Is coding only for geeks, gamers or geniuses?
Is coding only for people who like maths, logic, and analytical thinking? For geeks, gamers or geniuses? Or is coding a means to create for the arts, human-centred design, empathy, storytelling, human connection, building imaginary worlds, characters and adventures, social impact and creative expression.
Loving text editors especially Notepad
Loving text editors especially Notepad. You! Yes, you! You wanna learn how to code? You have many questions, I’m sure. Perhaps one of them is “what will I use to write my programs?” Oh boy. Where do we start? Let’s start at the beginning. Early…
Let’s start from Scratch and learn to code: Part 1
In case you missed it…
Yesterday afternoon, Thursday 27 April, we ran our first in a three-part series of web conferences: Let’s start from Scratch and learn to code.
Part 1: Let’s build two quizzes in Scratch. Learn about logic patterns, algorithms, data storage and making maths fun.
Click here if you would like to watch the recording.
Learn to code: Part 3 & Let’s start from Scratch
In case you missed it… On Thursday 11 May, we ran our third and final session in a three-part series of web conferences: Let’s start from Scratch and learn to code. Part 3: Let’s build a computer game and make learning about Cartesian coordinates fun. Learn about algorithms, sequencing, branching and looping.
How to make real impact on digital literacy
Teaching digital literacy is a contrast to the traditional academic education model and results in education that leads to empowerment and lifelong learning. We can develop children who are curious, engaged and creative and grow to become change makers, innovators and creators by focusing on creating lifelong learners, outcomes first then tools and technology creation not technology consumption.
Kick start Digital Technologies like a digital guru
Roll out the new Digital Technologies subject like a digital guru. Here are a couple of tips on what not to do and what to do.
Teach kids to code with Scratch
This is Part 4 in a 4 part series: Designing classes
Bring coding into the classroom using Scratch (Part 3 of 4)
This is Part 3 in a 4 part series: Designing an 8-week course
Let’s start from Scratch and learn to code: Part 2
Part 2 is digital artwork and animation movies.
In the words of Steve Jobs, “Computer science is a liberal arts”. Let’s create digital artwork and introduce how you can make animated stories with Scratch. Learn about Cartesian coordinates, algorithms, and sequencing.
Transforming my son’s screen time one coding class at a time!
Managing my son’s screen time and online gaming has (so far) been my biggest everyday parenting challenge. I’ve set time limits. I’ve ensured he does other activities before screen is allowed. And I’ve ‘Mum-splained’ many times that the TV and iPad do not count as a ‘screen break’ from his computer. He also does a number of sports. I have every strategy going, and yet screen time still feels like an ongoing negotiation, requiring energy I don’t have. He is nearly ten and he is exceptionally persistent when it comes to computers.