Hi I'm Footleg. First time I've joined (or lurked) on a #caschat
I'm not a teacher but I've used microbits in my codeclub with year 4 children this term and they were very well received.
In reply to
@ItsAll_Geek2Me, @the_markness, @microbit_edu
A1 sadly nothing as we did as we were asked by the BBC and gave them all to the kids so we have none left to play with and no cash to buy any 😢 #caschat#microbit
In reply to
@ItsAll_Geek2Me, @the_markness, @microbit_edu, @clcsimon, @CompAtSch, @stockers1001, @HalSpeed, @FrothAndBubbles, @carlosperate, @kavitakapoor
Hey everyone! Looking forward to all the @microbit_edu chat this evening! I'm the founder of @EdtechWonderHub - The TripAdvisor for Edtech. Check out the Microbit profile here and please leave a review or some advice and guidance! #caschathttps://t.co/loWq6tGp7e
A1. It's super easy to get up and running. You can create code in the browser and it's not too complicated to download it to the device. Great to help build student's confidence!
#caschat
Hey everyone! Looking forward to all the @microbit_edu chat this evening! I'm the founder of @EdtechWonderHub - The TripAdvisor for Edtech. Check out the Microbit profile where you can leave a review or some advice and guidance! #caschathttps://t.co/y3po5j8Ex1
#CASChat A1 I love how simple #microbits are to code. There's no setup, installing or having to connect them to wifi. Plug and play is a godsend in a class full of students
I'm also in the middle of putting one child to bed, and have to collect the other from a local nature reserve before 9pm where she is helping with her scout group. So I'll have to dip in and out. #caschat
In reply to
@ItsAll_Geek2Me, @the_markness, @microbit_edu
A1 - easy to get started, like the emulator which allows a nice quick tinkering cycle time and the ease of integration in to physical computing projects #caschat
Husband is clearly trying to distract me from #caschat. He just said "Clearly you know him cause you're Irish" about Domnaill Gleeson!! wtf! #windingUpTheWife
A1: The plug and play aspect. The excitement that the students get when they create something that works that they can actually see visually and interact with! Ps. Hi I’m new here 👋 #CASchat
Yes, very simple, one USB cable (supplied) and you're away. Less fuss than a #RPi and no drivers like an #Arduino and no software (unless you want to use Mu which is great!) #caschat#microbit
In reply to
@4954education, @GirlGeekUpNorth, @the_markness
A1 Simple block programming to java. All the smarts on the card and how easy to expand onto the edge connector. No OS like a pi, a simple and powerful platform. #caschat
I'm just here to observe today! I was speaking at a teacher training event recently where they were showing off the microbit and I was super impressed #CASchat
In reply to
@clcsimon, @the_markness, @ItsAll_Geek2Me, @microbit_edu
A1. I also love that they're fairly affordable compared to lots of other EdTech so you can get going with some simple projects without bursting the budget #caschat
I'm lurking here (for ideas/fun). For those that don't know, I created the original ("prototype") #microbit device and software stack, that we trialled 500 of in schools before the partnership. #caschat
What do your kids like most about it?
I know that @MSMakeCode did a huge amount of work to get the 'round tripping' between blocks->javascript and back again working, and it is very smooth! #caschat
Easy transition from blocks to code. #caschat#microbit Made even easier with #codewithmu (Just heard today that Mu beta has a full desktop Python IDE in it, so one IDE to rule them all coming soon :) )
Yay, great news! We call that the 'micro:bit moment' - children see instantly that they can write code on PC that has it's own independent life on the #microbit device #caschat
Projects with radio (chuck a duck, treasure hunt, pandemic flu game) - seems like magic. And as we know all great technology should be indistinguishable from magic... #caschat
let's start a #showusyourmicrobit project! Get them out of drawers. Once they're back in the school building, grab them! Do a competition to tempt them back into the building...?
@microbit_edu gets students highly engaged in a design and thinking process. These are @AitkenKathy@ststithians robotics high school students in action using Microbits in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In reply to
@clcsimon, @microbit_edu, @AitkenKathy, @ststithians
Such an incredible project to be involved in :) Keep an eye on WonderHub where we're going to be building a list of exciting ways to use the microbit in the classroom #CASchat
A2. I find the resources on the micro:bit website difficult to find/use compared to those on Code Club. The Javascript blockly ones are good, but the micropython ones become too wordy, and there are others all over the place that are hard to categorise by level/language
#caschat
A2 - Broadening the perception that it is only computer science lessons that the #microbit can be used in. They can be used effectively across the whole curriculum #caschat
A1. Simplicity and yet diversity of ways can program and interface with hardware. Makes surprisingly versatile (especially with all the new software modules and add-on boards) & has spawned many unexpected projects from people's imagination!
