LOGO, efficiency, repeats and procedures
- Joanna Wright
- Oct 25, 2016
- 2 min read
Progressing and becoming more advanced from last session we used the idea that the key to an algorithm is efficiency in the number of instructions used and being unambiguous.
Using a mixture of 'purple mash' and 'logo' we used instructions to make the computer draw various shapes and images. beginning with writing out step by step then bringing the concept of 'repeats' so that we use less instruction while being more efficient; fitting in with the national curriculum
understand what algorithms are, how they are implemented as programs on digital devices, and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
We also furthered our work by changing the pen size and pen colour to create more visual shapes and spirals by using procedures and rotating shapes slightly to complete a full circle.
This could be best used in a classroom with some teacher guidance and teacher led learning for the first part of the session to allow students to see exactly what is going on. Plenty of time should be spent on the basics of understanding terminology when writing out the instructions so that when the complexity increases confusion is avoided. Allow pupils to experiment and figure out different shapes to make- they probably will come up with something the teacher hasn't thought of!
Teaching standard 3 would be critical here: at the beginning of the session I was quite confused with some of the steps and it took me a few minutes to work out for myself the programmes we were using so that I could fully understand the tasks we had to carry out. Before teaching in a lesson I would have to make sure i was confident on the programme so that if the children have questions I can answer without hesitation.
TS5 would also be important to recognise that some pupils will progress a lot faster than others so the lesson should be flexible enough to allow the able pupils to progress on to more complex tasks and also allow time to explain to the children who are struggling.
After the session I feel a lot more confident in using LOGO and I think with cross-curriculum links to maths this would be extremely useful in terms of learning angles, lengths and developing fluency within the subject. for example- drawing triangles and squares allows children to identify different shapes and deepen their understanding by recognising HOW they are constructed using a computer and straight lines. Also learning the formula for drawing a circle for higher ability students.
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