1/2/2004

Otherwise has released Jurtle, version 1.2.

Jurtle is a simple integrated development tool for learning to program in
Java.  It was initially developed as an aid while teaching an 8th grade
programming class.  The students found existing development tools too complex
and boring to use.  As Jurtle was introduced, the students became more
engaged and became more successful.  

While Jurtle is ideal for high school or junior high school students, even
adults wanting to learn the basics of Java will find Jurtle a great way to
learn.  

With Jurtle, you learn to program by writing code that moves a virtual turtle
on the computer screen, drawing figures in its wake. This approach to
teaching programming is patterned after Turtle Graphics in the Logo
programming language.

Java + Turtle = Jurtle

After mastering the basics using Turtle Graphics, Jurtle may even be used to
create complete Java applications with full-fledged graphical user interfaces
(GUIs).
 
Jurtle comes with many example programs and a series of 16 short, self-paced
lessons that introduce the basics of Java programming.

Jurtle itself is written entirely in Java and runs on Mac OS X, Windows,
Linux, and other Unix environments.  It will run unlicensed for 10 minutes
per session.  A license to remove this limitation may be purchased at Kagi
for $15.

You can learn more about Jurtle at http://www.otherwise.com/Jurtle.html.