Opportunities and challenges in technology-rich classrooms: Using the Scratch software

A group of Waikato University researchers watched as a Year 6 class experimented with Scratch, a child-oriented programming language. The software is designed for children to explore programming—it is easy to “tinker” with but also allows sophisticated programs to be created. Set the task of creating a maths addition game, the students became absorbed in collaborative and creative problem solving, trying out and sharing ideas and solutions.