Mitchel Resnick

Abstract

During the past decade, computer scientists have developed dozens of concurrent (or parallel) programming languages. These languages hold the promise of opening up exciting new applications for computers. But that will happen only if people can effectively learn, use, and understand these new languages. To explore these issues, I developed a concurrent extension to Logo (called Multi‐Logo), and conducted an experimental study with a group of elementary school students. The students used MultiLogo to control simple robotic devices built out of LEGO bricks. In analyzing the children's work, I developed three primary categories of MultiLogo programming bugs: problem‐decomposition bugs, synchronization bugs, and object‐oriented bugs. Based on the results, I recommend ways to improve the design and teaching of concurrent programming languages for nonexperts.