Sunyani: Mr. Gabriel Kwadwo Afram, an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tutor, has advocated for the adoption of ‘physical 3D scratch coding blocks’ as a teaching tool in basic schools. This initiative aims to enhance the creative skills of students, particularly in communities that lack access to computers and the internet.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Afram, who is a tutor at Sunyani Senior High School and the developer of these scratch blocks, explained that the coding block is an innovative educational tool designed to introduce programming to learners. He emphasized that in areas without computer access, these physical blocks can effectively teach the fundamentals of coding. Scratch, as a visual programming language, enables users to create interactive stories, games, and animations.
Mr. Afram developed these blocks after receiving a grant from the Scratch Foundation in the United States, which supports the provision of unplugged coding resources for learners in communities without electricity and digital infrastructure. He highlighted that incorporating scratch into classrooms through tactile tools like the 3D Scratch blocks would promote creative thinking, systematic reasoning, and collaborative learning, ensuring inclusivity in coding education.
He stressed the importance of early exposure to coding in today’s technological world and recommended introducing the coding tool at the primary school level. This initiative is expected to enhance critical thinking and stimulate interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Mr. Afram noted that STEM education requires hands-on engagement, and the 3D Scratch blocks serve as manipulatives to facilitate learning. Through play, children can build, explore, and physically learn coding principles, making the experience both memorable and effective. Integrating these blocks into the curriculum will empower teachers in remote areas and equip students with foundational coding skills, even in the absence of computers or internet connectivity.
He further explained that the 3D Scratch blocks were piloted in 30 public and private schools in the Sunyani Municipality and Jaman North District of the Bono Region, benefiting more than 500 learners. This pilot implementation is part of the Scratch Education Collaborative (SEC) 2022-2024 cohort.