DFI 8 Computational Thinking

 Computational Thinking

During our WWW this morning there was a great explanation of how the principles of Manaiakalani sit under the framework of UDL. Great to be able to have these Professional discusssions with a group of colleagues to clarify our thinking and to help each other out - made me realise the power of togetherness even though we only see each other remotely.

Empowered - Dorothy

Especially evident during Lockdown.

Nigel Latta - Technology and the link to empowerment.

Computational Thinking - Kerry

The new Digital Technologies Curriculum

Digital Fluency vs Digital Technologies

Digitally Fluent - Confident in online environment, enabling students to make the most of their time online, find resources and share learning online, comfortable delivering in 1-1 learning environment. Synthesis, validate information online. 

Digital Technologies - 2 Aspects

Computational thinking.

Design and develop Digital Outcomes.

Computational Thinking                                                   Design and develop Digital Outcomes.

Interesting to understand that the activities for these areas of the curriculum do not all have to be via devices but also using 'unplugged' activities. And in fact many of the activities we already do during our programme come under this umbrella - we just hadn't considered them in this way! It certainly isn't as scarey as first thought.

The difference between Computational Thinking and Design and Developing Digital Outcomes and examples of activities for each one.

Future of Technology - Maria

Ethic and Moral Questions - I had a go at the Moral Machine - definitely very thought provoking and Maria raised some very important questions about the programming of driverless vehicles and decisions made when they counter certain dilemnas.

Coding

I am familiar with Scratch Junior after having been introduced to it by my Facilitator and have used this with my class on their Ipads. They are very quick to pick it up and run with it! Although not always attentive to the directions of the task we give them! It would be great to introduce something new - maybe Light Bot? Great to actually view Minecraft. I have heard so much about it and seen my own children use it at home but haven't actually had a go myself. Can definitely see the potential for using it in their learning it is so appealing and engaging but also addictive!

Sat in on Rachel's session of Scratch with Venessa. Great to see the progression from Scratch Junior. 

Set up an account for Scratch and had a go but definitely a lot more difficult than Scratch Junior!

I can see why Scratch Junior was created and the most appropriate App for my Year 2s. Will continue using this with my class and upskilling myself there before attempting Scratch again!

I have managed to enrol for the exam! (An exam in itself!!) Time to reflect on what I know and find useful in my Junior class, my Professional life and in my personal life!