MindLab DFI 8 on Computational Thinking

Today's DFI session was held at MindLab in Gisborne. Our deep dive was delving into unchartered territory for many of us, computational thinking (aka coding - which if you were born before 2000's can be a bit of a scary word!) we were told to "Get Brave"... and that we did. 

The computational thinking & coding activity was hands on, physical and really well scaffolded.
First we watched the Josh Darnit video on the Exact Instructions Challenge to give us an idea of how specific and broken down your instructions need to be in coding.

The activity we did in teams where one had to be the robot, tester, and developer started with minimal instructions and we needed to collaborate to problem solve, and gradually becoming harder with less communication other than the 'code', bringing in the concept of 'procedures', and then swapping codes to see if we could 'run' someone else's code. This would be a great activity for learners to collaborate and build resilience, perseverance, problem solving, and a great gateway to coding and understanding the method behind coding.

Learning coding @NZMindlab @clusternz @Learnerslcs DFI on #computationalthinking building #Collaboration #resiliance #patience #perseverance #problemsolving #Coding #codingforkids #professionallearning pic.twitter.com/eA6xfnVBkO

— Stephanie Parker (@Sparketter) May 9, 2019

Next we were introduced to Lightbot. A free online coding tool for learners to practice simple coding skills. This is great for building perspective as watching the bot, you want him to turn right, but from his perspective, he's turning left. Again more problem solving for tamariki, and more opportunities to build efficiencies.

We also had time to explore CoSpaces today, an online tool for coding. Our challenge was to create a story, with characters from the roll of a dice. I rolled 'Vampire', 'Roast Turkey' and 'Leadership' I'm not quite sure if I ticked the leadership box but have a look at the scenario I coded in our 20 minute timeslot. Hint - click the skier, and the champagne bottle. 



I'm keen to see what the team  thought of today's session and how it has improved their practice and workflow, what connections they've made from computational thinking to their own learners and contexts. For example Joanne, who teaches New Entrants has thought of how to adapt the mornings activity for her class. 

Learn Code Teach Code

This week I have been teaching myself coding. Well, studio.code.org has been teaching me coding. I began with Course 2 aimed for children who can read and suitable for ages 6 - 18 years. This course took me through coding using visual blocks learning everything from the basics of simple commands, to loops, 'if' statements, loops within loops and allowed me to practice these skills to create simple images, solve puzzles, and even create games using rules and logic. 

Throughout the course were several 'unplugged' activities and teacher lesson plans which described how to teach some of the principles of coding, without computers, great for classes with limited resources, and for getting to understand the purpose and function of different code capabilities without the distraction of the computers bells and whistles. 

One of the things I liked the most about this 'code' business is the practical side I can see to, how purposeful it can be to develop a child's problem solving capability, logic, reasoning, creativity, and open up a world of future pathways. A lot of the activities included tasks which required understanding patterns, angles, symbols < > =, 'if' and 'when' clauses which link perfectly with geometry, algebra and other mathematical applications. 

The best part however, was that it was actually quite fun. I was learning while having fun. Ideal. Check out some of my learning examples below. Click the image to be directed to the activity and code behind it. 

At the completion of Course 2 I also received my Certificate of Completion - Well done me. I think I'll enjoy incorporating this learning in my class this year. 

Coding to Learn...

... or should I say learning to code? 
Today my class and I had the opportunity to learn some coding skills, while practicing coding, as part of Computer Science Education Week. 

from OMG Tech arrived to set-up and assist us in our coding journey. Code.org has some simple coding modules which anyone can learn. They get progressively harder, beginning with simple instructions, before requiring learners to understand the loop process and "if.." statements in coding.

The code.org modules are based on three themes targeted to engage children (or other enthusiasts). Module themes include Minecraft; StarWars and the popular Disney theme Frozen. 

What's brilliant is that no experience is needed, and the teacher modules are just as accessible. I know what my summer PD is going to be, when I'm not at the beach that is! 

Learn more about Computer Science Education Week here. Awareness of computer coding is a brilliant skill in terms of problem solving, logic, mathematics and analytics. More so, just to appreciate the 'behind the scenes' required to make some of our favourite things work.