Introducing Computing in your Classroom
Module 2
How to teach computing
How to teach computing
2.1 ...without computers
It might be strange to consider teaching computing without using computers but it is probably one of the most powerful methods to approach the subject. Not only does it highlight to the students that computing isn't all about computers but more about complex problem solving, it also engages a range of different learners and especially those who might be less engaged when sitting in front of a computer. Furthermore, it is a method that highlights how the subject can be effectively taught without a lot of expensive equipment.
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2.2 ...collaboratively
n this section we therefore look at a method to make the work on the computer more effective and in particular to develop the kind of collaborative skills that students require and that were highlighted by the teachers in Module 1.
This is the idea of Pair Programming. It is important to implement this method early on in your classes so that the students immediately get into a rhythm of discussing their work and clearly understand that good programming is as much about good communication as it is about understanding code. |
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2.3 ...cross-curricular
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It is essential that we do not look at computing in an isolated way, something we have already picked up in the first module, but rather with a broader perspective highlighting the relevancy to students' every day lives.
Given how we have been taught ourselves, many of us still think in "boxes" of academic subjects such as maths, history, art, geography or computing. But it is important to break out of such thinking and explore the links between subjects when working with our students. And this is especially relevant when it comes to computing, given its relevancy to so many other fields and in everything we do in our personal and professional lives. |
2.4 ...gender inclusive
It will be no surprise to most of us that girls in many countries only make up a small percentage of students taking up computing related subjects at high school and university (in contrast to the dominance of women on this course).
In case you are wondering, we are well aware that the gender imbalance in the computing field is also reflected in the make-up of the people featuring on this course which is just another important reason why it is so essential that we engage more girls into the subject. |
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2.5 Live Webinar: Competence-based Pedagogy for Teaching Computing
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Date and time: Thursday, 26th November, 18:00h Brussels time (CET)
Link to access the webinar: http://bit.ly/1kOkfQh The webinar will be run via the Webex platform. For a short introduction to the platform see the video below. In case you are asked for a password, this is: academy. You can access the recording of the webinar shortly afterwards in this section. Topic of the webinar: Tullia will be presenting on the topic of how key competences can be developed through the teaching of computing with a particular focus on the use of robotics to develop such competences. |
2.6 Module 2 Quiz
Test done
Your result in the test was: 100%
You have passed the test.
Your result in the test was: 100%
You have passed the test.