Jan 31 2019

Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas Number 02: Packet Tracer by Cisco and Duncan Maidens

This is the second blogpost in a series for the Facebook group Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas.

Thanks to everyone who joined in to discuss PRIMM ideas.  I am also indebted to last year’s CAS North East to be able to listen to Duncan introduce Cisco packet tracer:

A screenshot of Cisco’s Packet Tracer

My Y12s have worked through both courses and I am able to suggest how I will be splitting up the content for Key Stages 3,4 and 5 in the future. 

If you are reading this as part of the Facebook post, I am very pleased to inform you that Duncan has joined the group, and I am sure will be able to answer any questions in the next couple of weeks.  if he is reading this, then I would like to thank him for all his efforts in providing a great resource and saving me a great deal of time. 

***Please click here for the google doc explaining about joining and the courses and resources available***.

By • Gr8ComputerScienceTeachingIdeas, Packet-Tracer, Posts, Teaching •

Jan 17 2019

Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas Number 01a: PRIMM and Trinket.io

This is the first blogpost in a series for the facebook group Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas.

PRIMM lessons 01-10 in Trinket

You will have heard of flipped classrooms and I would suggest that in some ways, PRIMM is a flipped version of the usual approach to learning programming.  Rather than starting with a blank page and the ubiquitous “Hello World”, Sue has merged several learning programming methodologies to provide a very accessible and rewarding approach for all students starting on their text based programming journey.   At Lady Lumley’s School, we have combined it with the web based trinket.io to provide an easily accessed and structured series of lessons that our students are really enjoying. My main message is that all students make progress over time and our key target audience at KS3 of students considering computer science GSCE (GCSE Wannabees) are getting challenge and stretch too…

Click here for more…

By • Good Practice, Learning, PRIMM, Programming, Teaching •

Jan 13 2019

If you’re interested in teaching better computer science lessons, please read on…

This post is to support the new 2019 discussions on the Facebook Group Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas.  

“Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results.”

– Whether this is correctly attributed to Albert Einstein or not, it is a useful reminder that if as computer science teachers we fail to improve the ways we teach, then we should not be surprised if our students’ exam results stay the same.  I am a great believer in Reflective Practice.  Teaching is not a talent, but something that can be improved with practice, and we improve by reflecting on what we have done, assessing its impact, and doing it better next time.  This is best done in a collaborative space… we learn more from each other.

I’m an ex-ICT teacher.  I really enjoyed teaching ICT to all abilities and if you read the about section, I was very good at it.  I have now been four years teaching computer science, and in the summer, completed my first CS GCSE. I have felt, and continue to feel, considerable pressure.  This is mainly down to not knowing my subject content as well as I would like, but also the change to (mostly ) the top third of our students, often bright and motivated – and I really do not want to let them down.  Now I’ve gone through a GCSE, and nearly an A-level, I want to be more considered about how to improve. The only lessons I feel really confident with are Key Stage 3 lessons when I repeat lessons to different classes, and only then really know what I am doing.  Part of being reflective is taking time to decide what has gone well, but also to know that there is a mechanism in place to make the not-so-good-bits-better. I invite you to do the same and in doing so, feel better about what you are doing. There aren’t many other channels of praise unless you are lucky to work with other colleagues in a supportive department.

Like many colleagues, I have tried to keep afloat with KS3, GCSE and A-level.  To help me and other colleagues with this, I organised the North Yorkshire CS teacher support group and as we were all teaching Eduqas GCSE, started the original Eduqas GCSE FB group.  This is now the main Eduqas and WJEC GCSE/A-level FB group. Although I really value the immediacy and connectivity of FB, I am frustrated that we have discussions that are of interest to all on different exam board groups,  and that as a result, people often miss out. Ideally, I would like to concentrate on pedagogy and effective teaching and learning in just one group. Therefore I have set up Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas (link here) which can integrate into everyone’s feeds.  Facebook is not great for archiving, but it will be more open to all and a more focused resource without procedural issues and things related to just one exam board.  If people think to use the group search things will be even better… 😉

At a recent York CAS get-together, our fifth Tech-Meet, (thanks to the hard work of Dan Tait)  I outlined what I am doing to improve on my first GCSE results. I propose to use these as the basis for some discussions in the next month or two, and see how we progress.   I know there is already a fan base for Sue Sentance’s PRIMM materials, so I suggest we kick off with discussing these.   All the resources (with Sue’s permission) are available in the Google folder linked off the group.  I will start with a post on PRIMM on Thursday, so please join in (link to Gr8 Computer Science Teaching Ideas) saying which school you are at and what you are teaching.  If you would like to then add ideas for further discussions to the first pinned post then that would help too.

