Media and Digital Technology

Greetings Karoo-ians,

Things have been very exciting in Media and Digital Technology this term. Our Year 1 and Year 2 students have started learning block coding using ScratchJr. This program lets students bring characters to life, build mini stories, make them move, jump, talk and interact by snapping coding blocks together. They are already discovering how powerful coding can be when you get curious, test ideas and try things out.

Over the next few weeks we will be building on problem solving skills, cause and effect, and creative digital storytelling through coding.

Our Prep students will also begin ScratchJr later this term, once they finish their audio recording unit.

Families can absolutely support and encourage this learning at home. ScratchJr is free and accessible in several different ways:

• iPad / iPhone / Android App (Official) https://www.scratchjr.org/
• Web-based Desktop Version (no download needed) https://codejr.org/scratchjr/index.html
• Open Source Desktop Version (Windows / Mac) – This is the version we are using at schoolhttps://jfo8000.github.io/ScratchJr-Desktop/

All of these versions work the same, so there is plenty of opportunity for your child to continue building coding skills beyond the Media room. This is a fantastic way for students to explore at their own pace and share their creations at home.

Tech-tastically yours,

Adam Horne