Scratch is Not Just for Kids
The Scratch
program developed by students at MIT is a great program for not only children
to learn about computer programming but for adults as well. It encourages
creative play through trial and error. I
especially like the fact that the coding blocks show how they fit together
properly, so that everything works logically. A lot of thought went into
this program in order to make the tools understandable and complete. Even
the simple paint application can create some great effects on the
sprites. The introduction video offered a wonderful look at the creations
possible from music to video, and they were all done by children! I definitely want to explore this program
more, but I will wait until our class is over because I envision myself taking
up too much time playing with it!
I'm interested in experimenting with the program too. It's just incredible that children are capable of so much from such a complex, yet simplified programming tool. It's definitely an interesting way to introduce kids to a new program like that. I bet it'll be interesting to check out those same kids in ten years time to see what they're up to.