Coffee and Coding...bring iPad!
"Learning to write programs stretches your mind, and helps you think better, creates a way of thinking about things that I think is helpful in all domains."
- Bill Gates
Plus...the world needs more coders! A recent survey of 50,000 graduate university students conducted in the US found that careers in Computer Science held some of the very best prospects in terms of immediate employment, choice of employment and remuneration. But these are only a few of the reasons that schools are increasingly turning their attention to developing curriculum that focusses or draws on principles of computer science.
In 2015-16, the ES Technology Team has been making great inroads into bring 'computer science' into the foreground within our Elementary School. This year all classes are involved in activities designed to engage and excite your children around computer science. And we want to share some of this with you on Monday!
We'll share with you a summary of the professional development that has been delivered internally at SAS with teachers; computer science programs children are participating in; progress summaries; and finally: you get to experience some of the learning opportunities first hand by participating in some of the activities your children have also participated in. So please bring your tablet (or laptop) if you have one. We will have a limited number on hand to loan you if this is not possible though. We look forward to exchanging insights into your child's education at SAS.
What is Hour of Code?"The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organise an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials are available in over 40 languages. No experience needed. Ages 4 to 104." - https://hourofcode.com/
Strategy at SAS in the Elementary School
In 2015-16, as in previous years, we decided to enrol all students in a program that actually goes well beyond the 'Hour of Code'. This is to provide opportunities for students to be extended should they choose to, and activities that all classroom teachers can pursue independently with either individual students or indeed whole class.
Step 1: Professional Development: Main Presentation
Step 1: Professional Development: Main Presentation
Step 2: Technology Lesson and Introducing Students to Code
All classes had 1 lesson with a Technology Coach, where they were introduced to coding concepts and were given their unique ID membership cards with login details. Many classes booked subsequent lessons, and many students have continued their journey through the course we enrolled them in.
Step 3: Course 2
Demonstration: Sample Activity 1
Step 4: Tracking
Step 5: Parents Join in!
Demonstration Activity 2
or, use the QR code:
