Because I have an IT background I believe this has given me somewhat of an advantage when teaching computing in primary schools.
The government and the DfE are pushing computing lessons more towards STEM and future skills not just coding. Having experance in electronics has been a big help.
I teach a variety of computing subjects to children, including coding, graphic design, and website creation. I teach an average of 420+ children per week. My goal is to make my lessons enjoyable and to teach children skills that they can use across the school curriculum. I believe that computing is not just about learning how to code or design websites, but also about developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
I work with schools that use 21st century learning platforms such as Google Workspace for Education. I encourage children to use these platforms at home, and many of them do. Children create their own collaborative documents and presentations that they share with their peers. I often see children showing me work that they have completed at home in their own time.
I am passionate about teaching children computing skills. I believe that these skills are essential for success in the 21st century. I am also committed to making my lessons enjoyable and engaging. I believe that children learn best when they are having fun.
Here are some specific examples of how I make my lessons enjoyable and engaging:
I use games and puzzles to teach coding concepts.
I have students work on projects that are relevant to their interests.
I use humor and storytelling to make my lessons more engaging.
I am always looking for new ways to make my lessons more enjoyable and engaging. I believe that the best way to teach children is to make learning fun.
Google Workspace for Education is a set of Google tools and services that are tailored for schools and home learning to collaborate, streamline instruction, and keep learning safe. I have been working with schools on this system for around 11 years and qualified a a Google Certified Educator in 2016.
Google Workspace for Education: A 21st Century Learning Platform
I have been using Google Workspace for Education (G-Suite as it was known then) for about 12 years in primary school education. I originally set up 5 pioneering schools in Tameside with the platform, unfortunately two of them turned their backs and walked away from it. The remaining three schools continued to use it, and they had no real issues during the COVID lockdown.
I can't rate this system highly enough. It is all your school will need to manage children's online work and allow them to work in school and then go home and continue learning. Google Workspace for Education allows children to work in some very advanced ways, and having a Google account gives them the opportunity to log in and work with other online platforms.
Google Workspace for Education works seamlessly with Chromebooks, which are fast becoming the go-to device for both schools and businesses. Chromebooks are one of those rare devices that "just works." They boot up in about 20 seconds and have a battery that lasts all day. Technicians joke that it takes longer to unpack a Chromebook than it does to set it up.
Google Workspace for Education is a powerful 21st century learning platform that can help your school to deliver a high-quality education. If you are looking for a solution that is easy to use, secure, and affordable, then Google Workspace for Education is the perfect choice for you.
The NCCE Teach Computing curriculum is a free, open-source curriculum for teaching computing in primary and secondary schools in England. It is designed to be used by teachers of all levels of experience, and it includes lesson plans, slides, activity sheets, homework, and assessments.
I have been using the Teach Computing Curriculum with all year groups from 1 to 6. Each key stage is divided into units, and each unit is broken down into lessons. The units are designed to be taught in any order, with the exception of programming units, where concepts and skills rely on prior knowledge and experiences. Lessons must be taught in numerical order.
I have converted many of the paper worksheets that accompany the lesson into online versions so I can use them on Google Classroom and I have also "cherry picked" and added or removed some parts. But, that's the beauty of this scheme of work, nothing is set in stone.
The curriculum covers the following three areas of computing:
Computer science: This strand teaches children about the principles of computer science, such as algorithms, data structures, and programming.
Information technology: This strand teaches children how to use computers and other digital technologies to solve problems and create solutions.
Digital literacy: This strand teaches children how to be safe and responsible users of digital technology.
It is comprehensive and covers all three areas of computing. It is well-structured and easy to follow. It is free to use and available in a variety of formats. It is regularly updated with new content.
The BBC micro:bit is a tiny, pocket-sized computer created by the BBC. The BBC micro:bit is a powerful tool for learning about computing. It can be used to create a variety of projects, from simple games to complex interactive applications. It is also a great way to get started with coding, as it offers a variety of resources and learning tools.
The Teach Computing curriculum is a game-changer for schools. It encourages students to explore all aspects of computing, from video editing to coding. And now, with the recent giveaway of BBC micro:bits to all primary schools, there's no excuse for students not to get involved with controlling motors, lights and servos.
I started working with the micro:bit four years ago, and I was immediately impressed by how easy it was to use. I had a background in electronics, but I didn't need any prior knowledge to get started. The micro:bit's simple programming language made it easy to create projects, and I was able to control external devices like motors and LED lights with ease.
The new v2 model of the micro:bit is even better. It has more memory, a faster processor, and a wider range of sensors. It can also be used as a micro controller and data logger. And the programming software has been updated with a whale bunch of new extensions and simulators.
The BBC micro:bit has been used to create some amazing projects, such as a self-driving car, a musical instrument, and a weather station. It help students learn about a variety of STEM topics, such as coding, electronics, and robotics. The micro:bit is a great way for students to express their creativity and solve real-world problems and it is a fun and engaging way for students to learn about computing.
If you have received your free 30 micro:bits and don't know where to start then I would be more then happy to help. Go to the CONTACT page by clicking the link.
