Technology
Technology is at the center of our lives, and being able to put it to good use on campus is a privilege that comes with certain responsibilities. We expect every one of our students to treat any technology they encounter in our classrooms or media centers with respect.
Computer Programming for Your Student
Are your kids spending too much time playing mindless computer games? Encourage them to use their minds and write their own computer games instead. Computer programming teaches kids problem solving, logical (computational) thinking, and determination, and it fosters creativity. The best part is you don’t have to know anything about computer programming to get your kids started. You simply head to the internet for the software of your choice.
Scratch
Scratch (a programming language developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and supported by the National Science Foundation) is a free, fun, visual, programming language for kids from third grade on up. They can create games, interactive stories, animations, music, and art. They simply drag and drop the code blocks onto the programming area, and then they can instantly see the result. The different commands snap together. This avoids all the frustrating syntax errors of typing computer code while keeping all the mind expanding experiences of computer programming. You can view this short video to see what Scratch can do.
Ladybug Mazes
Ladybug Mazes (part of Utah State University collection of interactive math manipulatives) introduces the concept of computer programming to kids as young as kindergarten. Kids make a plan for the ladybug to follow by choosing step blocks and turn blocks, which appear at the bottom of the screen. When they click the play button, the ladybug follows the command blocks they have chosen. Most kindergarteners need help getting started, but they generally catch on quickly. Kids can play Ladybug Mazes online for free.
Programming software designed for kids is a great way to move your child from game player to game designer, from consumer to producer. Try one today; you will be glad you did.
