Week 7 (Computational Thinking)
So this week I decided to face this topic with confidence instead of dread. My combined successes from last week with Binary Code and this week with my great mark for the part A assignment; lead me to feeling like I might actually know what I'm doing when it comes to the technologies curriculum. This week we tackled computational thinking and some basic primary level programming. I once again have had very little experience with this element of technology, however my general understanding was that computational thinking was thinking in a way that was similar to a computer. I was kind of on the right track; computational thinking is actually formulating solutions to problems that could be also processed in a similar way by a computer.
I have to admit that once again some of the information on moodle confused me. I came across the reading called '15 ways to teach students coding' I found this reading helpful as it provided direct examples of how to teach coding to students. It was broken down into age brackets which was helpful to see how you can expand on these activities as the students get older and more competent with computers. I also liked that there was a section for Kindergarten students. As some one who already works with this age group it was great to see ideas that I could be already implementing for practice. Another reason I found this reading helpful was that it included ideas for 'unplugged' learning of programming skills. This was very eye opening as it showed first hand how coding can be taught without always accessing a computer.
To begin my engagement with coding and programming, I first tried out the code monster website.
This was quiet good at explaining how codes affect outcomes and how changing the code changes the product. At times I found it a little boring and repetitive however this repetition may be helpful for some students to process the information on coding.
Next I went and tried the Khan Academy's 'Hour of Code'. I really engaged well with this site, I felt that it explained elements of code well and I also found the program easy to step through with its tutorial and then activities set up. I really started to process the method of coding using this website. I would definitely consider using this in my classroom. Students could complete the challenges step by step saving their progress for next time. This program could be used individually by students or in small groups to encouraged scaffold-ed learning.
Lastly I tried out the cargo bot app for I-pads. I found this app very engaging, it explained programming well and how I had to create programs to complete the levels. I felt this app had a very game like set up and I think this would really appeal to students. On of the aims of the technologies curriculum is for students to engage confidently with technologies and to learn to manipulate technologies to design and create solutions (ACARA, 2015). I believe using Cargo bot with students could help to support and achieve this aim. I would consider showing the children the app and what they had to do, then getting them to write some programming for homework (unplugged) to achieve the task. The next day I would allow students to test their programs and see if they can achieve the tasks on cargo bot. Students who achieve success can move onto the next challenge whilst other children re-asses their program and make improvements to achieve success.
I have felt this week that I once again have been able to get my head around the course content. I have really enjoyed using the different coding and programming sites. I have actually continued to use cargo bot and the Khan academy programs to continue my own personal learning. I can also once again see the value in teaching coding and programming to produce efficient 21st century learners and citizens.
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