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Introduction
Imagine is a (LOGO based) tool for teaching programming, for learning by
doing in informatics and other subject domains too. Imagine is part of a
software for collaborative work between classes and can be useful as a
tool for developing collaborative projects.
This environment has been produced by Logotron in 2001 and from this time
on local versions have been developed too.
Firs of all Imagine is an environment for learning programming; it relies
on the latest version of Logo programming language.
Imagine also allows users working in networks.
Benefits for Teachers and Students
Imagine provides many opportunities for collaboration. It is possible to
set collaborative projects within the class but also between classes at a
distance, even in international collaborative experience.
You
can find below some of the simplest ways of using Imagine in networked
communication:
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two
or more Imagine projects can be connected together and can exchange text
messages; |
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sent messages between computers could be for example Logo instructions
(this means from |
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one
computer it is possible to control objects in other computer). The usage
of this feature could be |
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in
explaining to the others how to solve various problems;
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every child in the classroom is connected to the teacher’s computer (and
its screen is projected through the data projector). Every child has its
own turtle on the teacher’s screen, which the child can command from
child’s own computer. |
Using the turtle
children can learn how to develop various simple algorithms and
even complex ones - most of the time just by drawing
geometrical figures and pictures.
This
is an opportunity for children to create their first own programs.
To see a sample click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/monica/01/index.htm
But
the programming environment of Imagine is a strong tool also for advanced
programmers on high schools.
To see a sample, click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/monica/11/index.htm
Pedagogical background
Imagine is a
cross-curricular program providing pupils with connected opportunities and
features that allow them to integrate multimedia resources into projects
and create web activities. This environment is useful for supporting
children in building and testing models in collaboration. Imagine helps to
provide infrastructure for collaborative work and to develop learning
tools. At same time it develops programming skills in a creative way. The
main benefit of this software is its adaptability for all levels of
attainment: students of all ages and abilities can acheive their potential
easily. The materials are designed so that there is a built-in
progression. A step-by-step procedure helps pupils in building up their
own project. Starting to work with images and animation, then they can
move to more advanced ideas. Pupils are asked to discuss about how their
work has to be produced and how it can be improved; they can explore
alternatives and change variables.
Imagine also introduces children to how computers are programmed to create
things such as games, for example.
Thanks to being able to save Imagine projects to web (using the Imagine
plugin), users
(teachers, students
and others) can easily upload their pedagogical applications to internet –
so it is
visible not only for their department, but also for people and colleagues
all over the
world.
To see some of the
best projects created by Imagine Logo users click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/project_gallery/index.html
Tools
Starting from simple Logo commands you can soon teach your turtle to draw
many shapes and patterns.
To see a sample, click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/monica/02/index.htm
This language
contains complete programming and data constructions likewise in many
other modern programming languages. The language also offers an excellent
manipulation with pictures of different formats – for example animations –
most of the time used as the shape of the turtle.
Another very powerful feature of the language is that we can set the shape
of the turtle, which
is a well prepared
bitmap (a picture described by a program in Logo language); then we can
make as many changes
as we want – dependent on the actions on the screen – using other
objects, mouse etc.
To see a sample, click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/framework_project.htm
In Imagine it is
possible to use more than one turtle on the screen at the same time – any
of them
could
have a different picture as its shape – yet this picture can be easily
animated. This is a
perfect chance to
have a live picture on the screen. It is also possible to animate your
pictures by “adding them a small engine” – this means (in terms of adult
language) creating parallel processes – every engine can add interesting
action to a turtle
In Imagine various
scale of multimedia can be used – for example voice input or output.
There is an element in Imagine which enables the communication of 2 or
more computers: they can send text messages, pictures, complex objects
with data and also whole programs.
In
Imagine Logo some framework applications have been created:
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Logo Point |
This application
allows you to create presentations. It is very easy to add a 'custom
toolbar' to an imagine project to allow users quick access to the logo
procedures you have built. Also, because the framework is run inside the
imagine environment, it is easy to mix all Imagine Logo elements inside
each and every page of your presentation - speech, buttons, sliders,
animation, turtle graphics, video, mp3's, weblinks etc. etc.
The
Logo Point start up screen
For
more info click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/logopoint.html
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Simple Turtle |
This application
allows younger children to become familiar with controlling a turtle
interactivity and begin to build procedures.
The procedures are stored as visual 'stamps' with a picture of the
behaviour of each stamp in miniature on its front. Up to 12 stamps can be
created, and sets of stamps can be saved and loaded.
The
Simple Turtle start up screen
For
more info click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/simple_turtle.html
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The
Framework Editor
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This
application is meant for creating frameworks. It allows teachers and
children to quickly and easily create drag and drop style screen based
activities, which can be saved as free standing Imagine Logo projects, and
then even used in a browser.
To
see a sample of what you can create with the framework editor, click here:
http://www.logo.com/imagine/framework.htm
Target age
From
Primary to High School.
Technical requirements
Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator and Opera web browsers work with the
Imagine Logo plugin. You need to be running a Windows based operating
system (95,NT,98,2000 or ME) too.
Acknowledgements
The
above informative material is adapted from:
Logotron Imagine
Logo’s
website, Imagine - a tool for collaborating by Andrej Blaho, Comenius
University, Slovak Republic.
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