Mar 2 2016
About Chris Sharples
Posts by Chris Sharples:
Mar 2 2016
#wellbeing5aday – Second Month’s progress
Still managing at least one ride a week. Just purchased Polar FT7M heart rate meter, with Matthew using the HT1 transmitter and I have bought a Polar H7 Bluetooth 4.0 Heart Rate Sensor Set so that I can view the sensor on my wrist without having to have my iphone out of my pocket. I do have a Quad Lock Bike Kit but don’t want to be fitting my iphone to it every time I go out.
The kit works fine – heart rate shows on the wrist-watch-like FT7 and my iPhone 5 adds my heart rate to the Analysis link on Strava:
And, lastly a mention for http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/stephen-lund-gps-doodles
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Feb 6 2016
University basics for programming
From a nearby University:
When introducing programming, we usually follow the usual path below:
– Simple statements (eg output)
– Variables and expressions [including data types – keep it simple eg 4 (int, float/decimal, string, Boolean)]. Could include constants
– Flow control : Selection(if .. else), Iteration(for, while).
– Basic data structure – arrays
– Functions/procedures
This should meet the KS3 requirements for programmes of study.
“use two or more programming languages, at least one of which is textual, to solve a variety of computational problems; make appropriate use of data structures [for example, lists, tables or arrays]; design and develop modular programs that use procedures or functions”
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Jan 31 2016
#wellbeing5aday – First Month’s progress
I have suggested on #teacher5aday that it would be good to share monthly progress, so here are my efforts.
#exercise
Goal 1: Improve my cycling to enjoy the Coast to Coast “Way of the Roses” in May 2016
My goal is my standard circuit once a week and this I have achieved. Matthew is using his bike frequently with friends and he and one of them have committed to joining the Coast to Coast ride too. We have two other rides booked and I have instigated a talk by a nutrutionist to the group too.
I feel much fitter as a result of the regular rides.
Goal 2: Achieve resistance exercises and stretches at least twice a week
I have bought dumb-bells and done two sessions so far. Not finding the motivation as easy for these …
Goal 3: Improve my diet to feel better and lose weight.
Tried several recipes from the lean in 15 book. Having the protein shakes after exercise. Still drinking too much alcohol but onto green teas and no danishes or tea with processed sugar in. Started losing weight…
#learning
Goal 4: Become competent and confident with using the zone system for printing monochrome photos with gloss and matte paper.
Attended the Yorkshire Monochrome Group and the first BCC monochrome session having done 2 prints. Booked a tutorial for Weds and then Photo Show in March.
#notice
Goal 5: Conscious competence with noticing positively what people do around me …
Trying to do this more for the boys…
#connect
Goal 6: Connect more frequently with friends in/out of clubs but more contact with non-local friends too.
Making sure I ring friends at weekends.
Gave a #teacher5aday to staff at school.
Attended the #teacher5aday talk at BETT. Regularly reading #teacher5aday on twitter and encouraging monthly reviews.
#volunteer
Goal 7: One chore a day extra than usual.
Making sure Helen sits down more, but disappointing that the chronic fatigue is not getting better very quickly at all.
Overall, I am so glad to have noticed #teacher5aday on twitter, as it has encouraged me to share with more people and to increase my commitment. I am inviting others to give it a go too.
My work in progress
#wellbeing5aday Presentation
Blank set #teacher5aday slides for you to use
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Jan 27 2016
Review of #BETT2016 by @gr8ict
Here is my assortment of notes from #BETT2016, including follow-up tweets and next steps. Sorry if I have missed anyone deserving of a mention.
Digital leaders | Code Club | Raspberry Pi | Microbit | Computing Curriculum | #Teacher5aday
Digital Leaders
It’s my fourth year in a row taking Digital Leaders to Bett, and this time was the best yet due to working with other colleagues and students for both the arena presentation and the #kidsmeet.
Highlights of the arena were @L_S_Stone’s 22 (yes twenty two) Year 1’s invading the arena with an assortment of Beetbots and Spheros, and of course, all our digital leaders standing up and demonstrating all the good work that is going on in these schools – Recreation Road Infant School, Norwich; Myrtle Park Primary School, Bradford; King Edward VI School, Southampton and Lady Lumley’s School, North Yorkshire. Supported by @L_S_Stone, @_Wossername_ and @rlj1981. Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet some of my #dlchat colleagues afterwards as one of my year 7s was sick in the toilets. Luckily he recovered to enjoy Bett later. Thanks to @clcsimon, @slr112 and @ThatEdTechGuy for tweets from the Arena.