A2 I guess it's not always easy to find accessible resources beyond the basic output of LEDs? That might just be me not looking hard enough though! #caschat
Streamlining the process of compiling to the device. I appreciate this is OS dependent. Can throw some children when it goes to download folder and you cant 'save as' #caschat
A2 I'd love to have more of them :o) More ideas for projects, perhaps curated in one place on the main microbit website. easier to find inspiration. #caschat
#caschat A2 longer USB cables and a program that automagically downloads the code from makecode to the micro:bit. Even the smartest kids forget how to do this,... again and again! Oh and to be able to get code off a micro:bit
A2 - Broadening the perception that it is only computer science lessons that the #microbit can be used in. They can be used effectively across the whole curriculum #caschat
i trick that @birdbraintech showed me that was a wow moment was change the downloads folder in chrome to the microbit. BOOM no need to save as or move anything. #caschat
In reply to
@MrHeadComputing, @the_markness, @birdbraintech
#caschat A2 longer USB cables and a program that automagically downloads the code from makecode to the micro:bit. Even the smartest kids forget how to do this,... again and again! Oh and to be able to get code off a micro:bit
Hi!
Sorry I'm late to the party!
I'm Sarah, I research different ways of teaching computing in schools and have projects looking children's books for computing! I'm also part of the @cas_lancaster team :D #caschat
In reply to
@the_markness, @ItsAll_Geek2Me, @microbit_edu, @cas_lancaster
A2 - a working bluetooth connection for mobile devices is an essential in some countries to transfer files and flash the device. The current samsung app is broken,. Who could fix it? #caschat
#caschat A2, i'm about to lay out a small fortune for another class set, our ones we have left from the original distribution disapear or are given out as rewards for something mega awesome
Yikes, I’m late! Was working on a Python course. Hello #CASChat Friends. Clement from Switzerland, happy to hang out with you all again! I’ll try to catch up....
In reply to
@clcsimon, @ItsAll_Geek2Me, @the_markness, @microbit_edu
A2. I find the resources on the micro:bit website difficult to find/use compared to those on Code Club. The Javascript blockly ones are good, but the micropython ones become too wordy, and there are others all over the place that are hard to categorise by level/language
#caschat
Evening #caschat people. Early night for me as back late last night after cycling from London to Paris over past 3 days 🚴♂️ Have a look at my free @microbit_edu resources and lesson plans https://t.co/1NvsrdulvN plus today’s Science with microbit CPD https://t.co/eUvRAsciP9
Evening #caschat people. Early night for me as back late last night after cycling from London to Paris over past 3 days 🚴♂️ Have a look at my free @microbit_edu resources and lesson plans https://t.co/1NvsrdulvN plus today’s Science with microbit CPD https://t.co/eUvRAsciP9
Q3. The micro:bit mission statement has a particular focus on encouraging girls and those from disadvantaged groups. How do you engage girls and keep them interested in CS? #CASchat#microbit
Q3. The micro:bit mission statement has a particular focus on encouraging girls and those from disadvantaged groups. How do you engage girls and keep them interested in CS? #CASchat#microbit
Evening #caschat people. Early night for me as back late last night after cycling from London to Paris over past 3 days 🚴♂️ Have a look at my free @microbit_edu resources and lesson plans https://t.co/1NvsrdulvN plus today’s Science with microbit CPD https://t.co/eUvRAsciP9
Improving confidence is a huge factor IMO, remind them how good they are. Boys are quicker to brag than girls, they need you to acknowledge their progress to be confident they can do it. Pair programming also helps, and creative project work.
#caschat
A3. Improving confidence is a huge factor IMO, remind them how good they are. Boys are quicker to brag than girls, they need you to acknowledge their progress to be confident they can do it. Pair programming also helps, and creative project work.
