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If you're concerned about the Digital Technologies Curriculum, you're not alone. But it's really not as complex or confusing as it might first appear. A lot of the concepts will be familiar, but couched in unfamiliar terms. Take a deep breath, and dive on in.
If you're concerned about the Digital Technologies Curriculum, you're not alone. But it's really not as complex or confusing as it might first appear. A lot of the concepts will be familiar, but couched in unfamiliar terms. Take a deep breath, and dive on in.
No computer? No worries
No computer? No worries
MORE UNPLUGGED IDEAS
Unplugged resources allow you teach Computer Science concepts without a computer.
How do I upskill?
How do I upskill?
- Start at CSUnplugged. A fantastic free resource with activities and videos and everything you need to teach the basics of concepts like binary, networks, search algorithms, etc. If you want to see how this resource is mapped to the Australian Curriculum, look here.
- Another handy tool is the Computer Science Field Guide. Find the element you need and view the resources. A very straightforward tool that is suitable for secondary students or upper primary.
- Next, move on to doing some basic coding. Sites like Blockly games let you see how computational thinking works in a digital environment.
- Understand the basics like iteration (repeat or loop) and conditionals (branching). Try Incredibox to get an audio idea of how loops work.
- Start looking for Hour of Code projects. Try the Flappy Bird tutorial. You can see how manipulating code changes your program.
- Try your own. Go to Scratch and start some basic animations.
- When you have your head around the basics, start trying bigger challenges. Think about what you would like your animation or game to do, then try to make it happen. No ideas? Try Code Club for clear instructions. Why not start a Coding Club while you're at it? It can be for students and/or teachers!
- Want to see what's available? Visit CS Education Week to get ideas, resources, and join in with other communities.
- Comfortable with Visual Programming? Go to Codecademy or other online sources to try out Javascript, Python, or HTML. These tutorial programs teach you and let you try the code out as you go.
- Ready to work with students? CS First gives you some easy-to-follow programs that you can easily apply to a variety of situations.
- Wondering how to fit Digital Technologies in with your existing curriculum. Look at this post from EdTech Team on how to get coding in your classroom.
- CSER MOOCs cover everything, not just coding. Check them out for a high quality approach to training to teach the curriculum.
Much of the Digital Technologies Curriculum is about Computational Thinking. This is the best resource I have found to explain the concepts involved in this way of thinking. Definitely worth a read:
What about Networks and Hardware?
What about Networks and Hardware?
The physical components of computers are fascinating and they can give a much deeper level of understanding to students on how elements of computing, such as the internet, actually work.
- Don't be afraid to grab an old PC and pull it apart (obviously once the power source is removed!) See if students can figure out what part serves what function.
- Look at videos such as this one from Cisco that explains how the internet works and explores concepts of Net Neutrality. Or look at this very cute storybook version from Sweden that gives an overview for younger grades.
- Have students physically demonstrate how the internet or a PC works. Have students hold cards that designate various parts of a network (eg PC, domain name server, web server, etc) and designate the travel of packets of data by using string.
- Look at resources like BBC Bitesize for clear and concise instruction, plus resources your students can work through at their own pace. You can learn as they learn! Each section of this site includes a test at the end of the content chapter with instant feedback.
The biggest concern I've heard from teachers is that they don't know what coding is, or how to do it. Let's start off with some basics.
The biggest concern I've heard from teachers is that they don't know what coding is, or how to do it. Let's start off with some basics.
Some Historical Info
You may be interested in looking at the Statements of Learning for Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the ICT General Capability.
See also the Public Report and Technical Report from the 2014 NAP-ICT.
You don't have to be the expert. Gasp! Yes, that's right! Part of the wonder of a maker culture is that everyone learns together. Just take the risk and see how engagement grows as a result.
You don't have to be the expert. Gasp! Yes, that's right! Part of the wonder of a maker culture is that everyone learns together. Just take the risk and see how engagement grows as a result.
Remember, Computational Thinking REQUIRES that your students solve their own problems. Learn from each other.
Remember, Computational Thinking REQUIRES that your students solve their own problems. Learn from each other.
Here's your task! Try out some coding. Go to Scratch, signup, and just try one of the tutorials. Scratch is a Visual Programming Language.
Student Examples
Student Examples
Students from local primary schools visited Emmaus to take part in STEAMpowered. This session was a one-day program that introduced students to:
- how the internet works (students created a physical diagram using their own bodies and pieces of string)
- binary code (students raced against each other to code and decode messages in binary using a modified version of the ASCII table)
- computational thinking (using Blockly Games, students explored ways of breaking down problems and developing solutions)
- coding (students used Scratch to develop animations and mini-games)
- electronics (students used Circuit World to demonstrate their understanding of circuits before moving on to setting up Makey Makey. Students created musical instruments using leaves, fruit, the buttons on their shirts, wet paper and each other!)
- Genius Hour (students practised autonomy, collaboration, creativity, research skills, project-based learning and each produced products within an hour. The "STEAMpowered" video above is an example of one of these projects).
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