PROGRAMMING GAMES AND ANIMATIONS

What is Programming?

• Telling the computer what I want it to do

Programming – problem solving, thinking mathematically and using logic and reasoning.

"It’s the practical application of those ideas and the creative thinking required to solve authentic problems that forms the basis of a truly engaging learning experience. "-Chris Betcher (BetchaBlog)

Why does it Matter?

first steps

Untitled Slide

Scratch takes all of the essential programming constructs like sequencing, conditional branching, control structures, data manipulations, etc, and wraps them in a very friendly, very easy to use environment

Learning by Design

Gives students greater sense of control and responsibility for the learning process.

Encourages creative problem-solving.

Allows for the designing of projects that are interdisciplinary(art, technology, math, and sciences).

Helps students learn to put themselves in the minds of others; since they need to consider how others will use the things they create.

Provides opportunities for reflection and collaboration.

Sets up a positive-feedback loop of learning, where students can build on ideas.

Closing/Next STeps

• - Develop Scratch Lessons and Learning Modules
• - Facilitate Scratch Teacher Training and Networking
• - Sponsor nationwide "Starting from Scratch" Initiative and Competition

Course does not have to be Scratch, nor does it have to be part of core curriculum...but needs to be rigorous, meaningful and implemented in a way that will enable evaluation/assessment of course

Each Unjammed site will offer a coding/programming course, starting in the fall of 2014

Let's Play!