A Pilot Teaching Project, “Keeping Safe”, Exploring the Use of “Scratch 3” Computer Coding Files and Computer-Generated Music Files Created in “Sibelius”, to Support Young Adults with Language Learning Difficulties and Disabilities at Lambeth College, in South London

Abstract

This case study outlines a continuing curriculum project, from 2009 to the present, now exploring "Scratch 3" to support the sequencing skills of young adults with learning difficulties (LLDD), at Lambeth College, south London. Student support files, in "Scratch 3" block coding, and in "Sibelius" music software, were created by a secondary school pupil, aged 12, and developed for use by the students at the Further Education College, as part of an on-going educational collaboration. While it has proved to be the most problematic and frustrating teaching and learning project of the learning series to date, nonetheless it has had very positive student outcomes.

Gamification with Scratch or App Inventor in Higher Education: A Systematic Review

“…These studies confirmed that it is crucial to know that an active and learner-centered approach leads to a better understanding of programming concepts and practices in university students and higher motivation; thus, these authors recommend implementing such an approach via Scratch, with extensions that improve program customization, such as ERS or Caramba. Visual programming languages are being taught at universities for technologyrelated careers, but the study in [19] shows that it is useful for psychology, and [23] demonstrates that Scratch helps students with learning difficulties; moreover, [25] confirms that Scratch improves communication and social interaction in disadvantaged groups.…”

“…The programs were implemented in specific disciplines in different areas of knowledge (Table 3). Yes Yes [16] Yes [17] Yes Yes [18] Yes Yes [19] Yes Yes [20] Yes Yes [21] Yes [22] Yes [23] [24] Yes Yes [25] Yes…”

“…In the eighth study [22], 39 students from the University of Seville created a video game with Scratch; the aim was to describe the creation of educational games and evaluate the benefits of achieving this goal using Scratch. The ninth study [23] focused on university students with learning difficulties and used "Scratch 3" to improve organizational thinking skills, improve communication, make them reflect on their concerns and needs, and thus improve their personal safety and develop their basic coding skills as part of a creative activity. The tenth study [24] focused on a mobile CSP course using App Inventor, which helped to broaden participation in CS (computer science) among male, female, Afro-ethnic, and Latino demographic groups and also provided them with a solid foundation in computer science principles and practices by developing their programming competencies.…”

“…The study of [23] addressed a sample of students with learning difficulties and showed specific results for three students as well as general results for the group. These students handled applications created by high school students in Scratch.…”

Sibelius as a Tool to Improve Student’s Ability of Making Counterpoint Melody

“…A 12year-old secondary school student created Scratch 3 block coding tutorials with Sibelius music program for students at the higher learning institution. Students have benefited much from this series' most demanding teaching and learning activity [33]. In addition, Sibelius program was utilized in our study as a teaching tool to help students understand and produce melody counterpoints.…”