In an era where technology is redefining every aspect of our lives -from science and medicine to art and our daily routines-, it is imperative that the next generation not only navigate but also shape this digital world. Digital literacy is no longer a luxury, but a critical necessity. Computational thinking has been recognized as “an essential 21st century skill.” Our mission is to ensure that every boy and girl, without exception, has the opportunity to develop these skills.
This is why we have created Scratch Tactile, an educational resource that democratizes the learning of creative programming and computational thinking. It is inspired by the philosophy and design of Scratch and ScratchJr, created by the team of Mitch Resnick and Marina U. Bers, the most used creative programming learning platforms in the world and has been created in col· collaboration between Sistema THEAD and the Scratch Foundation (born at the MIT Media Lab).
It has been developed following the "Universal Design for Learning (UDL)" model, which means that it can be used by all students, regardless of their abilities, economic conditions or language. Additionally, Scratch Tactile is a global movement for equity: it is an educational resource, it is awareness-raising, and it is a community committed to educational equity. Explore projects from the community of educators, students and designers for inclusion here.
In just one year, we have managed to donate more than 250 kits of Scratch Tactile to students, educational centers and entities in Catalonia, the rest of Spain, the United States, Latin America, and other countries in Europe. We are deeply proud of this achievement, but it is just the beginning. There is much more we can do, and for that, we need your support.
This is why we have launched this campaign on Goteo, in order to further expand our impact. The funds obtained in this campaign will go to:
- Innovation and development of the project.
- Expand the reach of Scratch Tactile and reach more students globally.
- Respond to the growing demand from countries, people and schools that need the kit but do not have the resources to manufacture or acquire it.
To learn more about our mission and impact, check out the June 2024 report.
Main features and goals of the crowdfunding campaign
Why is Scratch Tactile unique?
Scratch Tactile is unique because it is more than an educational tool, it is a **bridge to inclusion**. Unlike other technology-based educational resources, Scratch Tactile goes beyond technical learning to become a platform for social change. It combines creative technology and programming learning with a deep social mission, making it a powerful tool to transform education and ultimately society.
Scratch Tactile is a learning adventure that allows all students to explore and master digital skills, think critically, solve problems and collaborate, all vital skills for their future. Furthermore, it is a **Open Source and Open Design project, whose main objective is to contribute to reducing the digital divide among vulnerable students, mainly for economic reasons or disability.
In addition, Scractch Tactile aims to:
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Guarantee universal access to coding and technological education : We want every child, anywhere in the world, to have the same opportunities to learn and grow with technology.
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Develop fundamental skills for the future: In the digital age we do not want to leave anyone behind. Our goal is for all students without exception to develop computational and digital thinking skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age.
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Promote inclusive and equitable education: Scratch Tactile is committed to breaking barriers and building bridges, ensuring that the diversity of abilities and other circumstances of students is a driving force and not an obstacle.
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Create a global community for equity: Establish a global community open to people of any sector, age and country, dedicated to promoting equity. This community will be a space for collaboration, the exchange of creative ideas and designs or teaching activities, and mutual support, in order to promote equal opportunities in education.
We invite you to explore more about the kit in our guide: Get to know the kit You will find comprehensive information that will allow you to discover all the features and benefits that this kit has to offer. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the details and learn how it can be a valuable tool for you or others. Also, to learn how the different blocks work visit our guide.
Why this is important
Scratch Tactile has been designed to address the specific challenges that students with functional diversity face daily in the areas of coding and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). The inspiration for this project comes from the personal experience of Maria, the co-director of Sistema THEAD, who was born with a visual disability. She has experienced first-hand the obstacles and difficulties that arise from living with a different condition, especially in an increasingly digital world where accessibility is often not prioritized.
This initiative seeks to respond to these needs not only by providing accessible educational tools, but also by creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for learning in areas critical to the future. Scratch Tactile is dedicated to removing barriers and opening new opportunities so that all students, especially those with disabilities, can reach their full potential in key and highly influential fields.
Target audiences
Each segment of the community plays a crucial role in driving toward more equitable and accessible education:
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Individual Teachers interested in adopting an inclusive approach in their classrooms through the use of Scratch Tactile.
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Institutions of any type that wish to incorporate educational tools with a social and inclusive focus in their creative programming and STEAM programs. Scratch Tactile offers you the opportunity to foster an equitable and accessible learning environment for all students.
3. Public and Private Entities in the educational sector interested in supporting innovation and socio-educational inclusion for everyone.
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People and organizations that wish to contribute to educational transformation and the reduction of inequalities, especially in technological areas. This group shares the values of equity, inclusion and solidarity, and seeks to support projects that have a significant social impact.
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Students - End Users: Students of early childhood and primary education, or also special or secondary education, including those with various disabilities, who are the direct beneficiaries of Scratch Tactile. The project is designed to be accessible and offer an enriching educational experience that prepares students for a technologically advanced future.
To start learning with Scratch Tactile, visit our website and discover the set of activities that we have prepared. They will serve as an introduction and are easy and fun!!
Team and experience
Our team is made up of: María, Roger, Ana, Isabel, Luke, Marta, Renato, Nina and Marc. Our diversity of skills, our experience, and our desire to contribute to building a better world for everyone are fundamental to the success of Scratch Tactile. Each of us brings a unique perspective, enabling the project to not only meet its educational objectives, but also set new standards in inclusive and accessible teaching.
Team Composition:
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Project Manager: Skilled in coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing resources, this professional ensures that the project is developed on time, within budget and achieves the desired quality standards.
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Experts in Pedagogy and Teaching: With extensive experience in teacher training, this member leads the curricular development and educational implementation of the project, ensuring that the materials are pedagogically sound and suitable for different learning styles.
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Accessibility Specialist: Ensures that Scratch Tactile complies with international accessibility regulations, making the resource usable for students with diverse abilities.
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Expert in Digital Manufacturing and Maker Culture: This member applies her knowledge in digital manufacturing to design and produce physical components of the kit, incorporating maker culture practices that facilitate the personalization and adaptation of the product.
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Responsible for Administrative Issues: she handles all administrative and financial aspects of the project, from contracting and logistics to regulatory compliance and financial management.
In addition, we have the support of two computer engineering students and a Business and Marketing student.
IIf you want to learn more about us, our mission and all the organizations and people who have collaborated so far, we invite you to visit ScratchJrTactile.org and our website (Sistema THEAD)..
Follow us also on our social networks to keep up to date with all the latest news: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Your support is essential to bring creative programming to everyone without exception. THANK YOU!
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