Open-ended drag and drop coding introduces Digital Citizenship & "Maker" mentality

How I Use It

Scratch provides a simple introduction to 2D object oriented programming. I've had students choose to animate key scenes in a book or text using both word bubbles and the simple audio editing tools built in; to create and play games relating to books they've read, and to design and build their own versions of favorite games- and original games as well. The opportunity and ability to create their own games and animations helps students think more critically about the media (apps, games, animations/video) they consume, as they deconstruct what works and what they like. Students love how easy it is to share their projects with others in the Scratch community, and receiving feedback from users. As they see their own projects remixed, they receive first-hand experience as publishers having their work used by others. (Students may choose NOT to share to the Scratch community, if they prefer not to have their projects viewed or remixed by others.). A great introduction to intellectual property issues.