For one week every summer, teachers from across the world gather on MIT’s campus to learn more about the groundbreaking research that is happening on campus. Teachers attend presentations and lectures presented by MIT professors and then reflect on their own curriculum and how they could utilize what they’ve learned back at their own schools.
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There were a number of interesting ideas shared. As a professor who facilitates courses on how content teachers can better reach Multilingual Learners (MLs), I was excited when they shared more about this new coding program that can be used on a phone called OctoStudio.
With OctoStudio, young people can create interactive animations and games using a mobile phone or tablet anytime anywhere. Take photos and record sounds, bring them to life with coding blocks, and send to family and friends.
OctoStudio is developed by Lifelong Kindergarten, the MIT Media Lab group that created Scratch, the world’s most popular coding language for kids. OctoStudio is completely free of charge.
5 reasons this program is beneficial for MLs:
Visual and Audio Support: The platform is contextual. It includes visual aids and audio support instead of just heavy text. This multimodal approach can provide comprehensible input.
Interactive Learning: It uses interactive projects to teach concepts. So, MLs can get feedback as they move forward in creating their projects.
Translanguaging: This program offers content in multiple languages and has tools that can translate instructions and feedback. This feature helps MLs in the beginning stages of language development to follow along and participate fully.
Encourages Collaboration: The program encourages collaborative projects, allowing MLs to work with peers who speak different languages. This interaction can enhance language skills and is motivational.
Culturally Sensitive: This program has a diverse range of projects including cultural references from various parts of the world, making the content more relatable and engaging for MLs.
Here’s a link with videos that demonstrate some of the engaging projects students can do.