#caschat
#caschat A3 - I have used the #microbit to introduce visually impaired children to text-based programming. I have written a blog post about it https://t.co/AvcDerZLXq
Q3. The micro:bit mission statement has a particular focus on encouraging girls and those from disadvantaged groups. How do you engage girls and keep them interested in CS? #CASchat#microbit
A2. The JST battery connector is not the most kid-proof connector. Would CR2032 batteries with a soldered holder be more durable? The early prototype had this I think. #CASChat
A3. Try to encourage them to be digital leaders and help shape what projects to do with the @microbit_edu . They make great role models for other girls once others see what they are doing #caschat
Great to hear that Pair Programming is working (a great technique from industry), and our friend @teknoteacher has done some great work in this area #caschat
In reply to
@GirlGeekUpNorth, @the_markness, @teknoteacher
A1. Everything! micro:bit is so simple to code and expand, kids just love it. The fact that it is so small always amazes kids. Moreover, buying a club kit helps a need school get a sponsored kit too! @microbit_edu rocks! #CASChat
I feel the open ended nature of the device appeals to the far more creative girls than the boys who like complete the code to win the game style activities. #caschat
A1. I like the creativity the mirco:bit has with the in-built functionality allow for all sorts of projects. They are really cheap in comparison to other equipment and portability! #caschat
A3. This is one of the hardest questions for me. As I middle aged white male working in computing I often feel like I am just what it not wanted in efforts to promote CS for all. What I have seen is that lighting RGB LEDs in different colours really appeals to the girls #caschat
Evening #caschat people. Early night for me as back late last night after cycling from London to Paris over past 3 days 🚴♂️ Have a look at my free @microbit_edu resources and lesson plans https://t.co/1NvsrdulvN plus today’s Science with microbit CPD https://t.co/eUvRAsciP9
A3: I’ve had a lot of success using pair programming in the classroom with both mixed and same gender pairs. Allowing the girls to work together or with someone else pushes their confidence up! #CASchat
A3 have asked for female role models to help with code club (not got one yet) and also plan to allocate places 50/50 next year for code club as girls tend to be at the back of the queue to join #caschat
#caschat A3. Tricky. I was a bit spoilt teaching in a girls' secondary school - now in a mixed primary there is less gender-pressure not to do computing, lots of girls in my Code Club, about 50%. Creative, relatable activities help rather than abstract ones.
A1. Everything! micro:bit is so simple to code and expand, kids just love it. The fact that it is so small always amazes kids. Moreover, buying a club kit helps a need school get a sponsored kit too! @microbit_edu rocks! #CASChat
I've been able to work with some crocodile clips on the #microbit and some headphones to do stuff with sound, and with tin foil, but had to spend a long time searching for how to do it! #caschat
Hey Rachel! Won’t miss a chance to catch up with you. The micro:bit Club kits which I ordered for the next school year is arriving tomorrow! The Swiss vendor ships fast! I hope we get pink ones! #CASChat
In reply to
@ItsAll_Geek2Me, @clcsimon, @the_markness, @microbit_edu
#caschat A3 - I have used the #microbit to introduce visually impaired children to text-based programming. I have written a blog post about it https://t.co/AvcDerZLXq
Q3. The micro:bit mission statement has a particular focus on encouraging girls and those from disadvantaged groups. How do you engage girls and keep them interested in CS? #CASchat#microbit
I see graphics and photos all the time that show scientists--mostly male, especially the historic ones. I say we start a revolution and start photoshopping some women in there until they get the hint! :0) #caschat
The team @ThinkAheadZA put together this innovative “Sugar Baby” device that incorporates Micro:bit technology that assists Grade 7 Life Orientation learners gain more knowledge on the reproductive system. #MicrobitZA
I'm a special ed teacher who hangs around #caschat to learn about technology to help kids who rely on tech to learn, communicate, experience the world. You all share some of the best ideas!
More the idea of introducing only a few new concepts in a session. But making them relevant to the project. e.g. Introducing variables for a reason and showing why they are required in the program. Then combining them with loops by introducing the FOR loop. #caschat
Unrelated point but I'm writing a piece about female edtech founders & how men can help rather than hinder! Key takeaway so far - Listen, don't talk over, trust their decisions #CASchat
#caschat A3 - I have used the #microbit to introduce visually impaired children to text-based programming. I have written a blog post about it https://t.co/AvcDerZLXq
#caschat A3 We have found that entering competitions has enthused girls in my high school. Along with, dare I say it, projects with an aesthetic aspect.
#caschat - I disagree entirely in focusing on cohorts and trying to engage them, my aim is to make an inclusive engaging curriculum that excites everyone into taking the subject
A3 b: Also, not having boys in the same lesson being silly is a great help. The girls (certainly around age 9-10) seem much more seriously focused on learning than boys in the same age group from my experience. #caschat
A4. Improved resources for micro:python, more resources/tutorials for javascript blockly, cheap and cheerful add on packs for advanced tutorials (wearables etc)
#caschat
I think more work with the likes of codeclub to encourage children to use them in Primary. I would also say, don't build in obsolescence. Microbit is great because all the hardware is standard. #caschat a4
A4 - Be less England focused. Not all of the UK have a computing curriculum. Some of us over here have found maybe a better way #movetowales :-) #caschat#dcf
like the scratch conferenc. An international event with only #microbit related workshops on different levels. #caschat so a teachers we can exchange ideas in rl.
