At last Sunday and my microworlds exercercise/project is completed and will be posted to my website with the help of OneTrak, the computer support group, at school. Normally I do not make it a habit of being late with my assignments except when it has to do with computer technology. This assignment was late only because I initally attempted to use ToonTalk; but, was unable to put together a reasonable interactive exercise ie: simiarl to the tasks given my Marty the Martian in order to help repair his spaceship. I guess I needed to keep practicing the Tour section that was like a "self help" guide. Furthermore I had the impression that this was a group assignment where we were to divide up into teams to explore a totally new program, one we had never used before. Had I know we could continue with microworlds I probably could have been on time. Anyway playing with ToonTalk was again a staunch reminder of the VirtPet project...like being thrown from a moving boat and told "we're see you back at the shore." ToonTalk has its moments. It is interfaced with audio sound which really helps in being user friendly since its concept seems to be taken from the familiar lego characters and objects. Allow children to build games and programs using Legos but all computer based. Actual "flash" or trading cards come with the inital CD as acts as the trraining manual. Although Marty is availalbe for help his replies were not alfways easy to follow. I guess I just needed more practice which meant more time and unfortunately I didn't have. I realize being in the OMAET program means one has to be a fast learner. I would have felt more comfortable if I could have seen ToonTalk in action where a student (K-6) would be building an actual program. Going at it by myself was like trying to make a wedding cake and decorate it -all from scracth.

OK it's Saturday/Sunday morning and after another two hours of reviewing Prof Gary's Tips and Tricks I am much better acquainted with Microworlds]
and at least feel comfortable with the "turtles" and the basic functions but not quite at ease with the procedures. If given them fine; but if I have to
make them myself-no way will by turtles ever move.
Anyway after much discussion and having my older son play around with the program we have discovered that one turtle to ONE button for commands.
Unlike the VirtPet with what my younger son was very familiar with where we basically had 1 turtle (pet) with a multi function button. That is possible which
we have finally deducted and not too happily. Oh well. I am nonetheless pleased. However, had I had at my fingertips Gary's Tips and tricks I would have
fared much better the first semester and probably would not be afraid of any "new" programs to venture forth with like ToonTalk.