I’e been meaning to do this for a while. With your help, it could really work… Thanks for reading.

Chris Sharples, Jan 2019

Here is the proposal:

Dear All,

*2019* I propose a new Gr8CoSTI discussion each fortnight starting 17th January:

Jan01: Introduction (CSh)

Jan02: PRIMM – Sue Sentance’s take on teaching Python.  She has provided 10 exemplar lessons on Python based on research and a number of us have used the lessons.  After using all 10 with my Year 10 group, I am adapting the lessons for Year 8 and Year 9, using Trinket.io to provide all the structure and assessment. (CSh)

Feb01: Packet Tracer. Duncan Maiden’s has written substantial resources to go with Cisco’s network simulation software “Packet Tracer”.  I have used these resources and will share how I have split them up for Year 8, GCSE and A-level use. (CSh)

Possible future topics:

– Pedagogy – what classroom approaches work well for Teaching and Learning Computer Science in the Classroom. To include Flipped Learning / Paired programming / Sabotage etc…

– Revision and Exam Technique

… whatever people ask

I (and other volunteers I hope) will write a ‘starter’ post about the current topic – including
– a DESCRIPTION and links
– TECHNICAL requirements
– thoughts on PEDAGOGY (Good teaching)
– any links to underpinning of RESEARCH
– IMPACT – did it make a difference? Is it worth repeating? If so, with what changes…

Anyone can join in during the subsequent fortnight with experience/views/questions…

By • Posts •

Nov 28 2018

York Tech-Meet5 – csh flipped learning Tues 27-11-18

By • Posts •

Jun 24 2018

Introduction to Computers vs Robots: Drones, Microbits and Bitbots

 

These four sets of slides have been used at York CAS 25-06-18 and Exabytes18 on 29-06-18.   I will be updating the slides in the next few weeks.

By • Good Practice, Micro:bit, Physical_Computing, Posts •

Jun 5 2018

Planning and assessing an outstanding key stage 3 computing curriculum (CY251a17)

Useful Links:

Microbit Introduction

Introduction to Bit:Bot

Using the Microbit to program the Bit:Bot

LEDS / Neopixels

Movement

By • Posts •

Apr 14 2018

MICRO:BIT IN SECONDARY COMPUTING – 2 day bursary course – 23-24 May 2018

This is the overview for the 2 day course “Micro:bit in secondary computing CY224” (apply inc Enthuse bursary via the STEM site, essentially making it free apart from cover) that I will be leading with Pete Dring and Simon Johnson.   We believe that your existing Microbits (worth upwards to £2k in each school) have huge potential to enhance your KS3 curriculum either for free or for very little extra cost.  I really rated Alan O’Donohoe and Mark Clarkson’s Python Boot camp and I intend to include similar ideas for teaching methods and ideas that you can take straight back and use in your classroom with your students.  This is the rubric with additional pictures and comments to explain what we are planning:

“Transform your KS3 computing curriculum to make programming interesting and exciting for all students, smoothing the transition from blocks to text-based languages.

During the first day you will use Python to programme the micro:bit, from the basics through to making music, transmitting morse code using radio and, finally, a Bit:Bot robot challenge.

The second day will extend your understanding of using the Micro:bit for physical computing and innovative robotics with blocks, JavaScript and Python.  You will be guided by experienced Master Teachers making extensive use of the micro:bit in schools. Teaching and classroom management methods will be modelled, and you will have time and help to tweak your own KS3 curriculum.  The CPD focuses on low- or no-cost projects based on the micro:bit.

You will:

  • Become confident programming the BBC Micro:bit with PXT blocks, Python and JavaScript
  • Understand how to support all learners using both blocks and Python for KS3 schemes of learning
  • Take-away many ideas for using the BBC Micro:bit for programming, including physical computing
  • Have experienced effective methods for teaching programming and managing kit in the classroom
  • Feel empowered to develop your KS3 curriculum, using the BBC Micro:bit to encourage greater uptake for KS4 computer science”

Day 1 – Developing your KS3 curriculum using BBC Micro:bits

1.1. Introduction
This will include what everyone is already doing or not doing with their BBC Micro:bits and a brief history of the Micro:bit.  

Ideas for easily managing class sets of micro:bits and equipment:

1.2 Basics
An introduction to images using PXT Blocks suitable for year 7s.  Then images using Python 3-ways – the microbit website, Mu, and Pete Dring’s simulator with discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of each.

