The Logo Summer Institute is an annual immersion in creative
computing that has been held since 1980 in locations across
the USA and abroad. The Logo Summer Institute offers
- a constructionist, project-based approach that
supports creative computing and STEAM learning and
teaching.
- a relaxed atmosphere in which you can devote
time to developing one or more projects of
personal and/or professional interest.
- an opportunity for close collaboration with
colleagues on projects and curriculum design.
- an individualized program that accommodates a
wide range of personal and professional needs and
interests.
- activities, explorations, and projects that are
suitable for people who have all levels of
experience with educational technology, from
novices to experts.
- experience in coding using Scratch, TurtleArt,
ArtLogo, MakeCode, microblocks, Snap! and other
programming languages.
- robotics and physical computing using a variety
of platforms including micro:bit, Finch Robots,
and Hummingbird kits.
- availability of a rich collection of materials
and equipment, including stuff you may not have
access to at home or in school, such as 3D
printers, laser cutters, and embroidery machines.
- working in a setting that can serve as a model
of the classroom environment you hope to create
for your students and the learning experiences you
will design for them.
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Themes, projects, and activities
In the Logo Summer Institute, you will have uninterrupted time
to develop one or more projects of personal and/or
professional interest. If you have a clear idea of what you
want to work on, you will find support from the facilitators
and colleagues to help you pursue your goals. If you are open
to suggestions, here are some of the themes, projects, and
activities that we expect to focus on in 2024.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
What effect will AI have on how computer programming
is done, and on education? We’ll look at how Large
Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT can assist or
replace programmers. Here are some projects using LLMs
that we’ll explore:
- Programming Finch and Hummingbird robots with
behaviors that depend on the objects or images
that are seen
- Using Learning ML, a modified
version of Scratch, to create interactive
animations and games that take different actions
based on visual inputs
- Build and create self-driving vehicles that can
respond to traffic signs
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The
Finch is programmed so that its behavior
depends on which hand puppet is seen.
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For Little Kids
Programming and robotics are accessible for children
in grades PreK-2 with appropriate software and
hardware. ScratchJr
is a version of Scratch designed for young
children. The Finch Robot may be programmed by
children in this age group using FinchBlox. Spike Essential is a LEGO kit
suitable for children six years old and up. |
Turtle Geometry
Turtle Talk was incorporated into early versions of
Logo to control robot and screen turtles. Turtle
Geometry has become commonplace throughout the world
of educational computing as a Microworld for exploring
geometry and for drawing and robotics projects. It has
come into its own as a rich environment for artistic
expression using TurtleArt
and ArtLogo. Turtle geometry designs
may become physical objects using laser cutting and
etching, 3D printing, and embroidery machines. |
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Generative Art and Music
Generative art refers to art that is created by a system that
operates autonomously. The artist may create the system,
and/or set some parameters that affect the outcome, but the
result is created, at least in part, by the system rather than
directly by the artist.
Generative art systems are frequently computer programs,
although biological, social, or other systems may also be used
to generate art. Similarly, generative music refers to music
produced by a system, which could be a computer program. The
composer creates the system that generates the music.
Click here to find
out more about Generative Art
In
this animated game, the motion of the
robot dog is coordinated with what
happens on the screen.
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Stories and Games
Many projects created in the Logo Summer Institutes
are animated stories and games. These can be made
highly interactive with sensors responding to light,
touch, sound, and motion to control the action on the
screen. The behavior of a robot may also be
incorporated into a project. With machine learning,
facial recognition can be used to change the course of
a game or story. |
Wearable Computing
Using a lilypad
or Circuit
Playground Express, conductive thread, and miniature
LEDs and sensors, you can create all sorts of flashy clothing,
hats, and other wearables.
Robo-Expo
Robo-Expo was initiated in 2005 by participants in the
Logo Summer Institute. Intended to be a Soft Approach to Robotics Teaching
and Learning, it has been held each spring in
New York City, and has been replicated in other
locations. The activities of Robo-Expo are a good
basis for a robotics program, whether you plan to
attend, host your own event, or confine your
activities to your own classroom or club. The team of
Logo Summer Institute facilitators has long experience
with Robo-Expo and includes some of the founders of
the event. More information is available on the Robo-Expo website.
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A
line-following challenge at Robe-Expo
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Microworlds, Powerful Ideas, and What Do We Do Monday?
The subtitle of Seymour Papert’s 1980 book Mindstorms is
“Children, Computers, and Powerful Ideas.” Chapter 5 is
“Microworlds: Incubators for Knowledge.” In early 2023 we
initiated a series of workshops on this topic. We continued
the discussion at the 2023 Logo Summer Institute. We'll host
more sessions during the current school year and at the 2024
Logo Summer Institute.
We've been looking at Turtle Geometry and other Microworlds
discussed in Mindstorms, and the powerful ideas they can
make accessible. We’ve been discussing the constructing of
Microworlds and exploring Powerful Ideas as a way to
organize teaching and learning in a practical way. This will
include:
- looking at existing Microworlds, projects, and
activities with an eye toward highlighting the Powerful
Ideas they carry and how we can better engage students
with those ideas.
- extending those Microworlds, projects, and activities
with the goal of enhancing their Powerful Ideaness.
- making connections among different Microworlds,
classroom projects, and activities, and with phenomena in
the world to highlight how a truly Powerful Idea will
appear in many contexts.
Click here to
find out more and join the discussion
Workshop Leaders
The Logo Summer Institute facilitators are classroom
teachers, professional development specialists and
researchers with extensive experience in creative
computing and curriculum integration in grades K-12 and in
all subject areas. Since the members of the team each have
their own interests and areas of expertise, you will have
support and guidance in a wide variety of project areas and
technologies. Everyone on the team is fluent in Scratch and
several other programming languages.
Your hosts and facilitators for the 2024 Logo Summer
Institute are
Additional facilitators will join us in person or via Zoom
to lead sessions and discussions in their areas of
expertise.
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