Hi, it's @cefn from @vgkits - we curate Python-programmable physical computing projects for UK education #caschat (try to include the hashtag this time!)
A1 The list is v.long Google Suite for Education, Google Classroom, Google cast for education, Scratch, Scratch jr, Screencastify, Wolfram, Python, Barefoot, CAS resources, Gimp, Audacity, Fritzing #caschat etc. etc.
I teach Spanish---I think having more engaging apps like Duolingo available would be beneficial, but in web form...That way it can allow students to easily choose what topics to review and practice
#CASchat
I am currently "playing" with google classroom to run a virtual code club for y4 kids. Early days but it is proving interesting. Some good learning for parents too :-) #caschat In primary the walled garden feature is v.useful as is Chrome management and customisation.
In reply to
@JonnyPageUK, @MrHeadComputing, @clcsimon
We're trying to find something like this at the moment. That's the mission of https://t.co/ixNdjnovAq - One place where teachers can easily compare how effective products actually are in a classroom #caschat
#caschat A2. Word of mouth, via twitter and own seaching is how i found new stuff. Evaluate by giving it a go with children, they are the best way to see if they like the tool/resource.
A1 - At our school, retrieval is a key area. We use websites like Padlet, Quizlet, Quizziz and Kahoot to track pupil progress. Pupils respond well to these sites as they promote competition and this raises engagement. #caschat#a1
I have been Fortunate enough to be able to loan tech from the wonderful @CAS_Manchester who even now, despite,lack of funding are so supportive #caschat
Maybe tonight we could start to crowd source the criteria? Would be so good to start to collate a list of key questions and then a scale for great to poor. Very exciting and very very useful!!! #caschat
We're trying to find something like this at the moment. That's the mission of https://t.co/ixNdjnovAq - One place where teachers can easily compare how effective products actually are in a classroom #caschat
I have been Fortunate enough to be able to loan tech from the wonderful @CAS_Manchester who even now, despite,lack of funding are so supportive #caschat
Yes! I love google forms, I just need to find more use of it in my classroom--it's difficult making edits in a second language on google forms, though #CASchat
it would be great it would be practical to administer. its that initial cost especially for hardware resources that limits some schools. Try before you buy or a loan system would help schools out #caschat
Loan schemes always sound good in principle but in practice require additional support and resources that are in very thin supply at the moment. #caschat
#caschat A1 accessibility; cost; target areas of curriculum; target age; target pupil group (e.g. all/SEND/GT etc); target teacher group (beginner/advancing/adv); technical support level; hardware; effectiveness of coverage per target area/; List for each target area needed
Q3. What technology have you introduced into your #classroom to support the teaching of #computing? How has this tech transformed teaching & learning?
#CASChat
We're about to launch a trial system for the new @Makeblock mBot. The idea is that the first school tries them out, we go in and make a case study and them take them to the next school (making sure they still work!). Does that sound like it would work? @MrHeadComputing#caschat
In reply to
@duck_star, @MrHeadComputing, @Makeblock, @MrHeadComputing
I work for a company that have loan kits of robots and Crumble among other things. It takes a lot to organise them and repair them after each loan. #caschat
A2/ Does the tool map to the curriculum needs and pedagogy properly? Alternatively is it just brilliant and something to trial? But ultimately we try to link it back to the development plan #caschat
A2 #caschat more companies oreoared to donate a littke tech for us to use at CPD sessions and allow teachers to take away a finished project toshow their ss and help their case when asking for class sets at school. I am fed up of sending enthused ss home empty handed
#caschat A1 I agree! Schools are paying for resources that do not provide a return on learning. ROI (return on investment) ROL (return on learning) :)
Maybe if pupils don't make more progress send products back and get money back:) Only problem - how do we measure progress???mmm
A3 in addition to the tech used in @CodeClub projects, I’ve found @mozilla x-ray goggles to be great for introducing HTML. Also tried @nearpod for more interactive teaching time. And our CC group introduced ME to @CodeCombat#caschat
Would it be useful/interesting to build a webserver from first principles - sending the ASCII? Thinking of this as a potential project to open up all the layers of networking, Web languages etc. to create a UI for a physical computing project in python on ESP8266 #caschat
In reply to
@ItsMiasTweets, @CodeClub, @mozilla, @nearpod, @CodeCombat
For me often the kit that’s not seen as edtech! For me was the DS and the Wii - also coming together as the Redbridge Games Network enable us to pool small resources into a bigger pot and share #caschat
Tim, I'm going to give you a call this week and we can get a review on each of these! Whereabouts are you based? We should also see about making a case study at your school #caschat
Although perhaps there would be more minimal projects to deliver this feature (code to outputs) - e.g. a $2.50 python-programmable wifi microcontroller + a $1 SG90 servo in some kind of crafty project context. Would a reduced cost project open up possibilities? #caschat
maybe it is not a question of gathering dust but the height of the barrier to adoption by teachers that means the tools end up in a cupboard. It may nevertheless be a really good bit of CS kit #caschat
A5 trying something new with a whole class is always going to be tricky as there will be teething problems. Perhaps try with a small group in advance who can act as mentors for their peers in a whole class session #caschat
#caschat A5 as lomg as there is a clear objective and firewalls etc and internet if rewuired is reliable, then not many. #Pairedprogramming addresses much of the diffetentiation issues and F.A.I.L to learn is always a good thing
Good point! CPD and cost of changing planning and assessment :) #caschat a5
What do you think the pre-purchase cost is of working out what the benefit of a product is? 3 hours per product? a PPA session? Or more?
#caschat A5 Confident of staff. They need training and clear training. Perhaps all these resources need an ideal starter activity to allow teachers to dip their toe in slowly.
at its most basic, kids love robots, and learning to have fun with them sneakily involves maths (vectors, trig), science and obviously ITC. #caschat (go the arduino and raspberry pi route! Cheap, and repeatable at home)
A5 trying something new with a whole class is always going to be tricky as there will be teething problems. Perhaps try with a small group in advance who can act as mentors for their peers in a whole class session #caschat
Thanks Alan. I'm not aiming for assessment - just curious to see if my chns output is generally in line whether it's project or otherwise. Context is invaluable. If you don't know the input, its difficult to ascertain what the child has achieved. #caschat
For me the best approach is to absolutely nail the #pedagogy first - what are we trying to achieve? How does it fit in with the #learningculture of the school? Who is supporting it? #caschat
For me the best approach is to absolutely nail the #pedagogy first - what are we trying to achieve? How does it fit in with the #learningculture of the school? Who is supporting it? #caschat
A5 trying something new with a whole class is always going to be tricky as there will be teething problems. Perhaps try with a small group in advance who can act as mentors for their peers in a whole class session #caschat
a3 Vex IQ, Microbit, BlueBot, Arduino. Also tested Ozobots, Parrot Drones and my favourite for future deployment - The @MeetEdison robot (waiting for next gen)
#caschat
In fact, can I suggest #caschat have a look at @GuildOfMakers & the #makersHour tag (Wednesdays, 8-9pm bst)? There's a lot of stuff that comes up that I think could be useful for teachers (especially @edublocks!)
