Author: George Milliken

Quick Wins for Maths: Barefoot Computing

BT and Barefoot Computing provide free resources for teaching computational thinking. You can register for free at Barefoot Computing and use these great resources to add exciting new contexts to your numeracy and maths.

Code Cracking

This resource focuses on the role Alan Turing and the Enigma machine played in deciphering coded messages during World War II. Why not use this as a context for maths during your WWII topic?

Code Cracking lesson

 

Want to see more about code cracking?

Check out our Cryptography wakelet

Quick Wins for Maths: code.org

There is so much maths in computing and that presents excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary learning. Why not plan to introduce directional language through these engaging challenges form code.org? Learners simply drag blocks of ‘code’ together like jigsaw pieces to solve mathematical puzzles. There’s help videos and hints for each challenge and even an educator section to support you teaching it.

Here are some great places to start your maths/coding adventure:

Pre-reader challenges – Ice Age

The Ice Age-themed ‘pre-reader’ challenges only ask learners to use one or two blocks of code at a time and the directions are represented by arrows, so they can start to code without needing to read.

Play it

Introducing directional words – Star Wars

This Star Wars-themed challenge introduces the use of directional words on screen. So as your learners develop confidence with directional language, they can try more challenging code too.

Play it

 

Exploring degrees – Frozen

This Frozen-themed challenge introduces the use of degrees and angles to control the characters on screen.

Play it

Quick Wins for Numeracy: CPA online

Quick Wins for Numeracy, January 2021

We delivered a workshop on the use of mathsbot virtual manipulatives and Google Jamboard to develop learners’ numeracy understanding. Using these tools allows you learners to model their thinking with a range of manipulatives that they might use in class. Jamboard, or OneNote in O365, act as a virtual whiteboard where learners can use ink, photos, and a range of other tools to show their thinking, collaborate with peers and access teacher feedback online.

 

This short tutorial video demonstrates how to use Windows Snipping Tool with Mathsbot manipulatives to create graphics for Jamboard, OneNote or Forms quizzes:

Supporting Strategic Reading on Screen

Supporting Strategic Reading on Screen, January 2021

This professional learning model was developed by the Perth and Kinross Education Support Officer Team and shared with us. They have created a pathway to explore reading on screens: identifying challenges, solutions and ideas to develop your practice. The Sway below can also be expanded to view in full screen.

Literacy and English – Digital Playlist

Developing Literacy and English Through Digital Skills, YouTube playlist

We developed and delivered two series of professional learning with our literacy and English colleagues last year and theses webinars have been curated in this playlist. The playlist has now had several more videos relating to literacy and English added to it, and it continues to grow.

google interlands

5. Google Interlands

Google Interlands is the game that goes along with the Google: Be Internet Legends lesson plans. Both the game and lesson plans can be accessed from Glow’s app library – they can also be added to you and your learners’ launch pads for quick and easy access.

Make sure to look at our ‘An Effective CRIS Lesson’ page for ideas on how to plan, deliver and assess your CRIS lesson with Interlands and Be Internet Legends.

Here is a short tutorial on how to add the Interlands and Be Internet Legends tiles to your Glow launch pad:

internet safety

What is Internet Safety?

traffic light graphic for safe smart kind internet use
Share what internet safety looks like in your setting Please fill out this form

The Scottish Government (2017) states: “Every child and young person has an age appropriate and evolving understanding of the opportunities and risks which exist in the online world.”

This is defined within these outcomes:

  • Children and young people are aware of their rights and responsibilities in the online world
  • Children and young people are resilient and are equipped to help themselves and their peers
  • Children and young people are able to identify when they, or their peers, are at risk, and know what to do if they spot something

Internet safety deals with events and issues that are cyber enabled – that means it can be an issue online and offline. Cyber enabled issues include viewing inappropriate content, sharing images and videos, and harmful communication, such as cyberbullying and grooming.

Dealing with internet safety requires support with behaviours and understanding the needs that drive those behaviours, more than the use of an internet-connected device. When using the internet we want our children and young people to be safe, smart and kind.

Have you tried these free internet safety resources?

Teach the Teacher training – Scratch coding by JP Morgan

What is Teach the Teacher?   Teach the Teacher is part of the pro bono STEM program offered by JP Morgan. This runs alongside other… Read more

AI generated image of toddlers surrounded by screens
Younger Children’s Screen Time.

Sharing our reading with you… We recently shared a variety of recommend reading links around screen time. In this post we share some more, but… Read more

The BIG BIG Computing Quiz – Download

We a had a great turn out for the BIG BIG COMPUTING QUIZ on Monday 4th November to kick off Computing Science Week 2024!  Over… Read more

techfest 24 save the date
Scotlands Digital Science Festival 1st to 8th November – Powered by Techfest

As part of Scotland’s Digital Science Festival, powered by TechFest, a number of online sessions are taking place that your Secondary School students won’t want… Read more

#CSW24 featured image
#CSW24 – Computing Science Week Scotland 2024

Computing Science Week 2024 will run from November 4th to 15th 2024. Both weeks will comprise of Live Lessons, Success Sharing Sessions, Educator Webinars, and… Read more

tackling digital exclusion
Recommended reading: Tackling Digital Exclusion – Audit Scotland

This blog post is a summary of key points in Audit Scotland’s report that might be useful for educational settings, such as schools, nurseries and… Read more

Upcoming CRIS Webinars

AI generated image of toddlers surrounded by screens
techfest 24 save the date
#CSW24 featured image
tackling digital exclusion