The computer club started in fine form today, the first Club meeting for 2015 (Term 2).  Thanks to the large array of parents who turned up in support. Hopefully you appreciate the need for parent supervision as it's a bit hectic -- largely due to the enthusiasm of the kids and their excitement to show what they have done or to get started in a new programming career.  Some comments:

• The students starting out on Scratch are being called "SCRATCHERS" (25 at the first meeting).  These students are largely beginning on Scratch for the first time and are based in the library.  For this week these students need to complete the "Getting Started with Scratch" (first tutorial) on Scratch and setup an account (with the help of a parent) so that they can save their work. Saving the work is essential for us to view and note down so that children can move onto the next activity. Just click the Join button at the top of the Scratch Screen and you should see the screen to the right - follow the steps to create an account.   I have sent home a practice card for these students to try.  Students will get a new card each week until they complete the set (of 12).  For those following along at home, follow the links to catch up or advance..
• The students with some Scratch experience are being called "GURUs" and are based in the computer Lab (14 of these students at the first meeting) .  These students will need to complete, and be able to explain, 3 programs in Scratch.  The game of PONG, a RACING car game and CONNECT4.  Once done they can migrate to being "APPers".  So focus on getting the games to work as best you can (don't settle for 'almost' correct.... the devil is in the detail).
• The experienced Scratch programmers will be called "APPers" also based in the computer lab. These students will focus on designing an App on the School supplied Tablets (Android).    These students will be using MIT App Inventor and will need a Google Account in order to save their work and continue (if desired) from home.  Currently we have 2 "Appers".   I have this crazy idea about the kids developing an App for the upcoming Fete, to tell everyone where and what stalls there are, but I may be aiming too high.

Remind your children than any Scratch/App development screen time should be taken out of their weekly allocated screen time (TV, Gaming, MineCraft etc..)..  Please ensure all children have a Scratch login account as his allows them to save their work. They cannot move onto the next activity until we see and tick off their completion of each task.

We are well over subscribed with students which risks the quality of the experience for all those attending.  So we can't consider any additional students this year.  But follow along online and you'll be a a good position to join next year.
More next week.