Scratchers should recognize the interface and concepts of Google’s app inventor for Android. Based on the project description, the app inventor turns programming on its head and gives non-programmers a vehicle to create applications through graphical blocks. That’s powerful stuff.

The app inventor project recognizes several earlier projects for providing research and inspiration. It mentions an ongoing collaboration with the Scratch Team, which Mitch Resnick confirms in a Scratch Ed thread.

From the app inventor page:

The educational perspective that motivates App Inventor holds that programming can be a vehicle for engaging powerful ideas through active learning. As such, it is part of an ongoing movement in computers and education that began with the work of Seymour Papert and the MIT Logo Group in the 1960s.

I’ll be watching this project closely and will be shopping for an Android phone. It seems like a logical jump from the playful environment of Scratch.

The Scratch project won a Best in Class for design in the Digital Media and Learning Competition. The award will help fund the development of Scratch 2.0, which promises mobile, social media, and enhanced collaboration features.

Here’s a short video from the Scratch Team.

Congrats Scratch Team.

To celebrate community Scratch Day on May 22, 2010, the OLPC Learning Club in Arlignton, VA will host a Scratch Circus. There will be fun, learning, and prizes. There will be activities for children, teens, teachers, and parents.

I’ll make the relatively short trip to Arlington to participate in the circus and lead a workshop for the parents. If you’re within a few hours of Arlington, why not make the trip? Or find a Scratch Day event near you.

I’d like to thank Mike Lee and the OLPC Learning Club D.C. for inviting me to participate. I’m looking forward to it.