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Hi Deirdre,
I like the complexity of this tutorial, as it focus more on the Micro:bit’s function as a sensor. I’m sure there is a lot of potential there to spark the kids creativity to apply different sensors. It also combines the everyday world – what natural “inputs” are there, what could be a digital output to that. Thanks for trying out this more complex tutorial for us!
I used the turorial called dice. It allows me to create a coded version of dice, that could be used for a number of games. If I shake the Micro:bit, I receive a variable between 1 and 6.
https://makecode.microbit.org/_a25Cru5ebUpY
input.onGesture(Gesture.Shake, function () {
basic.showNumber(randint(1, 6))
})Since this is a fairly short code, we could even highlight the differences between visual and written code.
As an short unplugged activity we could use different dice for short games. Not only six sided dice (D6) could be used, but other variants as well – 4 sided dice, 8, 12, 20, 30 or combining two dice to make a D100.
By using code for the dice, we can surpass the physical limits of those fixed numbers. It is very easy to adjust the printed numbers, whithout having the physical limitations. In my opionion this would be a great showcase for removing limitations through technology.
I really like how you have identified the difference between simply using technology and using it in a more meaningful way. I think your strength in keeping pupils engaged through quizzes and collaborative activities is a great starting point for developing this further. Your plan to include one creative or problem-solving digital activity each week also feels very realistic
I particularly like that you have included pupil feedback and discussion with a colleague. I’d love to see a flexible reflection sheet, that the students could use every time, to reduce my workload and at the same time give them the same structure.
One area of the Digital Learning Framework that stood out to me was Computational Thinking (CT). As a primary teacher, I realised that I already use several elements of CT in my teaching, even though I would not necessarily have described them using that terminology before this module. I particularly enjoy using games and situations from the everyday lives of my pupils to make abstract concepts easier to understand. I feel this is one of my strengths, as it helps pupils connect new ideas to something familiar and meaningful.
An area I would like to develop is having a more structured approach to digital learning, so that the learning does not disappear once the lesson is finished. I would like pupils to be able to revisit examples, instructions or resources independently. A lot of our students are struggling with regular attendance, and I feel it to be unfair for them missing out on our content at school.
