In a Nanobyte |
Pros: Scratch Jr is a simplified version of Scratch (originally released in 2007) that teaches computer programming skills jigsaw style. It is fun, intuitive and easy to use. Aimed at pre-readers, there is very little text and all manipulation is done on a touch screen. Best of all, it's free and once mastered, users can move on to Scratch, (the advanced version) which is also a free download. Cons: This program is only available as an app on ipads. It does not allow for multiple users to log in and therefore any user has access to previous saved projects which may be problematic in a school setting. Also, projects cannot be exported and therefore can be shared and shown only on the original ipad itself. Overall: This is a fantastic app for introducing many concepts in computer programming and will likely become an essential tool in classrooms. |
Product description
Scratch Jr was released in July 2014 by a large collaborative group based at Tufts University and MIT. It is a simpler version of Scratch made specifically as an ipad app and its aim is to introduce children 5-7 to the world of coding and computer programming. It is a free app and the funding for its development came from the National Science Foundation, the Code to Learn Foundation, Lego Foundation, British Telecommunications, Adobe Systems as well as many individuals. An Android version is currently under development and expected to be released sometime this year.
Scratch Jr allows young children who are pre-readers to express themselves digitally by creating animations and interactive stories. There is very little text used and the icons are intuitive and easy to use.
Scratch Jr begins with an optional video that shows users how to use the interface. A hand moves throughout the screen, clicking on buttons to demonstrate the important elements of creating a story. To begin, users select a sprite from a list with 121 options including the Scratch cat, animals, people, vehicles, plants, buildings, furniture and objects in space. The user then clicks on the block palette to begin selecting the movements and actions for their sprite. The blocks click together in a row and are divided into 6 color coded categories . There are yellow triggering blocks, blue motion blocks, purple looks blocks, green sound blocks, orange control blocks and red end blocks. There are 28 different choices for backdrops which can be switched mid story. Text and titles can be added if desired. And finally, in the scripts area sprites can be made to interact and more than one script per sprite can be created. Users can progress at heir own pace and follow their own interests as there is not set way to build a story. The tutorial is very straight forward but it also easy to simply explore the interface and learn through play and experimentation. Final products can be played on the full screen.
Scratch Jr allows young children who are pre-readers to express themselves digitally by creating animations and interactive stories. There is very little text used and the icons are intuitive and easy to use.
Scratch Jr begins with an optional video that shows users how to use the interface. A hand moves throughout the screen, clicking on buttons to demonstrate the important elements of creating a story. To begin, users select a sprite from a list with 121 options including the Scratch cat, animals, people, vehicles, plants, buildings, furniture and objects in space. The user then clicks on the block palette to begin selecting the movements and actions for their sprite. The blocks click together in a row and are divided into 6 color coded categories . There are yellow triggering blocks, blue motion blocks, purple looks blocks, green sound blocks, orange control blocks and red end blocks. There are 28 different choices for backdrops which can be switched mid story. Text and titles can be added if desired. And finally, in the scripts area sprites can be made to interact and more than one script per sprite can be created. Users can progress at heir own pace and follow their own interests as there is not set way to build a story. The tutorial is very straight forward but it also easy to simply explore the interface and learn through play and experimentation. Final products can be played on the full screen.
Product options
Scratch Jr is a free app made for the ipad. Once users have mastered this program they can move on to Scratch, a more elaborate computer program aimed at children ages 8-16 which continues to teach users how to code in a fun, educational and easy to learn manner. Scratch is also free and allows users to link up with an online community of users to share their creations and be supported as they learn to program. An Android version of Scratch Jr is expected to be released in the near future.
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Learning Potential
Scratch Jr has immense learning potential as users are exposed to the world of coding, problem solving, digital storytelling and the development of reasoning and logic skills. Users achieve instant results as they piece their stories together and the use of a touch screen on an ipad make the manipulation of coding blocks easy enough for a three year old to use. With a wide variety of characters, props and backdrops and the ability to record your own sounds and voices, Scratch Jr allows for excellent self-expression and creativity. Ultimately, it is fun and easy to use and thus young students will be both engaged and entertained as they begin their journey into computer programming literacy.
Teacher Use
The makers of Scratch Jr have created a teacher lesson plan guide called the Animated Genres Classroom Curriculum for Grades K-2. A series of lessons aimed to take place over a six week period are clearly laid out for use and they include suggestions for student projects/ assignments and assessment ideas. Through these interactive lessons students learn how to produce a collage, a story and a game. It doesn't get any easier than that! However, because the program is so intuitive, young students will likely learn just as much by exploring and playing on their own. As a grade one teacher, I would love to have access to this app in my classroom!
Animated Genres Classroom Curriculum- Teachers Guide
animated_genres_classroom_curriculum_-_scratch_jr..pdf | |
File Size: | 816 kb |
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