O uso da programação Scratch para o desenvolvimento de habilidades em crianças do ensino fundamental

Abstract

Teaching programming at school is a worldwide trend. The Scratch programming language was crafted for children, providing a simple graphic interface using Lego-like blocks instead of codes. This work introduced computer programming using Scratch for children in the initial years of elementary education, in a municipal school at Ponta Grossa. Jean Piaget's Constructivism approach was employed with regard to child's development, as well as the constructivist perspective of Seymour Papert given the relationship with computers and learning. The research has applied nature, with a qualitative approach and interpretive character. In order to form an observation baseline it was taken the nine learning skills for the twenty-first century listed by Mitchel Resnick, which are divided into three areas: information and communication skills; critical thinking and problem solving; and self-direction. During one year of project, children had the opportunity to learn the basics of Scratch programming and to engage in activities that involved creativity, logic, and problem solving. It was observed that the use of Scratch created a motivating environment. Positive results were found, in the sense that children could develop skills by interacting with each other and with the computer.