In EMBED 2012, the “Scratch IT to see IT!” competition was based on the freely downloadable graphical environment known as Scratch designed by MIT specifically for introducing children to programming in a fun and easy way.
Students in teams of 3 under the leadership of a teacher of ICT, Computing or any other subject were invited to design and create a game, interactive story or similar production loosely related to the EMBED theme – Maltese History. The teams were given the opportunity to showcase their skills and projects on a stand at EMBED.
Entries have been judged according to the following criteria, all of equal weight: originality, thematic interpretation, technical quality, fun element and authenticity.
17 teams from 9 different schools and colleges in Malta and Gozo participated in this SCRATCH
The majority of schools submitted 2 different projects presented by 2 separate teams.
In all there were about 50 students from Form 1 – Form 4, who took part in this competition; their ages ranged from 11 – 15 years.
It was a delight to see students mastering the SCRATCH tool and come up with such fascinating projects with the assistance of their ICT teachers. The students presented their project at EMBED 2012 with enthusiasm, motivation, commitment, and teamwork! We could see the hard work they put into it, including working on the project during lunch breaks and during their Easter holidays to make that extra effort – but the results speak for themselves.
Through interactive graphics, sound, recording of speech and even drawing of scenes, the students managed to submit a number of interesting games and stories depicting Maltese history and/or culture. Besides programming and the utilisation of ICT, the students demonstrated their creativity, and design – skills that are considered an asset for any career.
It was a difficult choice to award the prizes sponsored by Computer Solutions Ltd., Alert Communications, Crimsonwing and Mr. John Ambrogio – Chairman of the eSkills Alliance.
Results of the Competition are:
First prize:
School: De La Salle College
Project: Malta Journey through Generations
Teacher: Ms Dorianne Spiteri
Students: Edward Zammit, Axel Scicluna, Ryan J. Zammit
Prize: A Netbook sponsored by Computer Solutions Ltd
This game which consists of 3 mini-games on the history and culture of Malta – usable also for having fun while learning about the Maltese history.
Second Prize:
School: Archbishop’s Seminary Secondary School
Project: Blasting Malta
Teacher: Ms Maureen Cristina
Students: Ryan Borg, Jake Farrugia, Raoul Mifsud
Prize: Pen Tablet sponsored by Alert Communications
A game based on the World War II and the several bombardments and attacks on the Maltese Islands. The game provides an insight of to the attacks on Valletta, Grand Harbour, Senglea, Cospicua etc during World War II.
Third Prize:
School: St Patrick’s Salesian School
Project: L-Assedju l-Kbir 1565
Teacher: Ms Gianella Busuttil
Students: Daniel Borg, Dylan Sammut, Noel Spiteri
Prize: Job Exposure sponsored by Crimsonwing
An interactive story and game based on the Great Siege of Malta of 1565. The game gives users the opportunity to test their knowledge about this historical event.
Surprise prize:
School: St Ignatius College, Girls’ Secondary School
Project: Ikla Rizzi
Teacher: Mr Joseph Vella
Students: Eden Micallef, Roberta Camilleri, Deborah Azzopardi
Prize: Digital Camera sponsored by Mr John Ambrogio – eSkills Alliance
A game associated with the feast of St. Gregory marking Maltese folklore. 2 players compete in the quest to find 80 sea urchins for a plate of pasta – a Maltese delicacy. As a prize, the game provides the winner with the recipe for pasta with sea urchins sauce.
This Competition was a joint effort between MITA, the eSkills Alliance, and some ICT industry players, the Faculty of Education within the University of Malta and the e-Learning Centre within the Directorate for Educational Services (DES) and Directorate for Quality and Standards in Education (DQSE).
