Logo practice: from “turtling” to interactivity

Programming is a subject that is taught by informatics teachers in Hungary, but the same might well apply elsewhere. Even though the government decree stresses the integration of subject areas within project work, it is very difficult for teachers to fulfil these requirements. Their professional ambitions concentrate on concepts of computer science and they do not have adequate experiences in merging other subject areas with their own. Learning becomes a life long practice if exercised through adequate motivation. If clear-cut programming concepts fail to boost interest by themselves, then inspiring topics of designing interactive stories or games and modelling natural phenomenon might be a more valued approach as they connect better with the everyday experiences and interests of children. Figure 1. An example story: Sleeping Beauty The paper discusses the attitude of teachers and children towards Logo “turtling” and proposes a conversion towards more interactive topics which could tackle the same subject concepts in a different “coat”. This keeps motivation high enough to make learning an enjoyable experience. Networking teachers and learners can provide a helpful environment that boosts creations and develops Communities of Practice.