[Margaret Kelleher]

200 word reflection on hour of code!

My experience with the hour of code information and challenge was great. I had some initial teething problems as I had to navigate the world on an iPad which I felt was considerably more difficult than with mouse and keyboard. The hour of code world I entered was Hour of Code Escape Estate which I thought was so clever with how you had to help your robot to fix his code.
The goal of the game is to escape Dr. Breakowski’s mansion before dawn. Ultimately, the game involves solving puzzles in rooms in order to find the exit in time. A trailer gives a brief overview of what can be expected which is a nice introduction to the lesson for your class.

Computational thinking is very much a part of this challenge.
Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach consisting of specific skills and practices: decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. These skills are used in computer science but I love how these skills can also be applied in a variety of other disciplines such as mathematics, visual arts, reading, science, and more. So beneficial to the children.

The concept was very fun and engaging and I can imagine my students with some initial lessons on how to play the game had they not previously would thoroughly enjoy it.

[Margaret Kelleher]

Task 2
Discuss the significance of introduction of coding and computer science into primary schools.

As mentioned previously I understand the importance of digital tools for learning in the classroom. The ever-changing nature of digital technology means we need to be re evaluating our teaching methods quite regularly.  More specifically coding is a fantastic addition to the primary curriculum as many of the children may well choose tech professions but even if they don’t it is an invaluable skill and altogether important to be familiar at least with the basics as code will likely be a part of our everyday lives.

Personal experience
My personal experience with coding is quite basic, I have done some coding on previous courses but I wouldn’t consider myself proficient quite yet.

Challenges
I would say some of the challenges to the introduction of coding and computer science to the classroom may be the access to resources. Some schools like my own have very little access to IT or may not have an experienced teacher who can lead the way with achieving IT goals. Continued CPD will no doubt help greatly in this area.

[Margaret Kelleher]

Using Minecraft education to introduce STEM to your classroom
Task 1:

Algebra: Patterns rules and relationships.
Learning outcome:
Through appropriately engaging learning experiences children should be able to identify the rules that govern patterns to generalise and make predictions.

Minecraft education game: NUMBER PATTERN ARCHITECTURE
Students explore math models to learn about arithmetic patterns and create towers in architectural designs.
Identifying patterns is a foundational skill which is used throughout the maths curriculum and once mastered unlocks a lot of the problems children will face during a maths lesson. The game above requires students to initially spot patterns and then move on to spotting what is missing from a number pattern.

The children then enter the Minecraft world and complete the following activities:
Part 1: Finding Number Patterns Students will explore the pre-made math models of number patterns and find the next set of numbers. Also, they will be given sets of numbers on slates to build a math model.
Part 2: Explore the Architecture Students will then explore and study the architecture designs made from the number pattern math models and get ideas on what they want to build.
Part 3: Build In the first building area, students will create and build a math model of a number pattern and push the clone button. The model will appear in the next build area where the students will finish the frame of their building. Push the clone button and the frame will appear in the third build area where the students will design and finish their structure.

This Minecraft lesson would best be completed after considerable work on number patterns and identifying/ completing them. Maths is all around us. I love explaining this to my students but to be able to show them through Minecraft that these patterns translate into architecture is fantastic. Connecting classroom maths to the “real” world is so important for motivation and to keep enthusiasm levels up.
This lesson could also be interlinked with art/studying the work of famous architects past and present.

[Margaret Kelleher]

Curriculum area covered
Subject: History
Strand: life, society, work and culture in the past.
Strand unit: 19th century Ireland
Other curricular areas covered; Gaeilge.

Learning outcomes
·       To learn about the everyday lives of tenants working on land held by English landlords pre-famine.
·       To design a model of what a typical small holding would have looked like during this period and the activities/hardships/challenges/culture of those living on it.
·       To add notes/chalkboards in to their Minecraft world containing facts they learned from their research.
·       They will develop skills in historical research, digital design, and collaboration

To develop skills of
-collaboration;
·       working together to decide on relevant information to include in project.
·       working together to build their Minecraft world with historical accurate features and information.

-presentation;
·       dividing information between them to feed back orally to whole class.

Student roles

Project leader: Combine the research on the topic and ensure everyone has the information they need.
Architects: Design and plan the construction of the farm holding.
Builders: Recreate the structure in Minecraft.
Documenters and presenters: Create a presentation explaining the building process, including the historical context.

Supporting work
·       Discussion on what they know about the period already KWL chart completion. Research information provided by the class teacher, books from the library and some teacher provided online resources. Areas of research to include; religion, language, food, clothing, farming practices, societal structures.

Build challenge

Design a model of what a typical small holding would have looked like during this period and include features that display the activities/hardships/challenges/culture of those living on it with information provided through the book and quill feature.

[Margaret Kelleher]

How can digital tools create engaging and interactive learning experiences?
Digital tools have become an extremely important cog in our teaching and and learning in primary schools. They are fast becoming integral given the nature of the digital age we are living in and the need for children to be not only computer literate but to able to use their skills for critical thinking, problem solving and much more. Digital tools have the ability also to bridge gaps in understanding, to overcome obstacles like motivation, accessibility and enable differentiation quite fluidly and naturally. They allow for both formative and summative assessments in a fun and convenient manner. They also allow students the opportunity to collaborate with one another in a novel way.

Apply SSE guidelines to improve your teaching
SSE gives schools a framework by which to identify firstly where there may be shortfalls in provision of IT based education. To create a solid plan to solve such issues and it fosters an environment of structure, continued reflection, communication and improvement with the end goal of creating a successful integration of digital tools within the school.

How does developing your use of digital technology impact your school?
Personally I have tried to do as many IT based courses as I can in the hopes of improving my skills and knowledge base in the area so that I can lend my assistance to my school and colleagues to bring our school further into the digital age.
We currently have no Wi-Fi access, no class set of iPads/chrome books etc
Schools are busy places so I hope to ease some of the burden and provide assistance in the procurement of IT resources for my school so that the children can benefit from the enrichment digital tools provide to their learning experience.
Once we have the tools needed I hope to put together an IT committee to arrange staff training, meetings to share expertise and ideas etc.

[Author]

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