Empowerment is dependent on the interconnectedness of our kaupapa (connected, ubiquitous, empowered, visible). Our tamariki start school at 5 years of age having heard 32 million less words than higher decile communities. Encouraging 5+ a day 'ping pong' style conversations is one way we can help our learners increase their oral language levels. The default of visible empowers our tamariki and is vital for connections to be made both before and after the learning.
‘The Manaiakalani kaupapa of empowerment is the advancing of Rangatiratanga; taking back control of their own lives.’ - Pat Sneddon
‘The Manaiakalani kaupapa of empowerment is the advancing of Rangatiratanga; taking back control of their own lives.’ - Pat Sneddon
Computational Thinking
How a computer thinks, algorithms, programming, algorithmic thinking skills (logical thinking). To introduce us to this session lead by Viv, we were given the challenge of working out who was born closest to Auckland using an algorithm layout on floor. Our aim was to move from box to box following arrows according to a given criteria. This was not only a lot of fun but also allowed me to make solid visual connections to the learning ahead.
Ethics and Morals
We can all gather data but need to think and make choices about what we do with this information. To explain this further we were asked a series of questions linked to different scenarios that really tested our own ethics and morals. The link to the our questions is here.
The Digital Curriculum is about using technology ‘in authentic contexts and taking into account end-users’. Digital fluency is inquiry and communication - using technologies that already exist to learn-create-share (eg: adding a filter on Instagram). Digital Technologies is construction and expression to create something with technology (eg: can make a filter for a photo using software).
Practical Application
We explored several sites that uses blockly (a programming language that clicks together) to practise our own computational thinking skills. This is definitely an area that is still a work in progress for me so I really appreciated the opportunities to ask questions and have a go.
We can all gather data but need to think and make choices about what we do with this information. To explain this further we were asked a series of questions linked to different scenarios that really tested our own ethics and morals. The link to the our questions is here.
Curriculum Deep Dive
- Inquiry includes data modelling, spreadsheets, access to online databases, searching, access to virtual labs, online observatories, virtual field trips
- Communication includes word processing, e-mail, virtual conferences, graphics software, blogging, vlogging, presentations, websites and tutorials
- Construction includes robotics, computer-aided design, control systems, programming, electronics, digital manufacturing, game design and sensors.
- Expression includes interactive video, animation software, 3D design, music composition, digital art, digital story telling
Practical Application
We explored several sites that uses blockly (a programming language that clicks together) to practise our own computational thinking skills. This is definitely an area that is still a work in progress for me so I really appreciated the opportunities to ask questions and have a go.
Binary
Learning about binary numbers was a really valuable part of today's learning for me as it filled another one of my own knowledge gaps. Binary is a number system that uses 1 and 0. I have seen other teachers use binary challenges with their students but I have never done that myself as I did not have the content knowledge. However after completing todays challenge I will definitely be adding this to my planning. The Khan Academy has a video that explains binary. The image below can be sourced here and is a challenge that was a lot of fun to do.
Learning about binary numbers was a really valuable part of today's learning for me as it filled another one of my own knowledge gaps. Binary is a number system that uses 1 and 0. I have seen other teachers use binary challenges with their students but I have never done that myself as I did not have the content knowledge. However after completing todays challenge I will definitely be adding this to my planning. The Khan Academy has a video that explains binary. The image below can be sourced here and is a challenge that was a lot of fun to do.
Useful Takeaways:
- An algorithm is a set of instructions.
- Mapping the algorithm pathway on the floor is a great visual connection and scaffold
- Debugging and error detection introduce the problem solving components
- Coding is not scary
- Binary is fun!
- I will be adding some of today's content to my planning.
Hi Robyn, enjoyed reading your blog about this session! It's so valuable to trial the software/applications that we give to our students. For me, it was really eye-opening to identify the challenges I faced during Scratch. These things could I could identify when introducing the application. Totally agree with you - Binary is fun!! A new concept I've seen it before but really didn't understand the numbers behind. A good session to extend our knowledge. Well done on your hour of code certification! :)
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