Welcome 2018!

Term one sees the Allen Centre going digital! Could this be us some time in the future?

Below you will find us working hard at the key competency Relating to Others whilst exploring some digital technologies.  

Scratch

While there may be many different programming languages, they all require typing codes that most people do not understand. So, to introduce many of our children to the art of coding I chose Scratch.

Invented by MIT, Scratch is an open source system that enables individuals to program interactive stories, games and animations. Instead of typing code, Scratch uses visual blocks like puzzle pieces to create a program. Scratch is very similar to lego because the number of ways to arrange the blocks is endless. While Scratch is largely used to introduce kids to coding, it can also create sophisticated programs, so whether you are an absolute beginner to coding or have your own scratch log on and spend hours on coding  - there is something for everybody!

Scratch is an ideal tool for teaching kids how to code. All the material is free and there are many resources to help teachers integrate coding with their curriculum. I have particularly enjoyed watching the children share their knowledge and expertise, as well as congratulating each other on their creations. A very authentic context for practising relating to each other.

The following photos show the children working on their own codes, own pages, or using the scratch printable info cards courtesy of Phillipa at HATCH.

Edison Robots

Edison has:

• infrared obstacle detectors (left and right)
• line tracking sensor
• light sensors (left and right)
• infrared receiver
• infrared transmitter
• piezo sounder
• sound sensor
• two motors with variable speeds
• left and right red LED lights
• and three control buttons

Edison can:

• navigate his way around by detecting obstacles to his left or right
• be controlled by a standard TV/DVD remote
• follow a line or stay within a border
• follow a flashlight
• communicate with another Edison using infrared light – robot swarms anyone?!!
• play beeps and musical tunes
• respond to clapping and other loud sounds
• move in any direction through his differential drive system

EdWare

EdWare is a fun way to start learning computer programming.

This simple ‘drag and drop’ graphical programming language uses CONTROL,READ, DATA and FLOW instructions that are linked together in a logical ’flowchart’ style.

Advanced programming is just a mouse click away – up to 1000 command icons can be used in a single program. Sophisticated programs using 16-bit maths and event interrupts can also control one Edison, or several Edisons operating together.

To start the children off easily, I introduced the:

Downloadable robot activity mat

The EdMat activity mat is an A1 size (23in x 33in) mat designed to make running robot activities such as line following and bounce in borders with Edison simple to set up and loads of fun. The EdMat includes six barcodes that activate pre-installed programs including ‘follow a torch’, ‘line tracking’ and ‘sumo wrestle’. Using an EdMat lets you set up a ‘robot station’ in a snap. You can download the EdMat for free and have it printed at your local print shop.

Unplugged!

Computer Science Unplugged is very much based on a constructivist approach: students are given challenges based on a few simple rules, and in the process of solving those challenges they uncover powerful ideas on their own. Not only is this a more memorable way to learn, but it empowers them to realise that these are ideas within their grasp. The activities are also very kinesthetic - the bigger the materials, the better.

Teaching computational thinking through CSUnplugged activities supports students to learn how to describe a problem, identify what are the important details they need to solve this problem, and break it down into small, logical steps so that they can then create a process which solves the problem, and then evaluate this process. These skills are transferable to any other curriculum area, but are particularly relevant to developing digital systems and solving problems using the capabilities of computers.

How does a computer work?

Are YOU as smart as a computer?

What does a byte and nibble got to do with our classroom technology?

Our first unplugged challenge was to create bracelets as a binary representations of the first letter of our name. Students learn that data can be represented and stored in more than one way.