Google and MIT Media Lab have collaborated on a “new generation of graphical programming blocks” called “Scratch Blocks”.
The tool is based on the popular coding-for-kids tool “Scratch”, that has been downloaded about a squillion times and introduced kids galore to coding. Google says the new effort offers “horizontal grammar - an icon-based grammar that’s optimized for small screens, and is ideal for beginner-friendly experiences.”
The company also plans “to support the vertical, text-based grammar that’s already familiar to today’s users of Scratch.”
Both outfits say “Scratch Blocks represents the first step in a broader effort, focused on developing new software toolkits that enable developers to create consistent, high-quality programming experiences for kids everywhere.” Which sounds a lot like an attempt at making sure kids can learn to code on smartphones, using Scratch-like tools. ®