Computational Thinking

 


Scratch

For this task, I decided to look at Scratch and Scratch Jr. I followed the tutorial to create the chase game. This isn't the first tutorial I would do with students, but having a few sessions in Scratch, I believe students could complete it.

What I like about Scratch:

  • The premade tutorials introduce foundational skills that students can use to create their own games or animations
  • Instructions are delivered clearly in multiple ways (PDF, video, reading)
  • Many different options for creativity
  • Students can further customize their animations by creating their own character or backdrop
  • Teachers can invite students to join their class. Users can share and remix projects

Teachable moments (what students need to learn before using Scratch)

  • It instructs but does not explain – the teacher would need to explain coding concepts such as events or variables
  • Understanding coordinates and using the X or Y axis

What I don’t like

  • I wish Scratch provided more differentiation. I have found that when I introduced Scratch to my students, some students have never tried Scratch before, while others have weekly classes. I would appreciate extra ideas to challenge those who are already pros


Scratch Jr.

Scratch Jr. has been developed by the people who made Scratch. It has a simple, visual coding language for younger students. Very little instruction is needed, because students can independently figure what most blocks do.  It does have some more complex features, such as the message block.

What I like about Scratch Jr.

  • Intuitive coding language that can be used even in kindergarten
  • Many features, including message blocks, the on-touch event, and more
  • Create customized characters and backgrounds
  • Students can make interactive games or animations

Teachable moments

  • Unlike Scratch, there are no premade tutorials that students can complete independently. Lessons must be scaffolded by teacher
  • Must explain coding concepts (events, loops) and blocks

What I dislike about Scratch Jr.

  • There are only 4 slides in which to finish a game or animation
  • Cannot share work with others (that I know of)


Comments

  1. PhilMay 9, 2023 at 11:46 AM

    Hi Sara,
    I have a lot of similar thoughts about both programs. One thing that I like you mentioned is the variety of ways that Scratch deliver their instructions. In terms of sharing Scratch Jr animations, if you press the yellow corner block that lets you save, there are also sharing options. However, when I did this with my class recently, I found it easier to just allow them to screenshare straight to the class projector and show the class this way.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KappaBattaMay 9, 2023 at 9:25 PM

    Matthew's comment here.
    Sara - As you and Phil have echoed, Scratch does have a very simple method and instructions are easy to follow for beginners. I agree that one issue is "instructs but does not explain". They should provide ways to understand coding concepts. As well, it should have greater capability to build/scaffold learning. Once basics are mastered, where do students go?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ms. B HerselfMay 10, 2023 at 2:18 PM

    Nicole B-R: WOW nice work on this critique, I really like how you have the likes, dislikes and teachable moments all separated. This makes it easy to see if I would use this feature for my students. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

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