A Platform for Teaching Logic Programming Using Virtual Worlds

Logic Programming (LP) is an essential part of many academic curricula and it is extensively employed in the field of Artificial Intelligence. However, being based on a fundamentally different paradigm and lacking any visual tools for inexperienced users, its teaching may lead to confusion and low student motivation. Virtual Worlds (VWs) may help overcome these obstacles, as they have been successfully used in computer programming education. In this paper we present the MeLoISE platform (Meaningful Logical Interpretations of Simulated Environments) for teaching LP in VWs, through which students can experience a collaborative visual interface to the Prolog programming language. We also present an evaluation of MeLoISE, which was conducted during a learning activity that engaged students in collaborative programming for 2 problem scenarios. Students performed very well and were enthusiastic with the new environment.