[Yr7-10it] scratch programming

[Bill Kerr]

Just thought I'd mention that they are using scratch as an introduction to
java programming at harvard university
:-)
http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/%7Emalan/publications/fp079-malan.pdf

We propose Scratch as a first language for first-time program-
mers in introductory courses, for majors and non-majors alike.
Scratch allows students to program with a mouse: programmatic
constructs are represented as puzzle pieces that only fit together
if "syntactically" appropriate. We argue that this environment
allows students not only to master programmatic constructs be-
fore syntax but also to focus on problems of logic before syntax.
We view Scratch as a gateway to languages like Java.

-- 
Bill Kerr
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/
http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/
skype: billkerr2006

On 9/13/07, Kent Beveridge <kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au> wrote:
>
> GOOD QUESTION Rob.
> I am just going on the premise of the selection of languages available on
> the website and in the study design. Given these languages and the
> requirements for the U3 OC1 I am not certain that 'Scratch' is a suitable
> language for the 'puritans' among us.
> Personally, given that the uni's basically will teach what they want of
> their students at first year etc, Scratch would at least give first time
> programmers a 'taste' of what is to come.
> It DOES allow users to create a variable etc but some might argue that it
> is not a REAL programming language.
> Individual taste I guess for those who want to go that way.
> Me? Used it for yrs 8-9, and some yr7's, the 10's got VB6 and my 11's also
> got VB6. I used a few online resources I located for VB6 and the 'scratch
> cards' did the job for scratch.
> They all have merit. Just depends what your needs and tastes are I guess.
> KB.
>
> Kent Beveridge,
> I.T. co-ordinator
> St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College
> Horsham
> email.. kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au
>
> |<3|\|7  b3\/3r1D93 ?  ;-)
>
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> ________________________________
>
> From: yr7-10it-bounces at edulists.com.au on behalf of Costello, Rob R
> Sent: Thu 9/13/2007 4:15 PM
> To: yr7-10it at edulists.com.au
> Subject: [Yr7-10it] scratch programming
>
>
>
> What are the BOS requirements for programming?
>
> I'm in a 7-10 school so haven't had a look at the new study designs
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
> Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:47:40 +1000
> From: "Kent Beveridge" <kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au>
> Subject: RE: [Yr7-10it] Scratch comment
> To: "Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List"
>         <yr7-10it at edulists.com.au>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
> Not sure as to the suitability of Scratch for a VCE subject due to the
> requirements of the programming and type definitions etc. Yes its easy
> to use and learn, no arguments there, but, its also easy to get 'bored'
> with for the more challenged minds - I have found. Gamemaker seems to be
> keeping attention pretty well and the 'serious' programming students are
> getting into VB6 as it challenges them and satisfies the BOS
> requirements.
>
> Kent Beveridge,
> I.T. co-ordinator
> St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College
> Horsham
> email.. kbeveridge at stbc.vic.edu.au
>
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