Elementary Education In a Technology Age Gregory Gates Period 5

Why is there need for a change?  New technologies encourage a digital revolution in education  Technology isn't being used properly  New Technology-same teaching methods

Computers, Television, and Finger Paint Which one doesn't belong? Computers are certainly closer to TV than finger paint right now Educators need to change this Computers right now are mainly being used as just an information medium Potential for more creativity and interactivity Idea from “Rethinking Learning in a Digital Age” by Mitchel Resnick

How can Computers Improve Education? Universal Construction Material All Ages Students learn better when actively involved in doing something* Offers opportunity to combine multiple topics (math, science, teamwork) very easily *Papert, S. The Children’s Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer. New York: Basic Books, 1993.

My Project Implement something akin to a “Computer Clubhouse” at a local elementary school Students will use Scratch, and later Cricket SOL and POS Benchmarks will also be addressed for all subjects and grade levels

Scratch Developed at MIT Interactive Programming Environment “Imagine-Program-Share” Uses visual blocks of code Ability to easily share projects on web (scratch.mit.edu)‏

Topics Covered X-Y Axis Degrees Loops (multiplication)‏ Movement Using new sprites Custom Sprites Custom Stages Sprite Interaction Purpose of Stage

Pictures Me working with a student

Students working in computer lab

2 nd Quarter Status The club has actually gotten underway Teacher and Principal support Parent volunteers Plenty of student interest (70+ kids each Thursday)‏ Personal Website Cardinal Forest Scratch Website

3 rd Quarter Status Kids have begun working on their own projects County Executives have been contacted, but have yet to show up More Parent Support Many kids have Scratch on their home computers

Individual Project Criteria At least one sprite must:  Talk  Move There must be some sprite-sprite interaction At least one:  Custom sprite  Custom stage Students are allowed to use all commands

Individual Project Progress Students have varying success  Age (biggest factor)‏  Classes Missed  Interest in Scratch Factors that thus far seem to have no effect:  Gender  Ethnicity Project progress not happening as quickly as anticipated

Project Problems Time Declining Interest  Mostly attributed to Spring (Recess is outside)‏ Students putting effort in “wrong” areas  Need them to be creative in other ways