[squeakland] Kids using images and scripting

[Steve Thomas]

Changed subject from previous emails.
On Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 11:12 AM, Bert Freudenberg <bert at freudenbergs.de>wrote:

> On 31.10.2011, at 03:09, Ricardo Moran wrote:
>
> > Some kids told me they would want more graphics to choose in Etoys (like
> the ones in Scratch).
>
> Why don't they use images they found on the web, or took using a camera?


So I see a couple of issues:

   1. Should we include a predefined set of images similar to Scratch?
   2. Why don't kids use images found on web or took using a camera?
   3. How can we get kids scripting (as opposed to just "playing with
   images" and creating cartoons)

*On item 1*: Should we include a predefined set of images similar to
Scratch?
The argument I have heard against including images is that kids that:

"Seeing graphics that they might not be able to create themselves easily
can discourage them from make their own paintings."


If that is the case, then why do are there so many kid created graphics in
Scratch projects?  I have, on admittedly limited evidence, seen kids
getting stuck drawing, because they feel they can't draw well enough, which
slows/stops them.

*On item 2:* Why don't kids use images found on web or took using a camera?
Good question, once I show kids that this can be done, they do it.  So
perhaps it is an issue of "discoverability"?
There is a quick guide on *Objects/Digital Images* which is XO specific.
But does not indicate how to import an image from the Web on XO.
Also, the switching to journal/copy to clipboard, ... may be too many
steps, which might discourage kids.

*On item 3:* How can we get kids scripting, modeling, simulating  (as
opposed to just "playing with images" and creating cartoons)
Great question, need to think about this some more.  Not that playing with
images, creating cartoons and using Etoys as a PowerPoint replacement are
bad things, but how do we get them scripting, modeling, simulating as well.

Stephen
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