Starting from Scratch: Early Experiences from the Lajedos Site Museum
Contributed by
Ashley Lee, November 21, 2009
As part of a larger technology initiative, Roger Meintjes introduced Scratch to students in Porto Novo, Santo Antão, Cape Verde. Through Scratch, Meintjes was hoping to:
- reanimate and extend local toy making tradition
- establish initial presence of a constructivist workspace
Here are some project details:
workshop
- serve as formal starting point to self-lead learning process
- marks introduction of computers & internet to community
- using scratchboards & toolbox of traditional craft tools
- two groups (morning and afternoon) over 10 days
- run during school holidays – voluntary attendance
- ages 16-21 (meant to have been 12-18!)
- youth from various communities of the region
- introduction to scratch & boards followed by personal projects
- project choice open to individual or group
and one year on ...
- did not grow as expected
- comfort with the 'old' does not translate to comfort with the 'new'
- need for local 'driver' to lead process
- usage must be actively built and nurtured
- certain tools take root quicker than others
- organic and less structured approach seems better
- link between 'new' and 'old' technologies not apparent
- establish local usage before expanding to other communities
next steps
- learn from current informal learning practice in the community
- allow traditional toy making facility to grow and take root first
- grow digital component from traditional component
- offer range of fun activities and make space more social
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