Creating from Scratch
From LIS 460 Summer 2007
Contents |
What is Creating from Scratch?
Creating from Scratch is a new game designed for kids which uses a programming language that allows them to create interactive projects on the web. Kids can use this easily programmable language to make games, stories, music and animation by linking together graphical blocks, a lot like Legos bricks. The computer language which Scratch uses is devoid of the obscure punctuation and syntax employed by most computer languages, making Scratch a really accessible game for kids.
The advantages of Scratch are that it is designed for kids, easy to use, and is interactive. Kids can share their creations with other kids on the web and get feedback on their web creations.
Scratch is designed for kids ages 8 and up and is available for free download at the Scratch website: Creating from Scratch The software runs on both PCs and Macs and the MIT Media Lab is currently working on creating Scratch software applications in other forms, including for mobile phones.
Advantages of Creating from Scratch
Mitchel Resnick is a Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab and head of the Scratch development team. He says that Creating from Scratch allows everyone, not just expert programmers, to make interactive creations for the Web. Resnick also says of this new project that kids learn to think creatively and solve problems systematically through using Creating from Scratch. Students learn mathematical and computational ideas and they learn them in a meaningful context. They also learn about the process of design, by creating something, experimenting with it, getting feedback, and then redesigning it. Creating in Scratch also helps students develop fluency in digital technology and gives them a headstart in understanding the new technology tools they will encounter.
Using Creating From Scratch in a School Library
Creating from Scratch is an educational game which could be included on school library computers and could be used by students to familiarize themselves with digital technology. Creating from Scratch gives kids the chance to create something of their own using a technology tool.
