As we usher in 2019, we will see all sorts of new technological things. Leading the pack this year is Scratch 3.0. What is new in Scratch 3.0? I take a look at what is new and also let you know if you have an account, your work is still fine.
Right off the bat when you visit the site, you will see it is a cleaner looking webpage and a new START CREATING button. When you are logged in and click it, it is followed by a new preloader screen and then BAM a new look to the Scratch developer environment.
How to kill curiosity
Parents tell me all the time, they want their child to learn Java, Python, or Javascript right out of the gate. Some can. Most should not.
In my opinion, if you have never coded, jumping into a professional programming language can be a sure fire way to put out that spark of curiosity about coding!
Scratch is technically designed for 8-16 year olds but I have also seen college aged students use it and well….me and I am over ……over 25 🙂
If you have any one between the ages of 5-7yrs old, give SCRATCH JUNIOR a try.
New Scratch and Scratcher Accounts
What is new in the Scratch Paint Editor?
The Paint Editor has never been my favorite tool. It was clunky at best. So I always had students use other tools and then upload them into Scratch.
That is still an option but now the tool has been redesigned to provide powerful new features while also making it MUCH easier to use.
Changes and new features include:
- New layout that makes available tools and options more visible
- New tools such as an "eraser" that works in vector mode
- More options for selecting and adjusting colors
- More control over vector points (curve handles and point modes)
- Additional controls for ordering layers ("bring to front", "move to back", etc.)
- New gradient controls
What is new in the Sound Editor?
As I discuss in What Makes Video Game Great, sounds are part of immersion. So I was happy to see these changes that make working with sound better.
The Sound Editor has been redesigned to make it easier to record and manipulate sounds.
It offers a number of new features:
- New recording system that is easier to use
- New audio trimming system that is easier to use
- New sound effects (such as "faster", "slower", "echo", and "robot")
Are there new Scratch Coding Blocks?
Yes. From what I was able to see the coding blocks in the last version of Scratch are there and if you have used Scratch in the past, you will see they are like seeing an old friend.
The new coding blocks appear as EXTENSIONs. The extension blocks that caught my attention were the ones that can talk. They are built in conjunction with Amazon web services ( a topic for another day).
What are Scratch Extensions?
This is the thing that excites me most. Extensions were there in previous versions but a little difficult for the new comer to start using. Now, they are more up front. What is an extension?
An extension is a series of coding blocks you can easily add that allow you to connect and control other physical devices.
You can connect to Lego Mindstorm and other devices. The Scratch FAQ page also lets us know more will be coming.
Considering the attention STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) is getting in our society, this will be awesome as more programmable devices appear on the market. See how the Sphero BB-8 and other Sphero devices can be programmed.
What are Scratch Cloud Variables?
This is an advanced feature.
I discuss variables in the Scratch Coder Course but they allow you to store values (numbers or words) in a holding space (or suitcase) that is not stored on your computer but instead stored in the Scratch internet cloud.
It is stored there so you can reuse them.
What are Scratch Cloud Variables?
This is an advanced feature.
I discuss variables in the Scratch Coder Course but they allow you to store values (numbers or words) in a holding space (or suitcase) that is not stored on your computer but instead stored in the Scratch internet cloud.
It is stored there so you can reuse them.
Just summing it up.....
Scratch 3.0 is a welcome advancement.
It has new features but doesn’t force a new learner curve on users who are used to the Scratch coding environment. Take it from me as someone who has spent over 20 years teaching coding, user interfaces changes alot and when they do…..they often require a relearning. This one won’t and that means kids, young people, and adults can focus on what is important…..solving the problem.
If you have any thoughts or questions, please leave them in the comments below.
Happy coding,
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