Teaching distributed programming concepts using a Java']Java and logo-based framework

This work describes a Java and Logo-based framework, which facilitates an understanding of distributed programming in an active learning Setting. The framework, called MultiWorldLogo, simulates multiple separated grids (worlds) with interacting entities, leaches the elements of message passing, and introduces the mobile agent paradigm. It includes system-configurable unreliability, (i.e. Messages may disappear or arrive out of order), and two forms of mailbox. The visualization of these complex ideas is fully realized, animation is used to model the dynamic notions of entity movement, migration, and message passing.