For anyone interested, here is a page with links to news reports featuring Scratch.

Scratch in the News

And here is a video to give the basics about Scratch.

Scratch intro

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

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 have just finished a two-day refresher course on iMovie.  It was a good experience, and though I am pretty familiar with how to use the program, I did learn a couple new things.  I also got a chance to do some editing with stills, which I hadn’t used much when doing iMovie in the class.   Anyway, here is a short example of a created iMovie that I made.  It’s just the generic iMovie stock footage, but I worked on it nonetheless, so here it is:

Download

• 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.