The Scratch Competition and Me - by Claire Foyle
“I entered the Scratch Competition back in March. Scratch is a high-level block-based visual programming language.I had to create a project on anything, the world was really my oyster here.
I came up with the idea of the Unknown Tourist Attractions. The project is about the lesser known attractions of Ireland, the destinations that don’t receive the recognition they deserve. By doing this project I aimed to put these Unknown Tourist Attractions on the map.
I had to go to UL on Wednesday March 18th for the finals of this competition, so it was an early start. When I arrived there I found the desk I was to be at and displayed sheets of paper talking about the specifics of the project including the description and most interesting part . From 11 - 1 judges came around to ask about the project. I would show how the project works & show the code behind it. They also asked questions about what would be the next version? Different groups of school children and parents also came around to see our projects to get inspiration. It was enjoyable to talk to people and show the creation that you made but also to hear other peoples thoughts on the project too. At lunch time, the judges deliberated as the students were offered pizza.
After the break, we gathered in a lecture hall in the computer science building of UL to listen to guest speaker professor Mark Campbell, a professor of Psychology in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Science. He talked about ‘the real world benefits from the virtual world of videogames’ It was interesting to discover another perspective to it all. He mentioned about the craze of esports and its drastically bigger fanbase than those of hurling or football or even the Superbowl .We learnt from studies done that video games increase a person’s speed and accuracy in certain tests.
Then the awards ceremony was held at half two. Different judges from the judging panel presented many awards including the best of each category and awards including best animation and best technical sophistication. I was privileged to receive the Judges Award.
I highly enjoyed my experience. What I learned is that I may only be sixteen years old but I can make a change for the greater good and the tools are at my fingertips.”
By Claire Foyle, Transition Year.
Link to the project:
