This is the official website: http://scratch.mit.edu/
For anyone interested, here is a page with links to news reports featuring Scratch.
And here is a video to give the basics about Scratch.
Alright, folks. So, MIT has created this free program called “Scratch,” which is really geared toward kids. The Scratch project is based upon research supported by the National Science Foundation. I see that students from elementary age to college are using it (I found a very interesting “Choose Your Own Adventure” done as a project for a Harvard computer science class). What is so ingenious about this program is that kids, by doing a little artwork and moving “event” puzzle pieces together, can make animated movies, games, interactive stories…there really is a wide range of opportunities.
You have to download Scratch. You also have to register for an online account. Then, as soon as you finish a project, you can upload it to your online account for other Scratch members to view and comment on. Adding tags helps make Scratch projects easy to search. You can also download anyone’s project so you can look at their codes and see how they made it. I really see a lot of classroom potential for this. Kids can make projects at home (provided they install the program), and potentially use it to make homework projects for class. More than that, though, it really could be something that kids pursue on their own. What a fantastic outlet for both creativity and THINKING and problem solving.
Now, here is the downside (but also an upside, depending on your perspective): it’s not easy. I downloaded it and played with it for an hour or two and really didn’t get too far; however, I think if I get it down pretty well, it will be easier for the students to pick up with a guided tour. I imagine with some time, they will be able to do way more than I can.
Parents, this could be a great home activity.
Here is a link to a couple galleries. Galleries are themed collections of Scratch projects.
Math Gallery Science Gallery Black History Month Elementary K-6 Projects
I really look forward to working with iMovie in the lab this year. It is definitely going to be something the students will enjoy. I know several other teachers at the school use iMovie in their classrooms, and some even get their students using iMovie for projects.
What I really foresee as being beneficial to the school is making sure that teachers who use iMovie effectively in their classrooms can help those who do not feel comfortable with it. It all comes down to realizing the impact it can have on shaking up things in class and getting the kids excited. I am considering doing a voluntary training session or two with teachers in the lab this year.
Here’s an article called iMovies in Education, which really shows the whole scope of possibilties.
Why am I thinking about iMovie?
I took a refresher course in the very basics of podcasting today at the TLA. Of course, I am hooked on the idea of getting all sorts of fabulous equipment to really have a high tech podcast production center. Right now, I think that is getting a little ahead of myself! To be honest, I think that what we have right now in the lab (i.e. our eMacs) has just the right equipment for guiding students in making basic “podcasts.” To do podcasts for the school, we will definitely need a bit more. Right now, I think a Snowball (microphone that is both uni and omni-directional) will be the best bet for reasonable funds with good functionality. Now the only question is, how can podcasts help promote Downtown Elementary?
- Informational: Interviews with administrators and faculty detailing our Optional Program, as well as other programs and opportunities our school has
- Community Involvement: Interviews with parents and community members–informational interviews (such as science, social studies, or math topics with parents or other professionals); motivational interviews (with positive messages or tips for students); literature focus (parents or community members reading excerpts from favorite children’s books)
- Student spotlights: Featured students read an excerpt from their favorite book
- Teacher spotlights: Interviews with teachers, or teachers reading from their favorite books
- Tips: Homework and school work strategies for success
Podcasting seems to be a great medium for communicating with not only students and parents at home, but with the community. Podcasts from the school could possibly be made ready for download, which would be a bonus. I will continue to brainstorm this summer and see if a more organized plan can be created. Perhaps once the school year starts, teachers, parents, and community members who are interested in making Downtown very Web 2.0 savvy can help with planning and production.
