Recently in class, we have been creating Scratch projects with partners. We are making our projects into little booklets to show other people how they can use our basic outline to make their own games and creations.
Myself and several other students went to the YWCA shelter and taught the children there how to use Scratch. I learned a lot about the best ways to teach kids, and how to be entertaining and interactive so we can keep them engaged. I am excited to teach more kids about the endless possibilities of Scratch in the future!
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I’m so glad that I’ve been able to be a part of One Laptop per Child this year as I have learned so much and as the classes go by, I get more and more excited for the trip. So far this semester, we have been discussing and preparing for the trip by creating new games and learning opportunities to share with the kids once we arrive. Elena and I have been working on a game that allows the children to discover and learn about the different types of animals. As we have been making the game, we have also written up a script to teach them how to make their own. I have enjoyed going to class every day because I know I will always come out knowing something new. Not only has this opened my eyes to the differences between myself and the children in Barbados, but it has given me a chance to adjust the way I work so I feel a lot more confident knowing the kids I work with will come out knowing the basics and beyond of Scratch. Before this class started, I didn’t really think I would enjoy the coding and computer work as much as I have been. By making these projects, we are providing an opportunity for kids to explore outside of their typical school lifestyle and knowing what I am doing in the classroom is going to really help these kids out, makes it that much more enjoyable.
So far this year in OLPC, I have learned a lot more about Scratch and all the different things that it can be used for. For example I never realized how helpful this system can be to teachers for so many different school subjects, such as math, health, and science. The booklets that we have been making as a class are going to be extremely helpful to teachers who are interested in learning about the many uses of Scratch and how they can incorporate it into their lesson plans. Also this week I was able to help Mrs. Murakami finish sorting through, cleaning, and equipping the last of the laptops with Ubuntu. While it's sad to see some of the laptops go, it's great progress to be able to check that part of this project off of the list.
Overall, this class has taught me not only about Scratch as a program, but also how it can be used to help others. Passing this valuable knowledge to kids (and adults) in Barbados or other places we've reached such as the YWCA will really make a difference. I am extremely excited to teach the kids in Barbados, and teaching the Lower School students here only heightened my excitement. I love OLPC for this amazing opportunity that can truly have an impact on so many people. |
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April 2018
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