[Yr7-10it] Scratch, Gamemaker, VB.net, Python, PHP and MySQL - Programming for all levels

[Peter Ruwoldt]

ON the one hand I think that my most important task is to help students with
the right thinking because things will change.  If they think the right way
then they can turn their hands to anything when needed.  The language we use
for this can provide context and industry context for some students is
important.
Having an 'industry language' provides context and for some students this is
important.  If you were doing VET IT it would be important.  I think that
the educational factors outweigh the idea of using an industry language in
many cases though.
We have a shortage of IT teachers in areas of the country.  Students are
running away from the subject.  Seems we need to do something different and
I think that Scratch/Squeak/eToys/Gamemaker type of thing is part of the
answer.  I am liking Scratch a lot right now but as I get it used in this
neck of the woods, it will start to be used in lower grades (7-10) and its
use in senior secondary will disappear.  The chances are that students will
have a much better background and so dabbling in a languages like
Python/Javascript/PHP will be easier and more relevant.
Our life could be a whole lot simpler and possibly better if we were to move
toward the recommendation in some way.  It is not the best thing to do
across the board though.
Quick and dirty response
:-)
Peter


On 17/09/2007, Bill Kerr <billkerr at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> hi peter,
>
> what do you think of that recommendation?
>
> > the last sentence is of particular interest and may impact on language
> decisions
>
> I came across these materials recently
> http://csunplugged.com/
> Computer Science Unplugged is a collection of activities designed to teach
> the fundamentals of computer science without requiring a computer
>
> - Bill
>
> On 9/17/07, Peter Ruwoldt < ruwoldtp at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > Published by The Department of Communications, Information Technology
> > and the Arts in June 2006 is a document called 'Building Australian ICT
> > Skills - Report of the ICT Skills foresighting working group<http://www.dcita.gov.au/search/click.cgi?url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/40270/Building_Australian_ICTskills.pdf&rank=5&collection=search>'
> >
> >
> > http://www.dcita.gov.au/search/click.cgi?url=http://www.dcita.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/40270/Building_Australian_ICTskills.pdf&rank=5&collection=search
> >
> >
> > Page 10 of this document is in the 'Key findings and recommendations'
> > section and deals with ICT in Schools.
> >
> >
> >  *The Working Group expressed concerns that the quality of ICT teaching
> > in schools, and the outmoded image of ICT work presented, may be deterring
> > students from considering ICT as an option for further study at
> > university/TAFE and as a career choice. This was an issue that also received
> > considerable attention at the partICipaTion Summit.*
> >
> >
> >  *In particular the Working Group raised concerns about the teaching of
> > ICT as a specialised subject in the later school years. The Working Group
> > considered that the focus should be on teaching fundamental ICT principles,
> > useful as a foundation for further study, rather than on specific
> > programming areas.*
> >
> > The last sentence is of particular interest and may impact on language
> > decisions.
> >
> > Peter
> >
>
>
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-- 
Free and Open education for all

Peter Ruwoldt
Grant High School
Hosking Avenue
MOUNT GAMBIER  SA  5290

P. 08 87263107 (Do not leave voice mail)
F. 08 87250173

ruwoldtp at granths.sa.edu.au
http://www.watiwara.com/

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