PA SMART GRANT
In May 2019, two other elementary teachers and myself went to a training in Pittsburgh. Our cohort of teachers will meet in October 2019, February 2020, and May 2020. We are learning the importance of computer literacy and digital citizenship as well as writing new computer curriculum for our districts.
In addition, all participants have required work to complete between each training session. I chose to do one online activity and one "unplugged" activity. It pushed me outside my comfort zone with mixed results. However, growth happens when we challenge ourselves as educators and people.
First, I purchased additional MicroBits with some of the grant money. These are mini computers that can be coding to light up, play music, and more. It gives students a tangible product for computer coding. You can find out more on their website - MicroBit and see the coding process at MAKE CODE. I like the small size and the reasonable price tag of less than $20.
I do not have any "WOW" pictures from this activity yet. I hope to take some on Monday or Tuesday.
Pros: Cost, ease of use
Cons: How to play sound, some unknown more advanced features, and some students not being familiar with coding
I plan to give a concrete task next time not just exploration. Overall, 90% of the students were excited to try them out in grades 3 and 4.
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My second activity that I did for my upcoming class was an "unplugged" activity. This is an activity that works on a technology concept but OFFLINE.
I completed a pixel coloring activity. I thought that it would be like a color by number and be a cool display in STEAM. Students in my first class didnt really get the idea of pixels. I found a student video which explains them a bit on you tube. Here is link to video that I used:
Cons: How to play sound, some unknown more advanced features, and some students not being familiar with coding
I plan to give a concrete task next time not just exploration. Overall, 90% of the students were excited to try them out in grades 3 and 4.
______________________________________________________________________________
My second activity that I did for my upcoming class was an "unplugged" activity. This is an activity that works on a technology concept but OFFLINE.
I completed a pixel coloring activity. I thought that it would be like a color by number and be a cool display in STEAM. Students in my first class didnt really get the idea of pixels. I found a student video which explains them a bit on you tube. Here is link to video that I used:
The students were supposed to color the entire box like a pixel. Some colored just the number. Some scribbled. Others did not understand the goal. I plan to hang them up in the current condition (partially colored boxes) then let them see what happened. Then re-print the pages and try them again. I think that it is an important lesson.
The link is CS Unplugged
Here are a few students in action as well!
The link is CS Unplugged
Here are a few students in action as well!
