Just thought I'd mention that they are using scratch as an introduction to java programming at harvard university<br>:-)<br><a href="http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/%7Emalan/publications/fp079-malan.pdf">http://www.eecs.harvard.edu/%7Emalan/publications/fp079-malan.pdf
</a><br><br>We propose Scratch as a first language for first-time program-<br>mers in introductory courses, for majors and non-majors alike.<br>Scratch allows students to program with a mouse: programmatic<br>constructs are represented as puzzle pieces that only fit together
<br>if "syntactically" appropriate. We argue that this environment<br>allows students not only to master programmatic constructs be-<br>fore syntax but also to focus on problems of logic before syntax.<br>We view Scratch as a gateway to languages like Java.
<br><br>-- <br>Bill Kerr<br><a href="http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/">http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/</a><br><a href="http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/">http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/</a><br>skype: billkerr2006<br><br>
<div><span class="gmail_quote">On 9/13/07, <b class="gmail_sendername">Kent Beveridge</b> <<a href="mailto:kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au">kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au</a>> wrote:</span><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
GOOD QUESTION Rob.<br>I am just going on the premise of the selection of languages available on the website and in the study design. Given these languages and the requirements for the U3 OC1 I am not certain that 'Scratch' is a suitable language for the 'puritans' among us.
<br>Personally, given that the uni's basically will teach what they want of their students at first year etc, Scratch would at least give first time programmers a 'taste' of what is to come.<br>It DOES allow users to create a variable etc but some might argue that it is not a REAL programming language.
<br>Individual taste I guess for those who want to go that way.<br>Me? Used it for yrs 8-9, and some yr7's, the 10's got VB6 and my 11's also got VB6. I used a few online resources I located for VB6 and the 'scratch cards' did the job for scratch.
<br>They all have merit. Just depends what your needs and tastes are I guess.<br>KB.<br><br>Kent Beveridge,<br>I.T. co-ordinator<br>St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College<br>Horsham<br>email.. <a href="mailto:kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au">
kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au</a><br><br>|<3|\|7 b3\/3r1D93 ? ;-)<br><br>Wishes and Eggs, one you make and one you break! A bit like promises.....<br>"This email and any attachments may be confidential. You must not disclose or use the information in this email if you are not the intended recipient. If you have received this email in error, please notify us immediately and delete the email and all copies. The School does not guarantee that this email is virus or error free. The attached files are provided and my only be used on the basis that the user assumes all responsibility for any loss, damage or consequence resulting directly or indirectly from the use of the attached files, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not. The content and opinions in this email are not necessarily those of the School."
<br><br>________________________________<br><br>From: <a href="mailto:yr7-10it-bounces@edulists.com.au">yr7-10it-bounces@edulists.com.au</a> on behalf of Costello, Rob R<br>Sent: Thu 9/13/2007 4:15 PM<br>To: <a href="mailto:yr7-10it@edulists.com.au">
yr7-10it@edulists.com.au</a><br>Subject: [Yr7-10it] scratch programming<br><br><br><br>What are the BOS requirements for programming?<br><br>I'm in a 7-10 school so haven't had a look at the new study designs<br><br>
-----------------------------------------------------------<br>Date: Thu, 13 Sep 2007 12:47:40 +1000<br>From: "Kent Beveridge" <<a href="mailto:kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au">kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au</a>><br>
Subject: RE: [Yr7-10it] Scratch comment<br>To: "Year 7 - 10 Information Technology Teachers' Mailing List"<br> <<a href="mailto:yr7-10it@edulists.com.au">yr7-10it@edulists.com.au</a>><br>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
<br><br>Not sure as to the suitability of Scratch for a VCE subject due to the<br>requirements of the programming and type definitions etc. Yes its easy<br>to use and learn, no arguments there, but, its also easy to get 'bored'
<br>with for the more challenged minds - I have found. Gamemaker seems to be<br>keeping attention pretty well and the 'serious' programming students are<br>getting into VB6 as it challenges them and satisfies the BOS
<br>requirements.<br><br>Kent Beveridge,<br>I.T. co-ordinator<br>St. Brigids Catholic Sec. College<br>Horsham<br>email.. <a href="mailto:kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au">kbeveridge@stbc.vic.edu.au</a><br><br>Important - This email and any attachments may be confidential. If received in error, please contact us and delete all copies. Before opening or using attachments check them for viruses and defects. Regardless of any loss, damage or consequence, whether caused by the negligence of the sender or not, resulting directly or indirectly from the use of any attached files our liability is limited to resupplying any affected attachments. Any representations or opinions expressed are those of the individual sender, and not necessarily those of the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
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