Elementary Education In a Technology Age Gregory Gates TJHSST Computer Systems Research

Why is There Need for a Change? New technologies encourage a digital revolution in education Technology isn’t being used effectively New technology, but old teaching methods

Computers, Television, and Fingerpaint Which one doesn’t belong? Computers closer to TV than fingerpaint Educators need to change this Currently, Computers are solely 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 what they’re learning* Offers opportunity to combine multiple topics (math, science, teamwork, etc.) 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 Cardinal Forest Elementary Students will use Scratch to explore programming concepts Virginia Standards of Learning and Program of Studies benchmarks will be addressed

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) ‏

Example Topics X-Y Axis Degrees Loops/Iteration ‏ Movement Using new sprites Custom Sprites Custom Stages Sprite Interaction Purpose of Stage Variables Broadcasting

Third Graders with Graph Paper

Computer Lab

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, nice weather) ‏ Students putting effort in “wrong” areas Creating new sprites, stages Need them to be creative in other ways

Kitty Plays Football! Final Project Different levels Basic Framework Special Challenges Rubric detailing challenges Students track their own progress

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Basic Program Football goes straight to goal Kitty has a kicking motion Kitty turns back after kicking the football

Challenges “Score” variable Ball returns to kitty automatically Ball spins as it goes towards goal Ball moves in an arc Ball appears to actually go through goal Ball appears in front of first half of goal, but goes behind the second half Give Scratch a chance to actually miss the goal Use the “pick random” function “Misses” variable Add a referee

Success Level of achievement Surprisingly similar across grade levels All grades had difficulty with the task of enabling kitty to miss the goal Older kids at least tried to implement this Demonstrates understanding of problem Student success shows retainment

Future Plans Two TJ Students Crystal Noel, Jessica Gorman Continue with Scratch New programming opportunities Cricket Logo Alice

Can elementary school students program? Yes!