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This is a book about learning the Scratch language so that you can use it in teaching and other instructional situations. The book explains the visual nature of the language, showing you how to write programs by dragging and dropping visual blocks representing common compute operations.
Scratch is visual language that even young children can master. and makes computer programming as easy as dragging and dropping graphical blocks that represent programming commands, eliminating the traditional stumbling blocks of typing and syntax errors. With a drag-and-drop interface that runs in any web browser, and on devices from iPads to PCs to Macs to Microsoft Surface tablets, Scratch is an easily accessible way to enter the world of computer programming. This book teaches how to use Scratch in a fun and simple way that relies on examples and learning by doing. Progressing from simple three-block scripts that move a character across the screen to complex projects that involve motion, sound, and user input, this book:

Imparts a thorough understanding of the Scratch interface.

Shows how to create a range of Scratch projects, including simple games.

Builds a solid foundation for future programming in other languages
What You Will Learn

Navigate the Scratch interface

Create sprites and backdrops

Learn programming skills good in all languages

Program simple games and animations
Share programs with friends worldwide Who This Book Is For
Scratch for Absolute Beginners is intended for complete beginners to the world of computer programming and the Scratch language. Learning to program in Scratch is an easy and fun way for anybody seven years and older to learn about computer programming. Scratch´s drag-and-drop interface in a web browser makes the book easy and accessible to young children and adults alike.

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Introduction Part I: Learning the Basics 1. Getting to Know the Scratch Interface 2. Meet the Cat 3. Make the Cat Move 4. Make the Cat Draw 5. The Playful Cat 6. The Noisy Cat Part II: Becoming a Programmer 7. Advanced Concepts 8. Variables 9. Lists 10. Webcam Interaction 11. Broadcast Interaction 12. Create Your Own Blocks 13. Answers 14. Conclusion

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Eduardo A. Vlieg was born and raised on the island of Cura‡ao, Dutch Antilles. He studied at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Daytona Beach, Florida, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Aircraft Engineering Technology in 1993. Then in 2001 he received his Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) from the University of the Netherland Antilles. He has been working in the IT field since 1996, and has fulfilled various positions and obtained various certifications since then. His background includes some 20 years in the auditing, financial, engineering, consulting, risk, and compliance industries. He´s the author of the books Basic Scratch and Beyond Basic Scratch, and the creator of the Basic Scratch Podcast and the Basic Scratch Facebook page. He also teaches the Scratch programming language to high school students in Cura‡ao.

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