1.3 Intermediate Python activities
Starting with ring tones, delegates will learn to programme pop tunes. Then participants will learn to send morse code via the radio link.

1.4 Circus of Python activities
Including Bop-it and speech synthesis.

1.5 Next steps in your own curriculum

eg. different pathways using both blocks or Python:

1.6 Programming Bit:Bot Robots with PXT blocks

A chance to program a Bit:Bot Robot using PXT blocks to move, flash lights and beep, ending with a line-following challenge.

Day 2 – Physical Computing using BBC Micro:bits
 2.1 Programming Bit:Bot Robots with Python
Same activities as yesterday evening but with Python. 

2.2 Discussion of Curriculum
Further discussion of curriculum opportunities, teaching methods, and supporting mastery.

eg.  Using a hybrid programming environment such as  TOSH (https://tosh.tjvr.org/app) to bridge between Scratch and Python:

2.3 Introduction to Physical Computing
Using block based code and basic inputs, participants will explore how to bring computational thinking and coding ‘to life’ through physical computing with the micro:bit. Delegates will use what they have learned to create some simple games such as a ‘Love Meter’ and ‘Magic 8-ball’.

2.4 More complicated blocks
In this hands-on session, we will control a servo operated micro:bit powered buggy called the :MOVE mini buggy. Delegates will also learn how to make their code more efficient by using functions in both the block editor and JavaScript.

2.5 Robotics on a Budget
Create simple robots using servos and everyday materials such as cardboard, paper clips and drinking straws, with discussion around how to extend these ideas in school.

2.6 Circus of Physical Computing activities
During this session, delegates will build a moving head puppet with a servo and then to try out a variety of sensors (PIR motion sensors, light sensors, temp sensors etc.) and explore how these can be used in the classroom. Delegates can also use this time to modify/upgrade their cardboard robots using the sensors provided.

 

By • Good Practice, KS3, Micro:bit, Physical_Computing, Posts, Scheme_of_Learning •

Jan 26 2018

Bett 2018 findings… Micro:Bits, VR and loads of people…

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to BETT18 yesterday, which greatly exceeding my expectations, as I have found in the last few years that the increased focus on selling hardware increasingly meaningless in the transfer to Computer Science.  Of course, the biggest enjoyment was meeting up with colleagues who I work with regularly, but the other standouts this year for me were the exciting additions for using the Micro:Bit and that high quality VR (and AR) that is becoming affordable for schools.   Lastly, the observation that BETT this year is more  for Internationals with slow moving people chatting in foreign languages and much more time than I have to spare, less for teachers and even less for students.

Talking of students, I immediately missed taking Digital Leaders on the way down.  I missed the train at Canning Row due to my ignorance – always before I have the students take care of the travel details.  I have started Digital Leaders again this week and look forward to working with Micro:Bits with them, a VR project, and plenty more coding opportunities.  DLs are vital in Y7,8 and 9 to raising interest in Computer Science and increasing numbers for GCSE and A-level, especially for girls. More

By • Good Practice, Micro:bit, Physical_Computing, Posts •

Sep 14 2017

Suggested approach to Eduqas NEA September 2017

I have just returned from our 7th North Yorkshire computing Teachers Support Group.  Several colleagues commented during the day that they are going to teach the NEA differently as a result of the meeting, and I think it is important to share with other teachers to write a useful summary here.   You will need to join the TSG, details here, with an index to access the significant resources which include a Student version of NEA Mark bands (3-levels), comprehensive slides to explain to students the requirements of the mark scheme, and differentiated mark schemes to provide feedback on practice NEAs.  All of these are in the folder NEA Student and moderation resources CSH.

Overall, we concluded that if you (and your students) do not have a working knowledge of the Mark Bands, you run the risk of significant sections being missed out, and missing marks as a result.   Also, weaker students who may struggle with some parts ofthe coding, could make up significant marks with the report.  Here are the slides from the TSG showing the various references to the Mark Scheme:

More

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Jul 8 2017

Transitioning from Blocks to Text

This post is to back up a talk from Rik Cross at York Regional CAS June 2017.  He showed several examples of Hybrid programming environments including TOSH (https://tosh.tjvr.org/app).

I am going to use TOSH as a bridge between Scratch in Year 7 and Python in Year 8.  I have adapted the list that Rik created so that Year 8s can access the Instructions as easily as possible – Scratch to Python examples of code: More

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