ICT
Year 9 will be coding this learning block using a programme called Scratch. This week we looked at how to create a simple game using the drag and drop programming interface and next week we will be developing a two player game whilst learning about loops and if statements.
Scratch is a visual programming tool and whilst it might look like learners are learning how to make a game, the programming skills they are developing are key skills which they will undoubtedly need to be active citizens in the tecnologically advancing world in which we live.
To learn more about the importance of teaching coding to children check out these articles from the UK and USA:
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/07/year-of-code-dan-crow-songkick
http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-coding-is-your-childs-key-to-unlocking-the-future-1430080118
To support your child in their understanding of programming let them practice their programming skills online using this link, https://scratch.mit.edu/, or they can download it and install it on a desktop or laptop.
Learners can also improve their knowledge by visiting various different online tutorials including https://scratch.mit.edu/help/videos/ and http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/resources/scratch-lessons-shall-we-learn-scratch-programming-tweens
Year 9 will be coding this learning block using a programme called Scratch. This week we looked at how to create a simple game using the drag and drop programming interface and next week we will be developing a two player game whilst learning about loops and if statements.
Scratch is a visual programming tool and whilst it might look like learners are learning how to make a game, the programming skills they are developing are key skills which they will undoubtedly need to be active citizens in the tecnologically advancing world in which we live.
To learn more about the importance of teaching coding to children check out these articles from the UK and USA:
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/07/year-of-code-dan-crow-songkick
http://www.wsj.com/articles/why-coding-is-your-childs-key-to-unlocking-the-future-1430080118
To support your child in their understanding of programming let them practice their programming skills online using this link, https://scratch.mit.edu/, or they can download it and install it on a desktop or laptop.
Learners can also improve their knowledge by visiting various different online tutorials including https://scratch.mit.edu/help/videos/ and http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/resources/scratch-lessons-shall-we-learn-scratch-programming-tweens