This course is a design-based introduction to computational thinking and creative computing with Scratch. Design-based learning is an approach that emphasizes designing (creating things, not just using or interacting with things), personalizing (creating things that are personally meaningful and relevant), collaborating (working with others on creations), and reflecting (reviewing and rethinking one’s creative practices). As such, a design-based approach to learning is particularly well suited to creative computing, and forms the basis for the design of each session of this class.
A basic literacy in foundational programming concepts (computational thinking and creative computing) will be a must-have for young people moving out into the world and into the workplace. This class will prepare students for future computer science studies and that larger world.
This workshop covers:
- Computational Concepts (loops, sequences, conditionals, operators, data and more)
- Computational Practices (iteration in increments, testing/debugging, reusing, modularizing and more)
- Computational Perspectives (expressing, connecting and questioning)
- Art-, Story- and Game-based projects
- Iterative design and development methodology
This is a 12-session middle school workshop. Webinars are 50 minutes long. Recordings are available for students who must miss a session.
Required Items:
- A computer with speakers and microphone (and, optionally, a webcam) for the computer-based design activities and webinars
- A network connection for connecting to the Scratch and OnlineG3 communities (Scratch is a web-based programming tool that runs in a browser) and webinars
For more information on Scratch, including system requirements, please follow this link.
