Maurice SkinnerFrom 2020, elementary schools throughout Japan will begin teaching programming from the fifth grade level. And Scratch is one of the programming languages that is catching some attention.
Scratch is a visual-programming language targeted primarily at children. Developed by the MIT media lab, Scratch aims to help not only elementary school children learn programming, but also those with special disabilities. How does this program differ from regular programming, and exactly how will it help enable people with disabilities?
In normal programming, learners must first learn functions and syntax and then write the code by constructing logic. Scratch enables its learners to skip the writing process altogether. Instead of writing out the code, the programming software allows you to arrange instructions as blocks via mousepad. Drag-and-drop instructions make it easy to build code, and the results can be understood visually. This makes it possible for complete beginners who have no experience using a programming language such as C++ to build their own code. Scratch provides games that allow its user to enjoy themselves while learning.
Ruka, the five-year-old who makes her own games
Ruka Hirota resides in Fukuoka Prefecture and attends the Fukuoka School for Special Needs Education. She has taken matters into her own hands and is now learning code her own.
At school, several assistance technologies are used in order for students to speak, communicate, see, and of course, make code. With the aid of assistance technology, Ruka is able to interact with Scratch by using an eye control system environment. This means that a mouse isn’t necessary in order to learn programming. This type of technology, when coupled with Scratch, can allow anyone with the proper equipment to easily and quickly learn the programming language. In order to play the games provided by the Scratch software, all you will need is an internet connection and either a PC or a macbook.
Scratch is a programming software that is aimed at teaching children how to code. Not only does it provide the perfect environment for children to learn programming, but for those with disabilities as well. This software will help empower the next generation of programmers and provide opportunities for people with disabilities.
[Reference website] The really fun games made by the fifth grader from Special Support School (for the physically handicapped)
