GPP - Rapid Router

In the ICT lesson, students were using Rapid Router to learn how to write algorithm using the basic principles of programming. It is built on 'Blockly', a visual programming language. The aim is to get the truck to reach the destination using the most efficient algorithm.

 It was a fun way to get children to understand repetition (repeat until) and selection (if___, do___).

If the child reaches the destination, they get 10/10 for route score. However, their algorithm needs to be the most simplest way possible to get 10/10. For example, I can reach the destination by doing move forward, move forward, move forward, turn left... and so on but I won't get a good score for my algorithm score. In the class, students were willing to get full marks so even when they managed to reach the destination, they examined their algorithm to find out how they can make it simpler.

GPP - Simulated science investigation

In science lesson, students learned about thermal conductors and insulators. Because of limited time, children used a simulation experiment on BBC bitesize to investigate whether different materials were good / poor insulators. Children were working scientifically without actual science equipments but by using ICT. The findings provided their theoretical basis for when they create a container to keep an ice cube cold as long as possible. 

Teacher models how to record data

Children drag and drop different materials to use as an insulator and investigate the rate of temperature drop

GPP - E-safety rules

Example of clear rules for pupils when using computers. 

The use of pictures and child-friendly language makes it appropriate for the whole school. The top picture is used as the desktop wallpaper on all the computers so that students are constantly reminded of how to use the internet responsibly. 

Using Thinkuknow and Kidsmart

As a lesson on E-safety, children can be divided into groups and each get a topic relating to e-safety such as: safe searching, sharing personal information, and chatting. They can then use resources such as Thinkuknow and Kidsmart and gather information that they can use to write notes or make a spider diagram with. 

They might then devise a script and act out a scene in front of the class to teach the other groups about their topic. For example, children may act out a scenario in which a young girl meets a supposedly young boy who she's been chatting to. By acting out possible scenarios, the possible dangers of using the internet would be highlighted, and children would become more aware of how they use the internet. 

Phonics - Play some music

At my phonics placement, the class teacher played some relaxing Disney music after the children came in after their lunch break. They started gently massaging (more like patting and poking!) each other on their back along the music! I thought it was a great way of getting the children to calm down and get them in focus mode after they have been bouncing around in the playground. 

Since I enjoy practicing yoga, I might play some relaxing meditational music, or perhaps even play a youtube video of easy cool down yoga in my classroom. I can then video this and send it to parents or put in on a class blog to demonstrate that the children are taking care of themselves physically and mentally! 

October 2015 action plan

• Take note of ICT being used in lessons 
• See Phonics Placement

• Save any web links that I find useful in my independent learning, which can potentially be used in the lesson.

• Practice using some of the programming applications e.g. Scratch
• See Using Scratch

Computing Pick 'n' Mix #4

I finally got round to completing the Computing Pick 'n' Mix #4. I found it really helpful since it gave me a good understanding of what the children are required to do, and a good idea of what the different programming applications are for. My initial fear / anxiety about teaching ICT has definitely been somewhat alleviated.  Teaching about not only HOW TO USE COMPUTERS computers but HOW COMPUTERS WORK doesn't seem too daunting anymore. 

I particularly found the video about computing across the curriculum interesting and it made me think of ways that I can incorporate ICT across the curriculum. 

• Beebot for geography exercises using a world map / UK map...
• Logo for making graphs and charts for results obtained from science experiments...
• Scratch for creating an interactive story and then writing a narration for English...

However, I'll need to try experimenting with these programs so that I get a real grasp of how easy the programs are to use.

I've made some notes about each of the programming applications so that I can come back to it and figure out which application would work best for particular activities and learning objectives. 

• Daisy the Dinosaur
• Children makes green dinosaur move at their command
• Gives taste of programming and encourages analytical thinking

• Logo
• Gives introduction to programming
• Graphs and charts are main applications but can also be used to create games and programs 

• Scratch
• Children can program own stories, games and animations
• Encourages creative thinking and systematic reasoning 
• Designed especially for ages 8 to 16

• Raspberry Pi
• Credit-card size computer that plugs into computer monitor or TV and used standard keyboard and mouse 

• Python
• General purpose programming language 

References 
Mind Leap. (2015). Daisy the Dinosaur. Available: 
   http://www.mindleaptech.com/apps/daisy-the-dinosaur/. [Last accessed 8th Oct 2015.]

Python Software Foundation. About Python. Available: 
https://www.python.org/.  [Last accessed 8th Oct 2015.]

Raspberry Pi Foundation. What is a Raspberry Pi?. Available: https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/what-is-a-raspberry-pi/. [Last accessed 8th Oct 2015.]