Many students (especially girls) hate computer programming. It is taught as an elective only at high school. It is not on par with reading, writing and arithmetic. 15 years back the digital divide existed due to lack of access to technology. Today the digital divide exists because of lack of control over technology. Teaching how to use computer applications is like teaching how to push buttons, but teaching computer programming is at par to learning how to make the buttons. It takes the mystery out of technology and allows people to become creators rather than consumers. Wasting the intellectual and imaginative skills of children in middle school on learning computer applications like the MS Office Suite and how to use the Internet is a cardinal sin. Learning requires a meaningful context. Learning to use a computer must happen as a means of achieving a higher end. Code-A-Story provides the higher end. Children visually create digital stories, animation and games, as a by-product learning computer programming. Concepts across language, arts, social studies and science are easily integrated. Imagination and logical thinking develop in a balanced way. A comprehensive curriculum and TLM is used along with Open Source tools like Scratch, Storytelling Alice. In lower grades first the physicality of logic is introduced before working on computers.

Topics Covered

Understanding UI Design using scratch Brainstorming over designing a similar tool Scratch Functions Storytelling and Creativity Social Problem Solving Other similar platforms. Analysis of these platforms Pay it Forward - Creating digital learning assets for younger children from Municipal Schools Largely Customized based on interaction and group profile.

Who should attend

Grade 4 - Grade 8. Multi-age groups

Pre-requisites

Each child will have to get their own laptop / tablet

What you need to bring

Laptop / Tablet

Key Takeaways

Self Expression Problem Solving Programming Skills Design Thinking