InScena: acting and learning elements of computer programming on a virtual stage.

The aim of this paper is to present a virtual learning environment called "InScena". This environment provides a virtual stage for performing fairy tales cooperatively and learning elements of computer programming through activating and controlling virtual characters programmed by children in real time. More precisely, the system allows children to compose sequences of simple language instructions, to call functions specifying the value of parameters and methods in order to direct the movements of puppets on the stage. The virtual environment provides a set of LOGO-like language instructions to control the puppets' movements that the children can combine to construct a sequence of actions. In this way puppets act out a story on the stage of the virtual theatre and are animated with both voices and movements provided by the children.