Introducing Computing in your Classroom
Module 4
Tools & Resources 2
Tools & Resources 2
Learning Objectives for this Module:
1. Explore a range of game design tools and understand the potential of the different tools as well as the use of game design tools to teach computing more generally 2. Understand what a microcontroller is and can do and how to use it in the classroom 3. Identify a range of tools that can be used to explore internet search, computer networks and web desing 4. Reflect on the topics on the course and how to implement them in your classroom by designing a lesson plan for the Hour of Code |
4.1 Introduction to Game Design Tools
Most young children, even at the very earliest levels of primary will probably have some experience of computer games. With the rise of smartphones and tablets, many toddlers nowadays are already confronted with a variety of games-like activities on these devices. So why not use computer games as a mechanism to bring computing to children.
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4.2 Advanced Game Design Tools
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This section continues with Ollie's introduction to different game design tools, this time looking at slightly more advanced tools that will be more suitable for older students.
Below Ollie's video, take a look at two further resources for tools mentioned in his video. The second video highlights the work of the "Queen of Kodu" who provides lots of interesting Kodu related materials as well as other more general Computing related resources on her website: http://www.interactiveclassroom.net including a series of Kodu tutorial videos. |
4.3 Introduction to Microcontrollers
Microcontrollers are part of a more general trend of how computing is taught in schools calledphysical computing. In Wikipedia this is defined as follows: "Physical computing, in the broadest sense, means building interactive physical systems by the use of software and hardware that can sense and respond to the analog world". When looking at robotics we have already explored why this link to the "real world" can be a powerful mechanism to engage students and teach them about how machines work. However, in order to understand how computers actually work, also from a hardware perspective, microcontrollers are the better tools to use.
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4.4 Introduction to web editing, computer networks, and internet search
Web editors are responsible for creating and reviewing websites, emails and social media postings. They look for and correct spelling and grammatical errors. Editors may write content or review copy written by a website contributor. They also manage the flow of Web content production and ensure publishing deadlines are met.
4.5 Live Webinar: Using Arduino to De-mystify Sensor Data Collection
Date and time: Thursday, 10th December, 18:00h Brussels time (CET)
Topic of the webinar: Students increasingly have access to sensor data collection tools that operate as “black boxes”. They put a temperature probe into a glass of water and a number pops up on a computer screen. In this webinar we will explore how to shine some light into that “black box” through the use of Arduino micro computing devices and Vernier sensing technology. Participants will learn how they can easily take the electrical signal from a sensor, read that value and convert it into a sensor value by coding in Arduino IDE. |
4.6 Final Activity: The Hour of Code
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials are available in over 40 languages. No experience needed. Ages 4 to 104. The goal of the Hour of Code is not to teach anybody to become an expert computer scientist in one hour. One hour is only enough to learn that computer science is fun and creative, that it is accessible at all ages, for all students, regardless of background. The measure of success of this campaign is not in how much CS students learn - the success is reflected in broad participation across gender and ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and the resulting increase in enrollment and participation we see in CS courses at all grade levels.
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4.7 Final Activity: Your lesson plan and peer reviews
4.8 Final Activity: Submit and Review Lesson Plans
4.8 Final Activity: Submit and Review Lesson Plans
4.9 Module 4 Quiz
Test done
Your result in the test was: 100% You have passed the test. |