I presented a session at <a href="http://cegsa.editme.com/conf09">CEGSA09</a> regarding <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/">Scratch </a>and our experience with<a href="http://day.scratch.mit.edu/"> Scratch Day</a>.<br><br>The slides and notes from this presentation can be found <a href="http://limestonecoast-scratchers.wikispaces.com/file/view/Scratch+Presentation.pdf">here</a>.<br>
<br>The format of the presentation was to go through some of the feedback we got from Scratch Day so that there was no doubt in people's minds that the day was an outstanding success. We then looked at what Scratch is and how it can be used to engage students in the creative process and higher order thinking. It is also a great tool for starting students with computer programming without having their creative process hindered by syntax errrors. We then looked at Scratch Day and what we did. The model that we developed for this day is very replicable.<br>
<br>I want to thank <a href="http://www.users.on.net/%7Ebillkerr/index.htm">Bill Kerr</a> for being the Centra person at the CEGSA09 venue. Jason Plunkett who helped me with Centra at my end in lovely Beachport. We were also very honoured with the online presence of <a href="http://web.media.mit.edu/%7Ekbrennan/">Karen Brennan</a> from the <a href="http://llk.media.mit.edu/">Lifelong Kindergarten group</a>. The <a href="http://llk.media.mit.edu/">Lifelong Kindergarten group</a> is really worth checking out.<br>
<br>If you are into Twitter then a search for #cegsa09 and #scratch produces some results.<br><br>The presentation was delivered online via Centra to about 25 people at the CEGSA09 venue. <br><br>I am hoping to use Centra to facilitate the formation and operation of an interest related hub group (in contrast to the traditional geography based groups). Currently I'm trying to get together a website programming group that focusses on the Javascript and PHP combination of tools to address the <a href="http://www.ssabsa.sa.edu.au/docs/cs-2009/inft-cs-2009.pdf">SACE IT curriculum</a>. I anticipate that this group will help each other to<br>
<ul><li>grow our skills</li><li>share resources and course development</li><li>possibly also share some of the delivery as time goes on.</li></ul>If this hub group is of interest to you then please let me know<br><br>Peter<br>
-- <br>Free and Open education for all<br><br>Peter Ruwoldt<br>Grant High School<br>Hosking Avenue<br>MOUNT GAMBIER SA 5290<br><br>P. 08 87263128<br>F. 08 87250173<br><br><a href="mailto:ruwoldtp@granths.sa.edu.au">ruwoldtp@granths.sa.edu.au</a><br>
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