects. MicroWorlds EX combines a simplicity and power that lets us
use it with a variety of age groups. I would say it is the most valuable
piece of software in our Grammar School computer curriculum. MicroWorlds EX Robotics Edition Bruce Cattanach
"I have been successfully using LCSI Logo and Microworlds products for twenty years. There has never been a more powerful computer-based environment for students to think and learn." Dr. Dennis Harper G.W. Childs School, a K-4 school with approximately 700 students, has developed a Technology Education program that supports and fosters independent problem solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. Based on the Philadelphia Curriculum Frameworks, a guide for developing standards based projects and lesson plans, the Technology program strives to support a cross-curricular approach to computer education. Students are engaged in projects which incorporate learning from their studies in all subject areas. Students work in a computer lab once a week for 45 minutes. Students have access to computers throughout the school building, in the library, their classrooms, science lab and other instructional areas. The School District of Philadelphia Children Achieving Plan, maintains the use of Technology in all subject areas. Childs School continues to explore this idea in looking for open-ended problem solving software that supports critical thinking and collaboration. LOGO has been used at Childs since 1990. Students begin their LOGO instruction in first grade as a way to familiarize young students with "taking control of the computer," and to build a foundation for programming. Beginning in third grade MicroWorlds is used to challenge the students' thinking about technology and provide them with an opportunity to "stretch" their own thoughts about computers and technology in the creation of computer simulation programs which reflect their own ideas and imaginations. MicroWorlds was chosen as a software tool that demonstrates the objectives of quality technology education: Providing an open-ended programming environment in which students can explore, create and apply prior knowledge, while participating in a rich, authentic and meaningful learning experience. MicroWorlds provides the constructivist programming environment that allows students to apply their knowledge, share their learning, and gain valuable programming and problem solving skills. It creates an environment where the students are highly motivated to create and expand their thinking and learning. It has been used extensively as part of the computer lab program, in collaboration with the science lab program, for the past two years. For comments, contact: Paula Don The Eliot Montessori School, a Pre-1 through 8th grade school with approximately 100 students, has developed a Technology Education program that supports and fosters independent problem solving, critical thinking, and cooperative learning. Students (2nd-8th grade) meet in a computer lab once a week for one hour. Students also have access to computers in their classrooms. The Eliot Montessori School encourages learning that occurs from open-ended problem solving and therefore uses computer software that supports critical thinking and collaboration. Beginning in second grade, MicroWorlds is used to increase memory, learn a programming language, and practice problem solving. The Computer Programming Cycle is practiced: description, execution, reflection, debugging, description.and so on. The students start to learn the basic MW language by drawing shapes, then they progress to more complicated skills on an individual basis. In time, the students learn to do animation, use text boxes, do interactive programming, and create games and more! MicroWorlds was chosen as a software tool that demonstrates the objectives of quality technology education: providing an open-ended programming environment in which students can explore, create and apply prior knowledge, while participating in a rich, authentic and meaningful learning experience. MicroWorlds provides the constructivist programming environment that allows students to apply their knowledge, share their learning, and gain valuable programming and problem solving skills. It creates an environment where the students are highly motivated to create and expand their thinking and learning. LOGO programming, of one form or another, has been used extensively as part of the computer lab program since the 1980's. We have used Terrepin Logo, Logo Plus, Lego Logo, MicroWorlds 2, and starting in 2002-03 they began using MicroWorlds Pro. The added features of MW Pro excited the students. Middle schoolers said, "MW Pro was simpler, easier to use, more responsive, intuitive, and it has nice pop-ups". In their drawing they change color quite frequently with commands. In MW Pro the color numbers are easier to see. The teacher likes how the error messages show up in the command area high-lighted so the student can delete them easily when the message is seen and understood. The "Vocabulary" reference section is very useful and can be used by the students. The classes will use the added feature of the procedure page being visible at all times, and the new features of Processes and Project, more as the year progresses. The students appreciate being able to purchase MicroWorlds for home. This has been a nice extra benefit of having a site license. For comments, contact: Debra Griffin www.eliotmontessori.com 5 Auburn St., S. Natick, MA 01760 508-655-7333
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MicroWorlds EX is all any teacher would need to create a balanced,
