Leon Grier
TEC 101 Fundamentals of Informational Technology &
Literacy
Professor Jimmie Flores
August 9, 2024
This paper reflects on my experience using Scratch, a
block-based programming language designed for beginners. I will discuss the
challenges I encountered, how I overcame them, and the insights I gained about
programming. Additionally, I will compare my experience with Scratch to
traditional programming languages discussed in Chapter 2 of Vahid and Lysecky’s
book, Computing Technology for All, including machine language, assembly
language, and high-level languages like Python. I will also identify the
differences between these languages, explain which one I found easiest to use,
and describe situations where each language would be most effective.
Using Scratch for the first time was quite challenging for
me. As someone who learns best through videos and hands-on activities, I found
it difficult to understand how Scratch worked at first. The hardest part was
figuring out what each section of the program was for. I also struggled because
I’m more of a straightforward thinker, and Scratch seemed to require a bit of
imagination. To overcome these challenges, I searched for YouTube tutorials
specifically made for beginners. Watching someone else explain and demonstrate
the program helped me understand it much better. Through this process, I
realized how important it is to have some basic knowledge of programming,
though Scratch can still be learned without it.
In Chapter 2 of the textbook Computing Technology for All,
the authors discuss different types of programming languages, such as machine
language, assembly language, and high-level languages like Python. Compared to
Scratch, these traditional languages require more detailed knowledge and a
better understanding of logic. Machine language is the most basic, dealing
directly with the computer’s binary code (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Assembly
language is slightly easier but still needs a good grasp of the system’s
hardware. High-level languages like Python are easier to read and write because
they are more similar to human language.
The key difference between Scratch and traditional languages
is how abstract they are. Scratch is very abstract, using visual blocks to
represent code, which makes it easier for beginners. Machine language, on the
other hand, is very low-level and specific, requiring precise commands that the
computer can execute directly. Assembly language is a bit easier than machine
language but still requires a deep understanding of how computers work.
High-level languages like Python are more accessible because they are closer to
how humans think and communicate.
Out of all the languages discussed, I found Scratch to be
the easiest because of its visual, drag-and-drop interface. However, Python
also stands out as being easy to use, especially for those who have some basic
programming knowledge. Python’s simple syntax makes it a great choice for
beginners who want to write real code.
Each programming language has situations where it works
best. Machine language is useful when you need direct control over the
computer’s hardware, like in systems programming. Assembly language is often
used in situations where performance is critical, such as in embedded systems.
High-level languages like Python are great for a wide range of tasks, including
web development, data analysis, and automation. Scratch, on the other hand, is
perfect for teaching programming concepts to beginners and creating simple
interactive projects.
Python is currently one of the most popular programming
languages because it is versatile, easy to learn, and has a large community of
users (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). It is widely used in many fields, from web
development to data science.
Overall, my experience with Scratch gave me valuable
insights into the world of programming. While Scratch is an excellent tool for
beginners, traditional languages like Python offer more power and flexibility.
Understanding the strengths of each programming language and knowing when to
use them is essential for any programmer.
References
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing Technology
for All. Retrieved from
https://learn.zybooks.com/zybook/TEC101:_Fundamentals_of_Information_Technology_&_Literacy_(TED2432A)
Link to Scratch Project
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