Tonight's #caschat is all about physical computing - and there's a special request for help at the end too, so stay tuned.
Please remember to include the #caschat hashtag in all your replies.
And without further ado, here comes the first question!
Q1 How does learning using physical computing (programmable robots, construction kits, microcontrollers, microprocessor boards etc. ) fit into your overall curriculum design? (Or how would it if you could?!) #caschat
A1) Physical computing be it beebots, bluebots, microbits, raspberry pi has to be integral to the curriculum. It allows a real context to computing and takes it off the screen into reality and digital making #caschat
#caschat A1 This all plays a huge part in my curriculum design. along with unplugged to inform skills and resilience, physical computing gives ss hands on experience of real life applications, the chance to create. The more #MakerEd the better.
Q1 How does learning using physical computing (programmable robots, construction kits, microcontrollers, microprocessor boards etc. ) fit into your overall curriculum design? (Or how would it if you could?!) #caschat
Q1 How does learning using physical computing (programmable robots, construction kits, microcontrollers, microprocessor boards etc. ) fit into your overall curriculum design? (Or how would it if you could?!) #caschat
A1 It doesn't really anymore as most of my teaching is online. I do love setting physical computing homework projects though as it lets them explore.
#caschat
A1 I spend half a term in every year group (EYFS to KS2) learning how to program ‘on screen’ and another half a term on the ‘real stuff’ eg physical computing #caschat
A1, #caschat teach algorithmic concepts, sequence, repetition, selection, variables unplugged then in #scratch first, use #crumble work as a way to see if pupils can generalise ideas as physical comp is slightly more complex
A1 Most of the physical computing takes place in the after school club (privately funded) or through industry led (and industry funded) workshops. The only class set of physical kit the school that I work with has is microbits. #caschat
A1: The use of physical computing in the classroom is essential imo as it engages the kids a lot more than just bashing a keyboard, even if it just a breadboard and some pi zero's for us schools that are a little broke #caschat
This is similar to my approach although I have found it effective to reverse the order part way through primary...years 1-3 start with the physical and go on-screen, 4-6 I do the reverse #caschat
A1 Interesting to hear that you move from on screen to physical devices and that @Baggiepr has just tweeted the same. Is there an argument for reversing this? Or does it work better for more learners that way? #caschat
A1 I think physical computing is as important as on screen, digital projects. I've found microcontrollers/robots can be a great introduction to new concepts and abstract thinking #caschat
#caschat i'm old school and would find the idea of starting on-screen only simpler, and when those basics are covered, go onto the exciting world of programming physical things
A1, #caschat teach algorithmic concepts, sequence, repetition, selection, variables unplugged then in #scratch first, use #crumble work as a way to see if pupils can generalise ideas as physical comp is slightly more complex
#caschat A1 Kit is a real problem in schools even cheap like #crumble or #microbit teachers report schools don’t have the money. See this loads in my #hias Hampshire Computing Inspector / Advisor job
A1 Most of the physical computing takes place in the after school club (privately funded) or through industry led (and industry funded) workshops. The only class set of physical kit the school that I work with has is microbits. #caschat
This is similar to my approach although I have found it effective to reverse the order part way through primary...years 1-3 start with the physical and go on-screen, 4-6 I do the reverse #caschat
Hello #caschat
A1: we are very lucky that physical computing, specifically crumbles, is part of our DT rotation! So our KS3 students get to build robots in DT for stem!
#caschat A1 Kit is a real problem in schools even cheap like #crumble or #microbit teachers report schools don’t have the money. See this loads in my #hias Hampshire Computing Inspector / Advisor job
A1 Most of the physical computing takes place in the after school club (privately funded) or through industry led (and industry funded) workshops. The only class set of physical kit the school that I work with has is microbits. #caschat
Q2 Matt from Worcester - Planning to really utilise my @makeymakey kits as these are incredible for creativity and extending programming tasks #caschat
A2 we use micro:bit A LOT at our @CodeClub (because we have them!) - would love to get my hands on more physical devices for them though! We're a public clus so don't have school resources that we can use :( #caschat
@SwayGrantham is right reverse in KS1 but screen to physical in KS2 #caschat#crumble + #microbit add wiring complexity and abstraction of ports and HI LO
In reply to
@primaryicttech, @SwayGrantham, @SwayGrantham
Q2 Matt from Worcester - Planning to really utilise my @makeymakey kits as these are incredible for creativity and extending programming tasks #caschat
A2 Have found codapillars provide concrete experience at KS1. Easier for learners to investigate individual blocks and to ‘read’their sequence than other floor robots. #caschat
A2 I think that if you are passionate enough about something you will find a way. Sharing kit / borrowing kit / crowdsourcing through @RocketFundUK is a great tip #caschat
I want to use the Sense hat this year. We will be using microbit, sphero, makeymakey, parrot drone. The first will be 'just because' The others as part of a physical computing experience carousel. #caschat
Only going to use micro bits and pi's (which are my own, although the new head has donated 3 of his own)..now only if I could win the lottery later..😎 #caschat
A1 to be fair you could teach all KS2 comp using #crumble but you would miss out on poss of more complex programming projects such as gaming, wider use of variables and procedures #caschat
A2 I think that if you are passionate enough about something you will find a way. Sharing kit / borrowing kit / crowdsourcing through @RocketFundUK is a great tip #caschat
A1: I loved studying Electronics at A Level, but my maths skills let me down. It gave me a great appreciation for hardware and understand more around the nuts and bolts. #caschat
Q2 Matt from Worcester - Planning to really utilise my @makeymakey kits as these are incredible for creativity and extending programming tasks #caschat
We've funded two projects with this, they are so lovely to deal with and a really straightforward guided process This was our first https://t.co/K32Is22TBu#caschat
ScratchMaths approach of Direct drive provides foundation of knowledge and understanding for on screen block programming and physical computing. #caschat
In reply to
@primaryicttech, @SwayGrantham, @Baggiepr
We start with the projects on the @CodeClub site: https://t.co/mD0HbZKJfz and then try to come up with our own project ideas to work on. We've had some great virtual pets too - very creative project! #caschat
I’ve been impressed with Crumble & Crumble kits (bots in particular) for vfm at KS2 (have used elsewhere & have my own, but I don’t have in school). #caschat
Using Bee-bots in KS1 and #crumble in KS2 will borrow some microbits to use with @scratch v3 this year but concentrating on wider understanding of key Alg concepts rather that fun extras #caschat A2
A1 #caschat
I've secured funding from our PTA to buy some physical computing equipment. I've bought each one of as many things as I can afford, my theory being that if I can demonstrate their effective use w/ digital leaders & in code club, my HT is more likely to fund class sets
BT and West Suffolk College are producing a "science box" and "computational thinking box" scheme for schools in Suffolk to use. Scheme launch is later this week :-) #caschat
Q2 Matt from Worcester - Planning to really utilise my @makeymakey kits as these are incredible for creativity and extending programming tasks #caschat
I want to see the children applying programming concepts in many different environments hence why something different each year. The skill is learning to apply understanding in different ways #caschat
BeeBots KS1 - I love them! So simple (they do what they say on the buttons).
Lego WeDo all KS2 - we have in school (v1) and it’s *really* popular with the kids. Only one or two sessions over the year though.
MicroBits in Y5 & Y6 - several reasons, incl exploring comms
#caschat
I love my Crumble and @_codebug as, like @microbit_edu they're easy to get started with, but what I'd really like to get my hands on is some robots! @LEGO_Group Mindstorms or @WonderWorkshop Cue would go down a treat! #caschat
In reply to
@primaryicttech, @CodeClub, @_codebug, @microbit_edu, @LEGO_Group, @WonderWorkshop
We start with the projects on the @CodeClub site: https://t.co/mD0HbZKJfz and then try to come up with our own project ideas to work on. We've had some great virtual pets too - very creative project! #caschat
A1 #caschat
I've secured funding from our PTA to buy some physical computing equipment. I've bought each one of as many things as I can afford, my theory being that if I can demonstrate their effective use w/ digital leaders & in code club, my HT is more likely to fund class sets
A2 we are giving schools @MeetEdison robots this year. Affordable, Lego compatible & can be used from 3 - 16. Remote control through block based coding to Python. Web based so device agnostic. Even loads code through audio so no need for USB. Just like the old days...
I find Beebots frustrating a lot of the time...no way of viewing code to debug, children forget to press clear and then crazy things happen that they can’t explain! #caschat
A2 cont
RPi & SenseHat (one in RL, plus the online simulation) for Astro Pi in Y6 (I’m loving it for breadth of content)
RPi & electronics in Y6 club
Microbits &c in Y5 club.
Simple electronics in Y5 club
Crumble at out-of-school workshops.
Think that’s it ....
#caschat A2
Played with @RoboWunderkind ‘s robot with the littler chn earlier this year and that worked really well. Much more creative than Bee-Bot too but a bit pricey! #caschat
I find Beebots frustrating a lot of the time...no way of viewing code to debug, children forget to press clear and then crazy things happen that they can’t explain! #caschat
#caschat do you all know about the @pimoroni wholesale which schools can register for? It saves loads and means we've been able to buy a lot more hardware!
A2 #caschat
With my PTA funding, I've bought one each of the following:
- @TeamKano Touch, Pixel, Motion Sensor
- @SAMLabs Alpha Kit
- @makeymakey
- InO-Bot
- @LEGO_Group BOOST
- @FisherPrice Code-a-pillar
- CUBETTO
Some I've used in previously, others I was just curious about.
In reply to
@primaryicttech, @TeamKano, @SAMLabs, @makeymakey, @LEGO_Group, @FisherPrice
We do loads of different things but small children find it difficult to remember which instruction they’re on even when copying from their algorithm and there’s no facility for them to check it before running! #caschat
In reply to
@hengehall, @Pi_In_The_Sky, @primaryicttech
Agreed, there is the facility to print code from the software. I've got ss to plan a secret word and then give the printed challenge to another group to test on a bot. The instructions can show a starting letter an direction if you want them to #caschat
I find Beebots frustrating a lot of the time...no way of viewing code to debug, children forget to press clear and then crazy things happen that they can’t explain! #caschat
A3 I don’t think you can match the depth of understanding of input-process-output taught through physical means. Sensors on the microbit open a multitude of possibilities and robots too. #caschat
I use these. They are bulletproof and apply to a range of ages. My son plays with his more than any other robot, although he’s just rediscovered his ozobots...#caschat@MeetEdison
In reply to
@OkComputing, @clairegowland, @MeetEdison, @MeetEdison
A3 #caschat That there's more to Computing than games. We did a session using Microbits sending txt msg across the classroom. The subsequent discussion about radio, WiFi and what radio actually is was amazing for the pupils.
Most applications I've worked on in the real world are web based or even a console application. There are people who code at a low level, but I don't think there are many out there. #caschat
A3 #caschat I think my pupils are a little more resilient when programming with physical computing in KS2 as they often really want to see the physical outcome.
A3 #caschat That there's more to Computing than games. We did a session using Microbits sending txt msg across the classroom. The subsequent discussion about radio, WiFi and what radio actually is was amazing for the pupils.
It can be a range and only something I'm starting to experiment with. Working with sensors is great to log temperature or a movement sensor for security, we also set up a camera to monitor some chicks that were about to hatch. #caschat
A3 #caschat
Just this morning I introduced some EYFS children to a @makeymakey-powered banana piano. One boy was frustrated with having to hold the earth wire in one hand and quickly realised he could play with both hands by tucking the wire under his chin. Magical!
Fabulous. We want to make computing as diverse as we can so that it appeals to as diverse a group of people as it can. Not everyone likes video games #caschat
A3 #caschat That there's more to Computing than games. We did a session using Microbits sending txt msg across the classroom. The subsequent discussion about radio, WiFi and what radio actually is was amazing for the pupils.
I love those ideas! Anything that shows computers are part of normal everyday life can be a game-changer to how they are perceived by children #caschat
From my circuit building days: plug it in, if something goes hot or looks like it's going to go pop, switch everything off and hide under the desk #caschat
We do computing integrating into other specialisms. For instance VR for exploring the human body for biology or IoT devices for use in health and sport, possibilities are endless #caschat
A3 #caschat
Just this morning I introduced some EYFS children to a @makeymakey-powered banana piano. One boy was frustrated with having to hold the earth wire in one hand and quickly realised he could play with both hands by tucking the wire under his chin. Magical!
Keep an eye out for funding opportunities too as they do come along. I manage to get about £1000 a year through grants and free opportunities I watch out for #caschat
In reply to
@MrsGW2, @MrHeadPrimary, @primaryicttech
I have tried so hard with this, especially with workshops where you want to send ss home with a working model, not rip out the microcontroller and be left with a cereal box #caschat
This definitely sounds like an interesting approach, I’m intrigued to hear more about how this works practically? Is it just a computing lesson that’s linked or are other subject teachers involved? #caschat
We do computing integrating into other specialisms. For instance VR for exploring the human body for biology or IoT devices for use in health and sport, possibilities are endless #caschat
A4) Barriers are usually technical getting it all set up and working well. Microbit is great as it has the simple web interface but I guess the technical issues are the ones that put off non specialists. #caschat
. Love that #crumble has lots of protection built in. I have seen pupils wire battery pack wrong way round for 10 mins. It heats up batteries but no real damage to kit (in Primary we need that resilience) #caschat
A4 In Code Club microbit sessions, setting everything up and clearing away eats into time available, but decreases as children become familiar with the necessary routines #caschat
A4 time. It's hard to get through content and have time for phys. Comp but it's worth it and will improve students enjoyment and progress. If you want to do extra curricular get involved in competitions, a bit of marketing for the school used to convince SLT #caschat
My colleagues have made a rigid chassie (using 2D design and the laser cutter) for the Crumbles to sit on with Velcro sensors to make customisable buggies #caschat
Definitely restrictive lesson times in KS3. An hour is not enough. In primary we have more flexibility fortunately but it still depends on the school #caschat
A4 Just cost/availability for us! As @MrHeadPrimary said earlier, if any companies wanted to donate some kit for us to play with at our club, it would be put to very good use :D ! #caschat
I try to be as organised as possible, each kit in its own box with a checklist of what should be in there. It gives the children the responsibility. #CASChat
Tell me about it! You start getting stuck into something - boom lesson over. 2 weeks later you spend 20mins trying to pick up the pieces, and then the same thing happens again. Programming is not something you can just drop and then pick up again. #caschat
A4 Length of time is an issue. Now linking with DT to justify bigger time units #caschat Cost of kit, Non specialist fear of cables (now avoid giving out too many wires for first Inset projects with teachers) why I like #crumble playgrounds for jack leads for first projects
#picademy is the best! CAS conferences are super helpful and really beneficial! That's the first time I went to a @CatLamin workshop now I try to attend as many @Coding_Evening as I can! 😍 #caschat
In reply to
@clairegowland, @MrHeadPrimary, @primaryicttech, @CatLamin, @Coding_Evening
Digital Leaders are vital. Staff request equipment and DLs charge it the day before, set up in classroom in time and tidy it away afterwards! They also support unsure teachers when common errors arise eg login fail #caschat
money #caschat
More importantly at KS2 physical computing is even further outside comfort zone of many teachers than Scratch.
Crumbles, Microbits, Pi, Edison, SenseHats, LEDs, Ultrasound, light detection, infrared detectors etc offer huge opportunities but! #caschat
A4 Just cost/availability for us! As @MrHeadPrimary said earlier, if any companies wanted to donate some kit for us to play with at our club, it would be put to very good use :D ! #caschat
A4: as a tech, I've heard MANY a teacher declare themselves "not a computer person" (including some ICT leads). As a "computer person" and roving support, I would like to know how I could boost confidence and challenge that mindset. #caschat
Our hour of #caschat has almost come to an end! Before you go, here's an invitation to take part in two separate pieces of research being conducted by two Masters students: myself and @SwayGrantham#caschat
At the end of the school day we also have the problem of which laptops have any battery left, do they remember to log in with the special account which permits file transfer via a USB port... #caschat
Q4 #caschat
Just as ICT lessons suffered with the loss of ICT suites (laptop trolley woes, laptop batteries dying, taking forever to log on etc.) I think physical computing lessons suffer through lack of a dedicated space. What i'd give for a makerspace in my school!
Digital Leaders are vital. Staff request equipment and DLs charge it the day before, set up in classroom in time and tidy it away afterwards! They also support unsure teachers when common errors arise eg login fail #caschat
Computing educators... I would really appreciate you completing my questionnaire as part of my Masters. Every computing educator is useful, it should only take 5 minutes and is less than 10 questions... https://t.co/fWQyv8uDCr Pls RT to your networks #caschat
Our hour of #caschat has almost come to an end! Before you go, here's an invitation to take part in two separate pieces of research being conducted by two Masters students: myself and @SwayGrantham#caschat
A4 #caschat
Just as ICT lessons suffered with the loss of ICT suites (laptop trolley woes, laptop batteries dying, taking forever to log on etc.) I think physical computing lessons suffer through lack of a dedicated space. What i'd give for a makerspace in my school!
Do you teach Key Stage 2? If so, please take 10 minutes to complete this online survey about planning and using physical computing in the classroom to deliver the curriculum. https://t.co/4FRZehqjqv#caschat
A4 Just cost/availability for us! As @MrHeadPrimary said earlier, if any companies wanted to donate some kit for us to play with at our club, it would be put to very good use :D ! #caschat
