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

 

Teen Tech Challenge

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#TeenTechChallenge, in association with Andy Murray and the Digital Health & Care Institute

Innovating for a fitter, healthier and happier, future for Scotland’s young people

Competition
The #TeenTechChallenge, in association with Andy Murray and the Digital Health & Care Institute, is on a mission to find smart new ways to help Scotland’s young people keep active, eat well and stay healthy and happy, now and in the future.

Prizes
The #TeenTechChallenge offers an incredible prize package!
Each member of all shortlisted teams will receive an Apple Watch.
The overall winning team will also receive Apple iPads for each team member plus £2,000 for their school, college or club and the chance to meet Andy himself.
The winning team will also see their idea developed through the Digital Health & Care Institute.

More info can be found via the link below,

briefing-andy-murray-invites-digital-health-inventions-from-scots-teens_ teentechchallenge

GamesCon 2017

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Still time to register a team or teams for Aberdeenshire’s first ever GamesCon.

This is an exciting opportunity for pupils in P6 and P7 to work together in teams to create a game in Scratch or Tinker. Games don’t need to be complicated but need to include an Internet Safety theme. We hope to involve local media to capture the event final which will be held at Robert Gordons University on the 22nd June.

Please email susan.sey@aberdeenshire.gov.uk and I’ll add your teams to the list.

Teams need to be registered by 27th January 2017!

More information can be found on the GamesCon blog which can be accessed by clicking on the graphic below.

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Preparing to teach creative coding through games and apps

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The above training session is now live on Aberdeenshire Events.

This is a fantastic opportunity to get started with Microsoft’s Touch Development Coding Platform.

Get hands on practice by creating games and apps.

The session will be lead by David Renton, Curriculum & Quality Leader for Computing at West College Scotland and supported by Natalie Burgess, Microsoft Teacher Ambassador.

Aberdeenshire Events – http://www.aberdeenshireevents.org.uk/event/view/2564

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Glow Advanced Training

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I am pleased to let you know that the cluster training for the Glow Advanced twilights are now live on Aberdeenshire Events.

These sessions give teachers an overview of the new Microsoft Classroom, Class OneNote and new Microsoft Forms. These applications are suitable for distributing and collating pupil work electronically.

Session Dates below:

Aboyne and Huntly                         20th March

Banchory and Turriff                       21st March

Westhill and Inverurie                   22nd March

Mackie and Banff                             24th April

Mearns and Meldrum                    25th April

Alford and Mintlaw                         26th April

Kemnay and Fraserburgh             1st May

Peterhead and Portlethen           2nd May

Ellon                                                      3rd May

Aberdeenshire Events – http://www.aberdeenshireevents.org.uk/event

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Updating Pupil iPads

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Last term it came to our attention that the iOS update on Pupil iPads was blocked and therefore, schools were unable to update to the latest iOS.

IT have now resolved the issue so we always advise that schools update their iPads to the newest iOS compatible with the device.

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World Book Online

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I have now added a tile for for easy access to the World Book Online website. This tile is accessible by all Glow Users in Aberdeenshire and can be found on the Aberdeenshire Launchpad. See screen shot below.

Aberdeenshire Libraries has subscribed to World Book Online for schools. This provides free access to schools to high quality information and resources to meet the needs of students of every age, ability, and interest. Using the same expert information found in the World Book Encyclopedia, World Book Online features
• A colourful, approachable look and feel, making it attractive and easy to use
• Easy access on smartphones and tablets
• Different databases for multiple and diverse needs
• Articles, illustrations, maps, audio files, videos, e-books, primary source documents, and more
• Various lesson plans and tips for teachers

Individual databases are as follows
Primary schools – World Book Kids, World Book Student, Early World of Learning
Academies – World Book Kids, World Book Student, World Book Advanced

The resources can be accessed within schools and also from home 24/7.
For further information please contact Alison Bruce, Information Services Librarian, Aberdeenshire Libraries.

Email a.bruce@aberdeenshire.gov.uk Tel 01651 871223

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Santa on Glow TV

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Santa Visits Glow TV | Glow Connect

Yes it’s that time of year again when we welcome Santa back to Glow TV! This year he will be visiting us on Friday 16th December at 10.45am.

Santa will be taking a break from making all the toys at the North Pole to come to a school in Scotland to answer all the questions that you might have about Christmas and Santa. How does he make all the toys? How does he deliver them all on time? What does he feed his reindeer? How does Rudolph help him with his red nose? These and many many more questions will be answered in this very special Glow TV event.

For more info and a chance to register please click on the link below:

https://connect.glowscotland.org.uk/2016/12/08/santa-visits-glow-tv/

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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.