format

This section describes the format of the workshop sessions. The stated durations are suggestions only, based on testing done with middle-school students.

goals

Each session description begins with a list of goals related to perspective-taking, storytelling, and Scratch. The Scratch goals are stated as particular blocks that could be introduced. Of course, participants’ experimentation with Scratch should not be limited to those blocks, and participants should be encouraged to explore.

introduction

Each session begins with a non-computer-based activity that encourages participants to construct something. The construction, which may or may not be physical, is an opportunity to begin imagining issues and ideas related to the session’s theme. The introduction is meant to be a relatively brief and energetic beginning to the session.
(20 minutes)

activities

Each session has at least two activities: one about perspective-taking and storytelling, another about applying those ideas with Scratch. The session descriptions are intentionally open-ended about how to concretely introduce new Scratch concepts. In the testing of these materials, several different approaches were used, including direct instruction, materials-based exploration, and student guiding. Regardless of the particular approach that was used, key components of the learning experiences are: enabling participants to explore and express their interests, and encouraging collaboration amongst participants. The activities are intended to give participants opportunities to explore issues and cultivate capacities, and should occupy the bulk of the session’s time.
(120 minutes)

reflection

While the activities often present opportunities for participants to discuss issues in large or small groups, each session ends with a dedicated reflection. This is a time for participants to think about themselves as learners, acknowledge successes and challenges, and set goals for future sessions. Encouraging participants to discuss, record and submit their reflections provides facilitators with an opportunity to explicitly review participant progress and revise the workshop structure as needed.
(20 minutes)