I recently worked with some teachers who were having great success teaching their students scratch, but were struggling with where to take them next - there was a general consensus that Python was the next step, but I saw very little enthusiasm, justification or indeed success in doing so. Kids were moved onto Python because they didn't see much alternative, rather than because anyone thought it was a good idea. Kids loved Scratch, but many failed to transition to “real” programming.

I've since been working on some tools which I think address part of the problem, and focus on letting users program Arduino using as much of their Scratch knowledge as possible - making Arduino programming (hopefully) instantly accessible to experienced Scatchers, but also moving closer to regular programming (rather than supporting Arduino is an i/o board IN Scratch like s4A does - also cool, but something very different).

I've now got a system which is a usable stage (I hope!), and am hoping to find someone who can work with me to take it forwards (prior to an full role out). I'm looking for people working with kids, who are transitioning them from Scratch to something else, ideally with a little Arduino experience. The system is currently hosted on Mac, so access to a Mac would help (linux/Pi versions will happen soon, Windows less quickly!).

sorry if this is a bit cryptic, i want to work fairly closely to try this out with a few people and work out the kinks, rather than just throw it on a website, and see if it floats.

If you're intrested drop me a message, and we can talk more…

Ian

dctsystem wrote:

I recently worked with some teachers who were having great success teaching their students scratch, but were struggling with where to take them next - there was a general consensus that Python was the next step, but I saw very little enthusiasm, justification or indeed success in doing so. Kids were moved onto Python because they didn't see much alternative, rather than because anyone thought it was a good idea. Kids loved Scratch, but many failed to transition to “real” programming.

I've since been working on some tools which I think address part of the problem, and focus on letting users program Arduino using as much of their Scratch knowledge as possible - making Arduino programming (hopefully) instantly accessible to experienced Scatchers, but also moving closer to regular programming (rather than supporting Arduino is an i/o board IN Scratch like s4A does - also cool, but something very different).

I've now got a system which is a usable stage (I hope!), and am hoping to find someone who can work with me to take it forwards (prior to an full role out). I'm looking for people working with kids, who are transitioning them from Scratch to something else, ideally with a little Arduino experience. The system is currently hosted on Mac, so access to a Mac would help (linux/Pi versions will happen soon, Windows less quickly!).

sorry if this is a bit cryptic, i want to work fairly closely to try this out with a few people and work out the kinks, rather than just throw it on a website, and see if it floats.

If you're intrested drop me a message, and we can talk more…

Ian

This is definitely a good idea. Actually though, there is a system for Python programming that you may want to suggest to others: the Raspberry Pi microcontroller. It's only like, 30$.

Btw, this may want to be moved to the “Suggestions” Forum