Lego-Logo Workshops

Gerald Futschek
Institute for Software Technology,
Vienna University of Technology
A-1040 Vienna, Austria,
tel: +43(1)58801-4098,
fax: +43(1)5041580,
email: futschek@ifs.tuwien.ac.at

Leopold Berger
A-1130 Vienna, Austria,
Schmardagasse 3,
tel/fax: +43 (1) 804 99 41

1 Lego-Logo Workshop for Children (age 12 – 14)

One day (better two half days or at least one half day) workshop for children.

Contents: Programming of Computer-Controlled Models using Lego Control Lab. Logo is used to control machines and automata that are built with Lego bricks. The feedback from different sensors is used in the children's programs to adopt the reactions of the machines to the current situation. The pupils will learn the concepts of programming of machines step by step using already-built Lego models that can be modified by the children. A group of 2-3 children will use one system. Didactic concept see [1, 3].

The Lego-Logo environment allows interdisciplinary learning in the fields mechanics (building the models of machines), physics (measurement with sensors) and informatics (writing the control program). In this workshop we give emphasis to the programming aspect. The participants learn how to write real-time programs and how to create parallel programs that inspect different sensors simultaneously.

Examples of used models are electrical train, greenhouse, conveyor belt, car, etc.

There is no special pre-knowledge about Logo, Lego or automata required.

Language of Children's Workshop: English or German (or additional simultaneously in Hungarian language with help of a native speaker).

Necessary equipment: 4 - 6 PCs or Macintosh computers. We need sufficient free space on the table beside the computer monitor. The interfaces and Lego models will be provided by the authors.

Maximal number of participants: 15

2 Lego-Logo Workshop for Teachers

The contents of this workshop are quite similar to the workshop for children.

One day or at least one half day.

Language of Teacher's Workshop: English.

Necessary equipment: 4 – 6 PCs or Macintosh computers. We need sufficient free space on the table beside the computer monitor. The interfaces and Lego models will be provided by the authors.

Maximal number of participants: 15

References

1. G. Futschek: Starting Learning with Computer Controlled Models, in Tinsley J D and van Meert T J (eds.), World Conference on Computers in Education VI, proceedings of WCCE 95, London: Chapman & Hall 1995, pp 723-732.
2. G. Futschek: Learning Programming Concepts of Control Programs: From Lego-Logo to Fuzzy Control.. Proceedings of EUROLOGO 95, Birmingham 1995, pp 51-58.
3. G. Futschek, L. Berger: Explorative and Creative Learning using Computer Controlled Models, in J. Wright, D. Benzie (eds.), Exploring A New Partnership: Children, Teachers and Technology, IFIP Transactions A-58, North-Holland 1994, pp. 143-151.