Category: Computing Science

This is micro:bit – Session 1 Recap 27th April, 4pm

Here is a very quick recap of session one from This Is MicroBit.
Pete (@PeterMarshman) introduced attendees to the microbit and the makecode editor.
Attendees were taken through some getting started activities where we explored code blocks and the simulator.  The presentation Pete used  through the session can be accessed below. He has updated it to show the solutions for each of the activities that we did. Feel free to use / download as you wish. All the links to the activities are on the slides.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1PCjdrNt3JRmYxjRFbh8M04kTC9ZFjPbogXzh-A9y5hQ/edit?usp=sharing
Top Tip: you can use the search function above the block categories to help find commands.
Eg typing “bright” will show all the commands associated to the term
Other Useful Links
Tutorials – you can work through simple to complex tutorials on the makecode site – Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit (microbit.org)
Classroom Resources – Classroom resources | micro:bit (microbit.org)
Lessons – multipart lessons that use microbit – Lessons | micro:bit (microbit.org)
Projects – stand alone small microbit projects – Projects | micro:bit (microbit.org)
Mr Croughan from North Lanarkshire shared some pathways mapping work with us.  You will need to be a member of the team to access these
Microbit First Level Pathway.docx
Microbit Second Level Pathway.docx
A few people asked about ipad / bluetooth with microbit. This link will get you started. iOS app | micro:bit (microbit.org)
Looking forward to seeing you at our next session!

11th May 4  -5pm Workshop 2 – Health and Wellbeing learning with the micro:bit

18th May 4- 5pm Workshop 3 – Embedding micro:bit across our primary and secondary curriculum

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE 

19 May 11 – 11:45 Code Along with micro:bit – Relaxation & Mindful Breathing

Join @DigiLearnScot and @CodingLorna from the Micro:bit Educational Foundation for this mindful code-along session where learners will write code for a handheld device that will support relaxation and mindful breathing. Using micro:bits and Microsoft MakeCode, we will code something that can be taken outside on a sunny day to support a quiet and calming moment in the busy school day.

Micro:bit not required as you can still take part using the MakeCode simulator.

Book your place here

Scottish schools to receive 20 micro:bits

Every primary and secondary school in Scotland will receive 20 V.2 micro:bits, in a partnership between The Micro:Bit Education Foundation, Nominet and The Scottish Government. The roll out of these devices started in May 2022.  Alongside this there is free comprehensive teaching resources and professional learning for all educators.  Primary schools will be the first to receive the devices followed by secondary schools.

The BBC micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors, built-in microphone and speaker, and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world.

Professional Learning Offer

18th May, 4pm This is micro:bit Part 3

The micro:bit is a pocket-sized computer that introduces you to how software and hardware work together. It has an LED light display, buttons, sensors and many input/output features that, when programmed, let it interact with you and your world.

The new micro:bit with sound adds a built-in microphone and speaker, as well as an extra touch input button and a power button.

Join The micro:bit Education Foundation for this 3 part course.

27th April 4 – 5 pm Workshop 1 – Getting started with the micro:bit

11th May 4  -5pm Workshop 2 – Health and Wellbeing learning with the micro:bit

18th May 4- 5pm Workshop 3 – Embedding micro:bit across our primary and secondary curriculum

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE 

25 May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 5: Big Data

25th May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 5 : Big Data

This session, jointly presented by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, aims to familiarise participants with Microsoft’s Explore the Big Data resources which can support support your developing skills in skills and knowledge required for careers in this growth industry. This five part professional learning series will take you through the complete Explore the Digital Future programme, providing practitioners with a clear understanding of the content and how it relates to research and our curriculum in Scotland.

Run jointly by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, this session will include:

Coverage of the Internet of Things resources as part of Microsoft’s Digital Futures programme. The webinar will take place in three sections which will;

    • explore resources,
    • provide a live demonstration of how the programme section can be used, and
    • demonstrate how the programme links to research with guest speakers from Microsoft and/or industry.

This webinar aims to:

  • develop educators confident use of Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future programme,
  • allow practitioners to explore resources which may support young people understand the difference between big data and traditional data, explore the ethical questions around collecting and processing big data, and
  • highlight further professional learning and materials which support the delivery of high quality learning experiences.

Participants are encouraged to attend a minimum of four of the five sessions in order to be issued with a certificate of completion.

Click here to book Digital Futures : Big Data (Session 5) via the Tablet Academy Scotland website.

18th May Digital Futures AI

18 May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 4: Artificial Intelligence

18th May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 4 : AI

This session, jointly presented by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, aims to familiarise participants with Microsoft’s Explore the Artificial Intelligence resources which can support support your developing skills in skills and knowledge required for careers in this growth industry. This five part professional learning series will take you through the complete Explore the Digital Future programme, providing practitioners with a clear understanding of the content and how it relates to research and our curriculum in Scotland.