Highlights of the #kmbett2016 were seeing the school leadership summit tent overflowing with digital leaders from at least eight schools. Also meeting #nightzookeeper (Paul Hutson) and catching up with @SheliBB and other DL coordinators. A big thank you to the hardworking teachers for bringing students to BETT (@HeadDownEyesUp and @Claire_N_Jones) and the volunteers such as @ictevangelist for giving up their time to provide the activities. Sophie, Karen and i2i made a big commitment to have more students at BETT2016 and I’m very grateful for their help and support.
Next steps:
> follow up having more students involvement at Bett next year
More
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Jan 21 2016
How we help Teachers and other Students use #edtech effectively – Digital Leaders in Schools from across the UK” #BETT2016
Lady Lumley’s School, North Yorkshire – @gr8ict /Chris Sharples (Secondary) – confirmed 20/10/15
Title – “How Digital Leaders run cracking coding Clubs”
https://docs.google.com/a/ladylumleys.net/presentation/d/1XDE-fyjLTvPN1R4JcBL39oTxi5_oifaUkubXnIG3ouw/edit?usp=sharing
Description – with so much change within Computing at present, a key requirement is to build capacity for learning programming. Y9 LLS DLs will talk about setting up Raspberry Pi’s and using them for Y9 Code Club and then in lessons. Y7 LLS DLs to talk about setting up Y7 Code Club with the approach of the BBC Microbit. They will also mention Makewaves ( 2016 BETT winner for ICT Innovator of the Year) and DL #openbadges.
Recreation Road Infant School, Norwich – Louise Stone (Infants)
Title “Infant Digital Leaders – Getting to Grips with Gadgets” More
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Jan 20 2016
#BETT2016 and #OpenBadges Slow #dlchat Jan 21-28th 2016


@Shelibb’s background to slow #dlchat
Qu.1
If you (and Digital Leaders) have been to BETT16, what did you find useful – pls cd you link to blogposts.
Qu.2
Can you (and Digital Leaders) link to the reflections of Digital Leaders having been to BETT16? Can we get comments between DLs and their findings in different schools…
Qu.3
Any reflections on how to improve teaching of Computing as a result of BETT16 (even if you haven’t been, there should be lots of useful findings for you from the hashtag #bett2016 )
Qu.4
Any reflections on Hardware as a result of BETT16 (even if you haven’t been, there should be lots of useful findings for you from the hashtag #bett2016 )
Qu.5
Any thoughts on the use of Digital Leader #OpenBadges in the next few months – including new level 3 badges. Especially as @makewavestweets win the BETT16 Innovator of the Year Award.
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Jan 3 2016
#wellbeing5aday pledge 2016
Check out the inspiration:
@MartynReah and teacher5aday-pledges-2016/
Debbie Inglis @HTcoach) Putting Plans Into Action
My work in progress
#wellbeing5aday Presentation
Blank set #teacher5aday slides for you to use
Here are my goals for my #teacher5aday pledge 2016:

#exercise
Goal 1: Improve my cycling to enjoy the Coast to Coast “Way of the Roses” in May 2016
Goal 2: Achieve resistance exercises and stretches at least twice a week
Goal 3: Improve my diet to feel better and lose weight.
#learning
Goal 4: Become competent and confident with using the zone system for printing monochrome photos with gloss and matte paper.
#notice
Goal 5: Conscious competence with noticing positively what people do around me …
#connect
Goal 6: Connect more frequently with friends in/out of clubs but more contact with non-local friends too.
#volunteer
Goal 7: One chore a day extra than usual.
By Chris Sharples • Posts •
Mar 7 2016
Way of the Roses 29th 30th 31st May
Saturday evening at Morecambe Bay Hotel.
Then to Pateley Bridge = 62 miles. Harefield Hall booked with their bunkhouse accomodation for Sunday night.
Pateley Bridge to York = 47 miles
York to Bridlington = 61 miles
170 miles in total.
Detailed distances here: “The route is best done from West to East (Morecambe to Bridlington) for the greater chance of having the wind at your back. This way you’ll be tackling the steeper climbs, but enjoying longer down hills. The steepest and longest climbs lie between Settle and Brimham Rocks and the hill out of Settle presents the greatest challenge.
Unfortunately, going down Greenhow Hill has caught a few cyclists out and NYCC and Sustrans have produced a leaflet to let you know what lies in store. Have a look at this video too – please don’t underestimate this demanding hill and remember that descending in the wet can impair your braking.”
By Chris Sharples • Posts •