Dr. Margaret Honey, President and CEO of the Scratch Foundation, shares her expertise in leveraging digital technologies for children's education. She discusses how Scratch empowers kids through creativity and community, highlighting its impressive growth to over 46 million users. The conversation delves into the unique philosophy of learning that sets Scratch apart, AI integration to foster exploration, and the significance of sustainable models in educational platforms. Margaret emphasizes that true learning requires inspiration and a supportive environment.
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insights INSIGHT
Scratch Empowers Creativity
Scratch emphasizes children's agency and creative expression rather than just coding skills.
It serves as a playful tool where kids bring their own ideas and creativity to life.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Child Celebrates Scratch's Impact
A child celebrated Scratch as "a universe of possibilities" and a catalyst for countless "aha moments."
Scratch creates a family-like environment where kids have voice, agency, and creative freedom.
insights INSIGHT
Shifting Educational Paradigms
Global education is shifting towards creativity and problem-solving skills, not just right answers.
Emphasis on testing has limited teachers' ability to ignite curiosity and motivation in students.
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Dr. Margaret Honey joined the Scratch Foundation as the organization’s President & CEO in January 2024. She is widely recognized for her work using digital technologies to support children’s learning and brings decades of non-profit leadership experience and expertise to the Scratch Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Dr. Honey led the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) for 15 years, where she leveraged the museum as a platform for innovation in STEM education and developed NYSCI’s distinctive Design-Make-Play approach to STEM learning. A graduate of Hampshire College with a doctorate in developmental psychology from Columbia University, Margaret Honey has helped to shape the best thinking about learning and technology with special attention to ensuring that all young people have access to high-quality creative learning opportunities.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How Scratch empowers children through creativity, coding, and community.
The history and growth of Scratch into a global platform with over 46 million users.
The unique philosophy of learning that sets Scratch apart from traditional edtech tools.
How Scratch is approaching AI integration to foster exploration and child agency.
Why sustainable, mission-driven models are essential for educational platforms.
✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:27] “There’s no learning without inspiration.” [00:03:59] Scratch hits 46 million users and 21.5 million new sign-ups in 2024. [00:06:51] Scratch empowers kids with agency and creative coding. [00:07:47] Global education shifts toward creativity and problem-solving. [00:13:50] 35 million studios show Scratch’s thriving peer-to-peer community. [00:18:29] “It would be impossible to do now what Scratch did then.” [00:24:34] Scratch explores AI as a tool for creativity, not instruction. [00:32:29] A museum exhibit inspires a child: “I have superpowers.” [00:34:15] Rethinking education to match the pace of technological change.
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