Run jointly by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, this session will include:

Coverage of the Internet of Things resources as part of Microsoft’s Digital Futures programme. The webinar will take place in three sections which will;

    • explore resources,
    • provide a live demonstration of how the programme section can be used, and
    • demonstrate how the programme links to research with guest speakers from Microsoft and/or industry.

This webinar aims to:

  • develop educators confident use of Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future programme,
  • allow practitioners to explore resources which may support young people in having a deeper understanding of what AI is and how it impacts our daily lives through ‘watch next’ suggestions on steaming services, automatic promoting apps/rewards based on spending habits, or setting heating trends in homes or buildings.
  • highlight further professional learning and materials which support the delivery of high quality learning experiences.

Participants are encouraged to attend a minimum of four of the five sessions in order to be issued with a certificate of completion.

Click here to book Digital Futures : Artificial Intelligence (Session 4) via the Tablet Academy Scotland website.

11th May Digital Futures IoT

11 May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 3: Internet of Things

11th May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 3 : Internet of Things

This session, jointly presented by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, aims to familiarise participants with Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future Internet of Things (IoT) resources which can support support your developing skills in skills and knowledge required for careers in digital industry. This five part professional learning series will take you through the complete Explore the Digital Future programme, providing practitioners with a clear understanding of the content and how it relates to research and our curriculum in Scotland.

Run jointly by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, this session will include:

Coverage of the Internet of Things resources as part of Microsoft’s Digital Futures programme. The webinar will take place in three sections which will;

    • explore resources,
    • provide a live demonstration of how the programme section can be used, and
    • demonstrate how the programme links to research with guest speakers from Microsoft and/or industry.

This webinar aims to:

  • develop educators confident use of Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future programme,
  • allow practitioners to explore resources which may support young people in creative problem solving and considering how the IoT can improve issues in their area,
  • highlight further professional learning and materials which support the delivery of high quality learning experiences.

Participants are encouraged to attend a minimum of four of the five sessions in order to be issued with a certificate of completion.

Click here to book Digital Futures : Internet of Things (Session 3) via the Tablet Academy Scotland website.

05 May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 2: Coding

5th May 2022, 16:00 – 17:00 Digital Futures Series Session 2 : Coding

This session, jointly presented by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, aims to familiarise participants with Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future coding resources which can support support your developing skills in skills and knowledge required for careers in digital industry. This five part professional learning series will take you through the complete Explore the Digital Future programme, providing practitioners with a clear understanding of the content and how it relates to research and our curriculum in Scotland.

Run jointly by Education Scotland and Tablet Academy Scotland, this session will include:

Coverage of the Coding resources as part of Microsoft’s Digital Futures programme. The webinar will take place in three sections which will

    • explore resources,
    • provide a live demonstration of how the programme section can be used, and
    • demonstrate how the programme links to research with guest speakers from Microsoft and/or industry.

This webinar aims to:

  • develop educators confident use of Microsoft’s Explore the Digital Future programme,
  • allow practitioners to explore resources which may prepare young people a career in programming or coding related industries, and
  • highlight further professional learning and materials which support the delivery of high quality learning experiences.

Participants are encouraged to attend a minimum of four of the five sessions in order to be issued with a certificate of completion.

Click here to book Digital Futures : Discover the Tech Industry (Session 2) via the Tablet Academy Scotland website.

09 March 11am, Send Your Code into SPACE – Live Code-Along

Join @DigiLearnScot and @CodingLorna for this “out of this world” code-along session where learners will write code that will be sent to SPACE! Astro Pi: Mission Zero is an amazing opportunity to bring coding and space together. It allows your learners to write some code which is sent up to space and run on the International Space Station (ISS) later in the year.

This code-along does NOT use Scratch, instead we will use the emulator Trinket so please check that you can access this in your school.

We will be hosting a short teacher session on Wednesday 2nd March at 4 pm to help ensure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and prepared for the Code-along. We will also share a briefing sheet once you have signed up. We understand that this might feel like a big leap in coding, but we will take you and your class through this step by step. Lorna has supported Mission Zero many times over the years and is ready to support your class too. This session is suitable for second level and above (P6 and above).

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

02 March 4pm, Send Your Code into SPACE! (Educator exploratory workshop before Code Along)

Join @DigiLearnScot and @CodingLorna for this “out of this world” educator exploratory session to help ensure you have everything you need to feel comfortable and prepared for the live Code-along, 9th March, 11 – 12.

Astro Pi: Mission Zero is an amazing opportunity to bring coding and space together. It allows your learners to write code which is sent up to space and run on the International Space Station (ISS) later in the year. This code-along does NOT use Scratch, instead it uses the emulator https://trinket.io/mission-zero so please check that you can access this website in your school. We will also share a briefing sheet once you have signed up. We understand that this might feel like a big leap in coding, but we will take you and your class through this step by step. Lorna has supported Mission Zero many times over the years and is ready to support your class too. This session is suitable for second level and above (P6 and above).

BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE