Intuitive Scratch 3.0 Interface
Exploring Scratch 3.0 revealed exciting updates that make this student-friendly coding interface even more intuitive for kids! Scratch 3.0 is currently in Beta and due to replace Scratch 2.0 on January 2, 2019. According to their website, all existing Scratch 2.0 projects will be migrated by the launch date in January. The new version was developed using HTML 5 and is supported on all modern browsers. This means Scratch 3.0 and will not rely on Flash or require plug-ins to work. All existing blocks will be available along with new blocks and extensions that will allow Scratchers even more ways creative options!
Navigating in the New Scratch Editor
Existing Scratch users will notice a re-arranged layout of the editor interface which places components in a more intuitive, “left to right”, order. The new larger-sized blocks will be easier for students using a tablet or touchscreen device to manipulate.
Notable Scratch 3.0 Features
Block Scrolling
Previously, users had to click on block categories to view available commands. With Scratch 3.0 users can now scroll through ALL blocks, which makes it easier and quicker to see what blocks are available.
Scrolling Block Library
Improved Sprite Editor
Objects in Scratch are called Sprites. Scratch 3.0 offers a large library of Sprites and more are being added prior to launch. As with Scratch 2.0, many Sprites have multiple “costumes” which are different poses that enable users to create animations. This Beta version unveils an improved Paint Editor where users can edit existing Sprites or create new objects.
Better Sound Editor
For any teacher who has used Scratch with students, it’s obvious that students LOVE adding sounds to their programs. With the new Sound Editor, it is fun and simple to play around with existing sounds in the Sound Library by changing the speed, reversing and trimming to create a new sound easily. As with Scratch 2.0, students can record their own voices, which is one of the many ways kids can personalize their programs.
More Extensions
Extensions are extra collections of blocks, many of which provide support for physical computing. One of the most powerful experiences for kids, is for them to connect tangible objects and sensors in the physical world with their Scratch computer programs. I’ve had great success using MakeyMakey with Scratch for student projects, in the past. I’m eager to see and try the Scratch Bit and Microbit, and happy to see support for Lego Mindstorms and WeDo 2.0 robotics.
Get Started with Tutorials
The Scratch development team is very tuned into what students and teachers need to be successful in coding. One of the easiest ways to begin using Scratch is to try out a tutorial. Tutorials help students to develop essential skills that can be applied to future Scratch programs. The tradition of providing support via tutorials continues with Scratch 3.0. If you’re new to Scratch, or better yet, new to coding, try out one of the many tutorials in the Beta version. Don’t forget to check out the updated Creative Computing Guide containing lesson ideas and teaching strategies.
