Category Archives: Learning and Teaching

Computing Science…..without a computer!

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This site has a great collection of free learning activities that teach Computer Science through engaging games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around.

The activities introduce students to Computational Thinking through concepts such as binary numbers, algorithms and data compression, separated from the distractions and technical details of having to use computers. Importantly, no programming is required to engage with these ideas!

CS Unplugged is suitable for people of all ages, from primary school to senior phase learners. Unplugged has been used around the world for over twenty years, in classrooms, science centres, homes, and even for holiday events in a park!

The material is available free of charge, and is shared under a Creative Commons BY-NC-SA licence, which makes it easy to copy, adapt and share it.

BBC Live Lesson – Doctor Who and the micro:bit

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Remember to join us LIVE and face one of The Doctor’s greatest foes in our latest Live Lesson all about the BBC micro:bit, hosted by presenter and comedian Iain Stirling and Radio 1’s gaming expert Julia Hardy.

Aimed at 11-13 year olds, the lesson is devised around curriculum areas that cover computational thinking skills and features expert guests from Google, games company Ubisoft and the Department of Computer Games at the University of Teesside.

When: Tuesday, 28th March 2017

Time: 11am (approx. 50 mins)

Where: bbc.co.uk/livelessons (visit the website on the day to access the live stream)

Technologies E’s and O’s

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The Benchmark documents for all curriculum areas other than literacy and English and numeracy and mathematics will be published on the National Improvement Hub later today.( 23rd March 2017)   The refreshed Technologies Es and Os will be also be published on the Education Scotland website.

John Swinney, Deputy First Minister, will highlight the publication of the Benchmarks as part of a speech he is giving today at Queen Margaret University.

Education Scotland will work closely local authorities to support understanding, dissemination and use of the curriculum area Benchmarks.

 

Smart Notebook Beginner Twilights

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I have just sent 3 twilights to the Aberdeenshire CPD Team to be advertised on Aberdeenshire Events.

These are beginner sessions and are suitable for staff who haven’t used Notebook software or just require a refresher.

  • The Gordon Schools    27th April

  • Meldrum Academy      10th May

  • Banchory Academy      15th May

These events will be live within the next couple of weeks so please keep the date free if you would like to register.

CALL Scotland Training Sessions

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Please see below a list of upcoming training opportunities and webinars available through CALL Scotland.

Course – CALL Scotland//

Courses take place in their training centre within the University of Edinburgh.

Courses are open to:

  • Professionals working with people with additional support needs;
  • Parents and family members.
Prices from £60

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http://www.callscotland.org.uk/professional-learning/our-courses/

Free Assistive Technology Webinars – CALL Scotland//

Webinars are convenient live presentations delivered to your computer or tablet over the web.

Prices from Free

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http://www.callscotland.org.uk/professional-learning/webinars/

Please contact the Learning through Technology Team if you have any queries re the above.

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World Book Day 2nd March 2017

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Remember to share what’s happening in your school on the Aberdeenshire Learners’ Site.

Have your pupils dressed up as their favourite character, created a digital book report or do they want to tell us what their favourite book is?

Find out more via the link below and also claim your free school resources pack, participate in a book token competition or download the activity packs.

http://www.worldbookday.com

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Computational Thinking and Coding Twilights

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dashThe fantastic double act of Dash and Dot have now arrived . Those schools that have attended the CS twilights over the last few weeks keep a look out for them arriving in the school mail.

We will continue to issue a Dash and Dot and a Beebot mat to each school that can attend CS twilights now and in term 4

Using School iPads Dash and Dot can be programmed via a number of free apps including Tickle, Wonder Workshop and Tynker. These robots are perfectly at home in Nursery / Early Years but because of the innovative design can be equally at home and challenging  for older students to program.

If you haven’t already done so, then please check Aberdeenshire Events and book onto a CS Twilight in your Cluster

 

Free Micro:bits, but you need to move quickly!

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img_2725Another chance to get your hands on micro:bits!

Over the summer we gave away free BBC micro:bits to active Code Clubs across the UK. We’re really pleased that we are now able to run another micro:bit giveaway to clubs that may have missed out the first time!

The micro:bit, measuring just 4cm by 5cm, is a micro controller which children can use to code and create anything they set their minds to. It’s intended as a starter device to give children a basic introduction to physical computing and tinkering.

In order to qualify for micro:bits, you’ll need to make sure your club is registered and active on our website by Wednesday 14 December. If you applied for micro:bits over the summer, unfortunately you won’t be able to apply again.

In the new year, each eligible Code Club will be able to apply for micro:bits. Applications will open at midday on 11th January, and close on 1st February at midday, so stay tuned for more information then.

As before, clubs will need to pay £5 for postage, and shipping will be fulfilled by our lovely friends at Pimoroni after the applications close.

In the mean time, why not check out Code Club’s micro:bit projects at jumpto.cc/microbit. You can also find out more general information about using the micro:bit here.