Embedding StarLogo Nova into WISE for a Seamless Student Experience

Abstract

Support for teaching computational thinking has been increasing throughout K-12 schools as the world is being more utilized by computer technology [2]. The Scheller Teacher Education Program (STEP) at MIT uses educational technologies to create innovative learning experiences. An example project is StarLogo Nova, a block-based programming environment that facilitates the creation of agent-based models to study complex systems [17]. Currently StarLogo Nova is a website where students independently login and make projects for their models. However, the overall experience of using StarLogo Nova can be improved as there is no guidance when a student makes a model. In this thesis, we will augment StarLogo such that there will be a concept of activities, a user experience for students to receive instructions and answer questions while still allowing convenient interactions with a StarLogo project, such as editing or viewing a model. To do this, we integrate StarLogo into a platform called WISE (Web-based Inquiry Science Environment).