CT - Putting it into Perspective using Scratch {LESSON}

Putting it into Perspective using Scratch

Think about how in the previous module, you explored how important visual representation is to understanding information.

In this lesson, you will develop an understanding of how to apply computational thinking through a particular interactive media.

Have you ever used the program Scratch?

Scratch is a block-based programming platform commonly used for novice programmers.  Scratch is a visual programming language that allows users to create animations, games, and interactive stories.

Let’s look at how computational thinking is used with scratch, developing fluency with computational concepts and practices.

Concepts

Scratch helps you engage with a set of computational concepts that are common in programming. Take a look at the concepts related to computational thinking:

  • sequence: identifying a series of steps for a task
  • loops: running the same sequence multiple times
  • parallelism: making things happen at the same time
  • events: one thing causing another thing to happen
  • conditionals: making decisions based on conditions
  • operators: support for mathematical and logical expressions
  • data: storing, retrieving, and updating values

Practices

 It is important to understand that just thinking of computational thinking based on concepts does not provide a clear picture of the practice. You must be able to articulate computational thinking through design practices. This creates an engaging learning environment. Here are some practices and strategies involved in creating interactive digital media.

  • experimenting and iterating: developing a little bit, then trying it out, then developing more
  • testing and debugging: making sure things work — and finding and solving problems when they arise
  • reusing and remixing: making something by building on existing projects or ideas
  • abstracting and modularizing: exploring connections between the whole and the parts

Now that you have had a chance to learn how Scratch can be used with computational thinking and with the knowledge of concepts and practices that are used, take a look at the video below to see an example of a practice involved in creating interactive media.

Abstracting and Modularizing with Scratch

Watch the Abstracting and Modularizing with Scratch video below.

"Abstracting and Modularizing with Scratch." Vimeo, uploaded by ScratchEd, 17 September 2014, https://vimeo.com/106437614 Links to an external site.. Used according to Terms of Use.

 As you have learned in this lesson, there are many concepts you must understand when using the concept of computational thinking. Remember that it is also important to be able to articulate computational thinking through design practices to create an engaging learning environment. All of which can be done by assessing Scratch.

Information for this page is from Computational Thinking | Defining (harvard.edu). Links to an external site.

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