IMACS Afterschool Programs

Computer Enrichment & Virtual Robotics

The IMACS computer enrichment program introduces young students to the foundations of programming and computer science in a way that is fun and challenging, and that makes full use of modern technology. At the same time, the program is carefully crafted as a series of puzzles and problems that encourage students to apply the same logical reasoning skills that are central to the IMACS curriculum philosophy.

Student activities include teaching sophisticated robots that communicate with the PC via a 900MHz radio link to solve mazes, navigate around objects, and other challenging tasks. Special "kid-proof" computer interfaces, designed specifically for the benefit of IMACS computer enrichment students, allow each IMACS student to program the robot without first having to learn a formal programming language. In this way the IMACS student learns fundamental programming concepts from day one in an atmosphere that is as much fun as it is high-tech.

In tandem, these classes explore the Logo programming language in a rich computerized world of adventure games, challenges, and logical puzzles. Students learn to control an abstract vector-graphics animal, the "turtle", and program it to draw complex shapes such as the one shown here. In so doing, they are introduced to important fundamental concepts, like iteration and recursion, that underpin modern computer science.

In addition to the intrinsic educational value of this experience, the IMACS computer enrichment classes provide the ideal introduction to the more advanced IMACS computer science course, since the language used in the advanced classes, Scheme, embodies the same fundamental programming principles that are introduced by the Logo language.

You can sign up for a FREE computer trial class by calling the IMACS nearest you. Click here for locations near you.

Course Offerings*

Course	Grade Level	Course Number
Computer Enrichment A sequence of computer enrichment classes meeting for two hours per week.	3-8	CE

*Note: Certain courses may not be available at all IMACS locations.