Scratch - Check out the Education Link on the side
I added a new update to the software section. Here it is.
Scratch Programming Scratch was introduced to me in CS50 - the introductory computer science class at Harvard. I think it is by far the most impressive children's program when it comes to teaching logic and computer programming skills. Created by MIT, Scratch is interactive, easy to use, and is flexible. Smaller children can start out by simpler concepts, such as drawing characters and trying to make them move, while older children can even create their own games! Instead of having kids play pre-made video/computer games, why not have them make their own? Some parents may digress from the idea of allowing children to learn computer concepts because if they get stuck, then parents that may not have prior programming skills need to help them. Don't fear! What makes Scratch so great is that it is accompanied by a boatload of resources. Seriously, I have not seen a user manual that large and it's still growing! Oh, and did I mention? Scratch is free and doesn't cost a single penny. Furthermore, the resources with Scratch are shared in an open course, collaborative environment, which means that any resources that other teachers, parents, and students create are free to use too! Could there be a better win-win situation? I taught 2nd thought 4th grade Gifted and Talented classes Scratch and was amazed at how imaginative the kids were. It's amazing where they can go if given the tools to pave their paths.
Scratch Programming Scratch was introduced to me in CS50 - the introductory computer science class at Harvard. I think it is by far the most impressive children's program when it comes to teaching logic and computer programming skills. Created by MIT, Scratch is interactive, easy to use, and is flexible. Smaller children can start out by simpler concepts, such as drawing characters and trying to make them move, while older children can even create their own games! Instead of having kids play pre-made video/computer games, why not have them make their own? Some parents may digress from the idea of allowing children to learn computer concepts because if they get stuck, then parents that may not have prior programming skills need to help them. Don't fear! What makes Scratch so great is that it is accompanied by a boatload of resources. Seriously, I have not seen a user manual that large and it's still growing! Oh, and did I mention? Scratch is free and doesn't cost a single penny. Furthermore, the resources with Scratch are shared in an open course, collaborative environment, which means that any resources that other teachers, parents, and students create are free to use too! Could there be a better win-win situation? I taught 2nd thought 4th grade Gifted and Talented classes Scratch and was amazed at how imaginative the kids were. It's amazing where they can go if given the tools to pave their paths.
