2. Graphical programming with programmable computers and creative interfaces

TASK for today:

Tell story, create game, design interface..

Main themes of Computational thinking

http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/ct/defining.html

Remixing is good starting point for beginners

Idea of remixing

Use-Modify-Create trajectory. Adapted from “Computational Thinking for Youth in Practice” by I. Lee, F. Martin, J. Denner, B. Coulter, W. Allan, J. Erickson, J. Malyn-Smith, & L. Werner, 2011, ACM Inroads 2 (1): p. 35. Copyright 2011 by the ACM. Adapted with permission of authors. from: https://k12cs.org/computational-thinking/

Actual task: experiment, remix, create & debug

Phase 1. Choose programming tool and/or programmable computer and/or user interface extension

Start your task by exploring either programming tool or technological gadget. Learn how to use it and what kind of examples and tutorials are available

CT Practise: experimenting

Phase 2. Remix by using existing material, ideas, products

Create your own product by using resources available. Use existing projects as a background and starting point. Change code, add your own ideas, change graphics etc.

CT practise: reuse and remix

Phase 3. Create your own artefact

Create your own artefact by combining interface and code (e.g. Microsoft Makecode and Microbit (with extensions) or Scratch and Makey Makey)
Use materials available in the classroom: maker cart cartoons etc, conductive tape and other materials, extensions etc. e.g. create tangible artifact, ie. controller, cover for robot etc.

CT perspectives: create and connect

Phase 4. Share the code two ways:

First explore how to share your project:
- Microbit: https://makecode.microbit.org/share
- Scratch: https://www.dummies.com/programming/scratch/sharing-scratch-projects-with-the-scratch-online-community/
Share two versions of your product: 1) version which can remixed by others. It can even have description for other users what should be remixed; 2) version where you have added some BUG, that other groups will need to debug

Phase 5: Let's exchange our projects and debug those :)

Graphical programming platforms to be used today

Scratch 3.0

With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community.

Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.

Info:

Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge.

Info for educators: https://scratch.mit.edu/educators/
Online tutorials for creating different kind of stories, games etc. https://scratch.mit.edu/ideas

Example of Scratch studio:

https://scratch.mit.edu/studios/25273127/

Microsoft Makecode

micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun!

Info:

Info for educators: https://microbit.org/teach/
Quick steps to take Microbit into use: (recommended link) https://microbit.org/guide/quick/

Example of challenge for children and teens:

A new BBC micro:bit challenge for children and teens to combine creativity and technology in solutions for the Global Goals. Find out how to enter

https://microbit.org/do-your-bit/

Programmable computers and/or user interface extensions used today

Makey Makey

Design your own controller with everyday materials like playdough or graphite pencils.

Control your favorite Scratch game while you learn to code

Homepage: https://makeymakey.com/
Code with Scratch: https://makeymakey.com/blogs/blog/new-scratch-3-0-extension-for-makey-makey
You can use Makey makey also to control various softwares e.g. virtual keyboard (you can design your own piano) or you can design game controller for your programmed game..

Micro:bit

micro:bit is a tiny programmable computer, designed to make learning and teaching easy and fun!

Homepage: https://microbit.org/
Code with Makecode (default and recommended): https://microbit.org/code/
Code with Scratch: https://scratch.mit.edu/microbit

Micro:bit extensions: (available in classroom)

Basics of the electronics: leds, cables, switches, motors etc.
Robots: two motors, wheels and microbit :)
Sparkfun kits: traffic lights, speaker, potentiometer, cables etc.

Makey Makey Introduction

Micro:bit introduction

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