Simply Logical -- Intelligent Reasoning by Example (Fully Interactive Online Edition)

TL;DR

This paper describes the transformation of the 'Simply Logical' book into an interactive, web-based educational resource using modern platforms like Jupyter Book and SWI-Prolog's SWISH, enhancing accessibility and engagement.

Contribution

The authors developed a modular, interactive online version of the classic logic programming book, utilizing Jupyter Book and custom plugins for browser-based execution of Prolog code.

Findings

Created a modern, visually appealing online platform for logic programming education.

Enabled execution of Prolog code directly in web browsers across devices.

Improved accessibility and ease of updating educational resources.

Abstract

"Simply Logical -- Intelligent Reasoning by Example" by Peter Flach was first published by John Wiley in 1994. It could be purchased as book-only or with a 3.5 inch diskette containing the SWI-Prolog programmes printed in the book (for various operating systems). In 2007 the copyright reverted back to the author at which point the book and programmes were made freely available online; the print version is no longer distributed through John Wiley publishers. In 2015, as a pilot, we ported most of the original book into an online, interactive website using SWI-Prolog's SWISH platform. Since then, we launched the Simply Logical open source organisation committed to maintaining a suite of freely available interactive online educational resources about Artificial Intelligence and Logic Programming with Prolog. With the advent of new educational technologies we were inspired to rebuild the book from the ground up using the Jupyter Book platform enhanced with a collection of bespoke plugins that implement, among other things, interactive SWI-Prolog code blocks that can be executed directly in a web browser. This new version is more modular, easier to maintain, and can be split into custom teaching modules, in addition to being modern-looking, visually appealing, and compatible with a range of (mobile) devices of varying screen sizes.