AlgoBlock

AlgoBlock: H. Suzuki and H. Kato, NEC Information Technology Research Laboratories, 1995 [Suzuki and Kato, 1995] The authors of AlgoBlock wanted to create an active learning community among children learning to program in which children can share notes and techniques, and learn from each other. They created AlgoBlock, a set of blocks, each of which corresponds to a simple command in Logo. The blocks can be connected together to form programs that control the movements of a submarine in a maze. The blocks are tangible and large enough that they can be arranged on a desk that several students can work around. This allows students to work with the blocks in a social context, learn from each other, and communicate what they are learning. The tangible nature of the blocks made it easy for children to take turns manipulating the blocks and communicate about which pieces should be placed where. The AlgoBlock project demonstrates that, in a suitable environment, children will work together in building programs.

---