The Shape of Idea Flow: Third-Grade Students’ Sharing Ideas Developed Through Logo Programming

• In Event: Research Contributions to Real Learning Contexts: Shaping Ideas, Enhancing Authenticity, Providing Feedback, and Increasing Motivation

Abstract

Graphical programming interfaces have lowered cognitive barriers to programming, allowing children opportunities to learn basic programming skills. We investigated a classroom of third grade children as they created and shared ideas using Turtle Art. Studying the ideas that students take up, share, and evolve and the process through which this occurs provides insight into how students collectively develop ideas, both innovative creations and more efficient skills. We describe a method of mapping ideas as they are communicated and replicated or changed by others. We used the theoretical construct of memes to narrow our focus to particular kinds of ideas: those that are communicated, replicated, and changed.

Authors

• Danielle Boyd Harlow, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Anne Elyse Emerson, University of California - Santa Barbara