Data handling is the process of collecting, organizing, analysing, and interpreting data. It involves gathering information from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, or observations, and then sorting and classifying the data in a way that makes it easy to understand and analyse. The data is then analysed to look for patterns, trends, or relationships, and the information is used to draw conclusions or make inferences. 

The goal of data handling is to extract meaningful and useful information from the data. Software such as j2data, Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel can be used for data handling tasks. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, and users can choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.

Spreadsheets are used in the process of collecting, organizing, analysing, and interpreting data. It involves gathering information from a variety of sources, such as surveys, experiments, or observations, and then sorting and classifying the data in a way that makes it easy to understand and analyse. The data is then analysed to look for patterns, trends, or relationships, and the information is used to draw conclusions or make inferences.

Spreadsheets help us extract and model meaningful and useful information from the data.   Software such as j2data, Google Sheets and Microsoft Excel can be used for data handling tasks. Each of them has their own strengths and weaknesses, and users can choose the one that best fits their needs and preferences.

Computational thinking is the way of designing solutions to problems. It’s a way of breaking down complex problems into smaller manageable parts, identifying patterns and creating models to understand and solve problems. Computational thinking is a thinking skill that will help people solve problems more efficiently.  

Programming, also known as coding, is the process of giving instructions to a computer using a specific programming language so that it can perform a specific task or solve a problem. Think of it as giving a set of instructions to a robot, so that it can do something you want or like giving a recipe to a chef so they can cook a dish you want to eat.

A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyse, manage, and present all types of geographical data. The key word to this technology is geographical – this means that some portion of the data is spatial. In other words, data that is in some way referenced to locations on the earth.

Geospatial data can be analysed to determine:

• the location of features and relationships to other features

• where the most and/or least of some feature exists

• the density of features in a given space

• what is happening inside an area of interest (AOI)

• what is happening nearby some feature or phenomenon

• how a specific area has changed over time (and in what way).

The BBC micro:bit is programmable device that allows students to get hands-on with coding and digital making. Used to inspire learners to recognise the power of technology in the real world. The official blocks-based editor is Microsoft MakeCode and the text-based programming tool is the micro:bit Python editor. The BBC micro:bit also works with Scratch, Code.org App Lab and a wide range of other tools/editors.

Microsoft’s MakeCode editor is the perfect way to start programming and get creating with the BBC micro:bit. The colour-coded blocks are familiar to anyone who’s previously used Scratch, and yet powerful enough to access all the features of this tiny computer. You can also switch to JavaScript to see the text-based code behind the blocks. The micro:bit Python Editor has been designed particularly with beginners to text-based coding in mind. The bright, colourful interface and range of features aim to lower the barrier to getting started and are designed to appeal to a diverse range of learners.

Minecraft Education is an educational version of the popular video game Minecraft, designed to enhance learning experiences. In the context of Curriculum for Wales, it offers a dynamic platform for learners to explore, create, communicate, and collaborate. Through the immersive experience, it fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, aligning with the curriculum’s emphasis on holistic learning. Teachers can integrate Minecraft Education into all areas of learning, making lessons more engaging and interactive, while promoting digital skills essential for the 21st century.