Belinda And Philip's Squeak Scratch And eToys Flinders University Page

Hi Philip and Belinda,

I found your presentation was excellent; it was very engaging and constructive.  The work that you two have put into the website and presentation was truly seen.  What I took away from the program (presentation) is how cross disciplinary this tool is and doesn't even have to be in a primary or middle school level, High school can also benefit from using this tool.  For example of cross disciplinary uses, what I played with there was some ICT implications for it, such as learning an easy/graphical way to program.  Even though it uses a turtle based programming finish, students can clearly see how the programming language works.  If students have difficulty with C or Java programming putting students on to this program can assist with their understanding and knowledge of programming concepts.  Also another area or substitute it could be used for is graphic design, where instead of Adobe Flash; students could use this program and an easier and simpler form for animation.

From Benjamin vanderLoos

After hearing Mitch speak at NECC2008 in Texas and at ACEC08 in Canberra, I think every primary school student should be introduced to Scratch. It would be great to identify some teachers and  learning activities using Scratch, Squeak and eToys that have been implemented by local teachers in classrooms. Are CEGSA members using this great tool? Please share your experience with us.

Hi Cecily,

Thank you for your comment. It would have been great to hear Mitch speak; he is a real mastermind in ICT. I came across this paper not long ago and found it extremely interesting. I will be updating our webpage soon, with reference to this paper, about how Scratch can help prepare students for a 'Creative World' by helping them become 'creative thinkers'.

Thanks again for your comment.

Regards,

Belinda Schmitt

Hello Belinda and Philip.  I thought you might like to know that Professor Mitch Resnick (one of the creators of Scratch) was a keynote speaker at the ACEC conference in Canberra recently.  His topic was "Sowing the Seeds for a More Creative Society".  The paper which formed the basis of his presentation is available at

http://web.media.mit.edu/~mres/papers/Learning-Leading-final.pdf

Cecily Wright

Education Officer

Education.au

cwright@educationau.edu.au