Programming

Programming

In todays session, we looked into all things programming!

What is programming?
Put simply, a programming (or coding) language is a set of syntax rules that define how code should be written and formatted. Thousands of different programming languages make it possible for us to create computer software, apps and websites.
What is programming?

As Trythall states, ICT has changed drastically over the past 20 years, but programming hasn't left and is still considered the guise of 'control technology' (Trythall, 2007).

Why is coding so important?

Coding means telling a computer what to do by giving it commands to which it responds. Computer programmers use a variety of ‘languages’ such as Java, C++ and Python to design, write and maintain computer programs. So why teach it to kids?
‘We live in a digital age, and children need to understand how the devices they’re using work and how to control them. Raising a generation of children who can code will have massive benefits to our future economy.' Clare Sutcliffe, co-founder of Code Club.
Teaching coding puts children in control of the computer and lets them learn through experimentation, mastering concepts such as logic and consequences. It can also be a lot more fun than traditional ICT lessons, which typically revolve around using Word and PowerPoint and teach children how to be ‘secretaries’ rather than helping them learn how computers work. 

Beebot :

'What is a bee-bot?

Bee-Bot is an exciting new robot designed for use by young children. This colorful, easy-to-operate, and friendly little robot is a perfect tool for teaching sequencing, estimation, problem-solving, and just having fun! Sturdy construction and colorful design entice children to put Bee-Botthrough its paces.' - https://www.bee-bot.us



A Beebot is a programmable toy that is used in schools with children from the early years. Beebots are controlled by a sequence of directions. Children can use a wide variety of 'maps' to follow. They can use spelling maps, directional maps, maths maps and much, much more! During this session, we worked in groups to get to grips with the beebot. After this, we got to create our own beebot cover. This is definitely something I would like to do with children as a teacher. We also made our own map which was super quick and easy! We decided on a park map with an ice-cream van driving around the park (our beebot). We then wrote a set of instructions for other groups to follow!


Here are some other programming tools that could be used in the classroom:



2GO:

Advantages:
Visual
Good for EAL learners
Differentiation
Add numbers
Child friendly
Direction
Some basic instructions
Easy to use

Disadvantages:
Could have more instructions
Have to use an online keypad
Can be confusing







Cheese sniffer - purple mash:

Advantages:
Directional skills
Gets the mind working
Perseverance
Can work together

Disadvantages:
Basic
May get boring





Unit the robot:

Advantages:
Directional skills
Exciting for children
Position
Perseverance

Disadvantages:
Sometimes it doesn't know where you are and doesn't allow you to pick up the apples or pop balloons












Lightbot:

Advantages:
Concentration
Positional vocabulary
Prediction
Sequence
Break down your journey
Instructions
Speech bubbles to read
Exciting for children

Disadvantages:
Arrows can be confusing
Can be difficult
Frustrating
Trial and error







2Code - purple mash:

Advantages:
Instruction videos

Disadvantages:
Hard to use
Only gives you what you need to use
Does not let you experiment
Not open ended



References

Bee-bot home page. (2016) Available at: https://www.bee-bot.us (Accessed 11th March 2018).

Computer coding for kids. (2018) Available at: https://www.theschoolrun.com/coding-kids (Accessed: 3 March 2018).

 How coding works. (2018) Available at:http://www.codeconquest.com/what-is-coding/how-does-coding-work/ (Accessed 10th March 2018).

Trythall, A  (2007)  Managing ICT from Birth to Seven (Key Issues/Every Child Matters) Featherstone Education Ltd

Comments

Post a Comment