Phil Bagge demonstrating the need for precision in algorithms!
Monthly Archives: January 2014
The Programme of Study in the new Computing curriculum
The computing programme of study can be looked at in terms of these three main elements: Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Literacy. While there is no requirement to teach the PoS in separate strands, looking at it like this can help to see progression.
Computing in the national curriculum -A guide for primary teachers
This guide written by Miles Berry, with help from Amanda Jackson, Penny Patterson and Dave Smith of Havering School Improvement Services, has been sent to every primary school and is available online at http://www.naace.co.uk/curriculum/primaryguide.
It provides a clear overview of the new computing curriculum, explaining in some detail many aspects of the programme of study. It also gives excellent guidance on planning, resourcing and assessment. Getting familiar with this document is a great way for all teachers to understand what computing is all about and how to get started.
A copy is also available from the link below in case the NAACE page disappears in the future.
Computing in the national curriculum – A guide for primary teachers
Why the change to Computing?
This video from Dr John Woollard at University of Southampton considers why the changes to the ICT curriculum came about and describes the important features of the new Computing curriculum.
Scratch on iPads?
The web-based version of Scratch2 would be great on an iPad, but unfortunately it uses Flash. MIT say that they are working on a version for the iPad, but it does not seem imminent.
In the meantime you could use Blockly on the iPad. Blockly is derived from Scratch and runs on the web. As it uses just HTML and JavaScript, it works beautifully on an iPad. It is simpler to use than Scratch and does not include all the Sprites that come with Scratch. There are different subsets of Blockly blocks that you can start with including Puzzle, Maze and Turtle.
A structured programme of tutorials has been created at learn.code.org. Here you can register and work through the tutorials over time.
Blockly is also a great way of introducing javascript as you can see the javascript code for your program.
To start using Blockly have a go at blockly maze on this page
To learn more have a go at the tutorials
How do I keep up to date with new resources from LGfL?
Have a look at the LGfL Showcase which is a great way to keep abreast of new learning resources. The site features new and noteworthy resources as well as providing links to all the content. Specific content can be found very easily as the links can be filtered by title subject and keystage. Following a link takes you to a wealth of information about the resource including videos, additional resources such as a related Fronter room, and guidance on mobile device use.
The LGfL Showcase can be accessed by typing showcase.lgfl.net into your browser. In fact it’s useful to remember that any LGfL resource can be accessed by typing its name.lgfl.net.
eSafety Update
New resources are added to the LGfL eSafety site on a regular basis so remember to check esafety.lgfl.net to keep up to date. A number of one minute guides have been added in recent weeks covering areas such as Sexting, Early Years logins and School Productions.
All the one minute guides can be seen here.
Did you know that Ofsted’s latest guidance to Inspectors includes the following indicators:
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No evidence of staff training
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Policies are generic and not updated
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No planned e-safety education across the curriculum
A useful index of eSafety resources has been created on the LGfL site