Elementary Education In a Technology Age Gregory Gates Period 5

Why is there need for a change?  New technologies encourage a digital revolution in education  Technology isn't being used properly  New Technology-same teaching methods

Computers, Television, and Finger Paint Which one doesn't belong? Computers are certainly closer to TV than finger paint right now Educators need to change this Computers right now are mainly being used as just an information medium Potential for more creativity and interactivity Idea from “Rethinking Learning in a Digital Age” by Mitchel Resnick

How can Computers Improve Education? Universal Construction Material All Ages Students learn better when actively involved in doing something* Offers opportunity to combine multiple topics (math, science, teamwork) very easily *Papert, S. The Children’s Machine: Rethinking School in the Age of the Computer. New York: Basic Books, 1993.

My Project Implement something akin to a “Computer Clubhouse” at a local elementary school Students will use Scratch, and later Cricket SOL and POS Benchmarks will also be addressed for all subjects and grade levels

Scratch Developed at MIT Interactive Programming Environment “Imagine-Program-Share” Uses visual blocks of code Ability to easily share projects on web (scratch.mit.edu)‏

Progress 2 personal visits 5 clubhouse meetings so far Topics covered:  X-Y Axis  Degrees  Loops (multiplication)‏  Movement  Using new sprites

Pictures Me working with a student

Students working in computer lab

Differences From First Quarter The club has actually gotten underway Teacher and Principal support Parent volunteers Plenty of student interest (70+ kids each Thursday)‏ Personal Website Cardinal Forest Scratch Website

Plans for future Encourage kids to explore Scratch on their own Create individual or team projects Post projects on website Assess how much kids have been learning Basic algebra