A2. If the micro:bit could pair with @scratch that would be great unless it's already in the pipe-line! ( I have a few ideas of projects I'd make if this was possible :p ) #caschat
A4 Keep on pumping out awesome resources to the @microbit_edu community! Making them easily accessible and sharing regularly keeps the engagement high and the ideas spreading. Appreciate with the foundation has done for teachers in this area! #CASchat
Have to leave to collect my daughter. But thanks #caschat it has been very interesting and I have bookmarked several web pages of resources to read later!
like the scratch conferenc. An international event with only #microbit related workshops on different levels. #caschat so a teachers we can exchange ideas in rl.
If the unit price was lower would schools adopt them more for classes? With several classes at the same time it would help open the door for activites with microbits in departments? #Caschat
A4 You could help @Kitronik design the @microbit_edu microsite for @EdtechWonderHub! Helping direct teachers to the best resources and signpost them to the best places to buy :) #CASchat
Love this idea #caschat#microbit especially for across levels (possibly upto HE - great examples of physical computing) - I am sure they can be more widely used.
like the scratch conferenc. An international event with only #microbit related workshops on different levels. #caschat so a teachers we can exchange ideas in rl.
Haven't been here since I was in Bangladesh! Gosh--I should share how tech is making a big impact there--all on smart phones! None of the schools I visited had computers for kids, but all the teachers had smart phones- and those are what they are using for computers. #caschat
#caschat A4 give microbit discounts for schools/teachers. Give ideas for clubs and resources to aid planning how to use them as classroom tasks, rather than just one off activities
A4 - run club for the teachers
- run club for parents
- run club for children.
- advertise in school newsletters
- schools that are not in high ofsted & not in affluent area - coding for all
There is nothing like weekly club.
#caschat#microbit@microbit_edu
A5. I'm really interested in wearables - I know @sooseeg did some great stuff with @Raspberry_Pi and I'd love to see more resources to show how to do that! #caschat
In reply to
@the_markness, @sooseeg, @Raspberry_Pi
Some resources to grow user confidence in primary teachers would be useful. So CPD sessions for teachers that primary CAS hubs could deliver would help move the microbits from the cupboard to the classroom maybe #caschat
#caschat q5 create a simple way for teachers to create their own step by step resources using makecode... i've seen hints of this on the website. But an easy way to create a gif of adding blocks would be helpful. Like the python website trinket
A4. Invest energy in primary. This is when you can attract young kids,get their attention, develop their interest in tech. To start in secondary school is almost too late #caschat
A3. Having girls & boys as student leaders help encourage their peers to get into CS. Providing a safe space for girls and boys to express their creativity helps both to excel. #CASChat
A4 we held a wearable tech competition for schools across N Wales which had some really great, imaginative entries. End of this month we are holding a code-a-thon #caschat
Really late in joining the party tonight. I love using the microbits in lesson and as extra-curricular. Currently delivering our unit to year 7 (we managed to persuade many to "donate them back to the school) #caschat
A3 girls especially love the small screen scrolling msgs boys too playing games like Rock Paper Scissors on #microbit#CASchat they then design their own games with more objects it’s cheap so most of the class is involved.
Q3. The micro:bit mission statement has a particular focus on encouraging girls and those from disadvantaged groups. How do you engage girls and keep them interested in CS? #CASchat#microbit
We have purchased different robot kits and experimentor kits which have been used at lunch, for "super learning days" and for More Able activities #caschat
I have used this on some of my projects, it allows multiple micro:bits to be used over radio with a Python program running on PC/mac/@Raspberry_Pihttps://t.co/rTRTN3jGjk#caschat
Allowing the girls to choose a task (scaffolded learning) and let them get confident with the task and build confidence! Pair Programming and creative projects have shown to be more popular with girls in studies too! #caschat
We start with the blocks environment but quickly switch to micropython, using an installed version rather than he online one. Flashing the files to the Microbit is much easier in this environment, one click! #caschat
Also, let us know @microbit_edu about all the projects your working on with the #microbit so we can share them with the community! Thanks again #CASchat
And that's a wrap! That concludes our #microbit#CASchat. Thank you all. It's been an amazing experience to talk to so many fantastic people. Special thanks to @clcsimon for letting @ItsAll_Geek2Me and I host. We'll storify the chat and post it on CAS forums shortly!
A1 - my favourite thing about the Micro:bit is the versatility. So many edtech tools are very limited to specific contexts, but the Micro:bit can be used in so many ways. #caschat
