Tag: computing

Ada Computer Science: Time-saving Resources for Teachers in Scotland

Ada Computer Science: Time-saving Resources for Teachers in Scotland

Ada Computer Science is a collaboration between the Raspberry Pi Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Their aim is to provide high-quality, free, resources for Computing Science teachers and students.

 

To kick off the school year, they have mapped their content to the SQA’s National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher qualificationsgiving teachers and students access to free resources that meet the specific requirements of their qualification.

 

 

Ada Computer Science have also introduced two new table database scenarios for the Database Design and Development area of study. The scenarios provide practical, hands-on experience and deepen students’ understanding of database concepts and applications.

 

 

This release follows the launch of Ada’s Database Design and Development project, and the roll out of material to support the Computer Systems area of study.

 

Ada now covers more than half of the theory content for Scotland’s National 5, Higher, and Advanced Higher specifications. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the school year!

Browse SQA resources

supporting resources for cyber ELC

Secondary Computing Science Resources

A ‘Concrete, Pictorial and Abstract’ Approach to early level Computing Science

There are clear similarities with the order and progression of early level Computing Science and early level Numeracy and Maths play and learning.

go to ELC computing home

We can use a concrete – pictorial  – abstract concept in Computing Science, similar to how we introduce mathematical concepts e.g. counting concrete objects such as pebbles, progressing onto subitising with visuals or with dice then finally counting in our heads with no prompts to help us. 

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In early level Computing Science, we begin to learn about algorithms. We look at the concrete stage as using our bodies, physical devices and objects we can physically manipulate. We might explore the range of activities from Barefoot Computing, Hello Ruby and CS Unplugged. We do not need programmable devices to delve into early level computing science. We can even explore algorithms through dancing! 

At the pictorial stage, we are looking at block-based coding and using visuals suitable for pre-readers, e.g., pictorial algorithms such as visual timetables and simple sequences of instructions for baking and creating and retelling stories.  We might also begin to explore coding apps such as Scratch Jnr and websites such as Code.org

Later on, in the abstract stage, we are looking at more complex coding, with fewer pictures and more words, introducing coding languages, such as Javascript and Python.

ELC Independent Learning Pathway

This page contains links to pre recorded webinars focusing on early level Computing Science, from an introduction to the Experiences and Outcomes and where Computing Science is in the world all-around us, to understanding computational thinking strategies through unplugged Computing Science explorations, investigating pictorial and visual representations and finally tinkering with programmable devices.

At the bottom of the page, you can browse the resources mentioned in the webinar recordings.

go to ELC computing home

This webinar was delivered to raise and support practitioner awareness of the National advice, guidance and where to access a wealth of free learning and teaching resources to embed computing science at early level. This session welcomed practitioners working with learners are in ELC or Primary School AND all other practitioners who work with learners at any level, with an interest in creatively embedding computing science their learning environment.

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This webinar focussed on how we create experiences and spaces that allows computing science to be embedded at the early level through play and where we can access a wealth of free learning and teaching resources to embed unplugged computing science at the early level. It explored a range of unplugged activity ideas and the concepts, approaches and key vocabulary of computational thinking. 

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In this webinar recording, we explore programmable devices and online coding and computing science resources/apps and discuss how to introduce them via play at early level. This webinar builds on content delivered in the prior two webinars. 

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Additional live code-along and play-along webinar recordings.

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Computing Science information and resources

What Does Computing Science Look Like at early level?

  

Many of the concepts and approaches of Computing Science will already be familiar to you. By looking at the Sway and video below, and on the ELC Computing Science Learning Pathway page, we think you will recognise that you are already embedding Computing Science through play, perhaps without even realising it, in your environment, daily interactions and experiences you provide for the children in your care.

go to ELC computing home

How can we ensure children are growing up to be creative thinkers and problem solvers?

We can provide them with the opportunities, the time and the space to explore, tinker, investigate and experiment!

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primary computing science

Primary Computing Science

This section aims to provide quick links to useful resources and information for primary teachers who teach computing science. 

go to digilearn CS home

Digital Learner diagram (landscape)

Computing in Primary Schools: The Big Ideas

These ‘big ideas’ for computing are designed to help educators and learners learn the essential understanding in computing that all students should acquire during the Broad General Education.It has been inspired by Wynne Harlen’s Principles and Big Ideas of Science Education. Some of the language or concepts may appear very abstract… Read more

Examples of Planning Computing in Primary Schools

This document aims to provide a clear, concise and progressive example of planning for Computing in the primary sector. It includes an overview of the ‘big ideas’ in computing and where each idea might be taught, building on prior knowledge and skills from the last level.   Each big idea has… Read more

Block-based coding platforms

code.org

edu blocks

scratch

scratch jr

micro:bit

micro bit educational foundation

code club projects

make it happen

Make It Happen – summer activities for learners

Make It Happen are running free digital literacy and computing science activities over the summer in Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and East Renfrewshire. See the dates below or check their twitter for latest updates: Make It Happen Club on Twitter

4th July  Riverside Museum Stop Motion (P1-S2)

10:30am – 11:30am

1pm – 2pm

6th July Riverside Museum Stop Motion (P1-S2) 

10:30am – 11:30am

1 – 2pm

7th July Neilston Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2)

(P4-S2) 

10:30 – 11:30am

12 – 1pm 

10th July Chapelhall Library  Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  11am – 12 
10th July Moodiesburn Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  2pm – 3pm 
11th July Busby Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2) 

(P4-S2) 

11am – 12 

12 – 1pm 

12th July  Gorbals Library Digital Creator Workshop (Stop Motion, Hour of Code,Spheros, Coding) (P4-S2)  10:30am – 11:30am 
12th July The Bridge Library Digital Creator Workshop (Stop Motion, Hour of Code,Spheros, Coding) (P4-S2)  1 – 2pm 
13th July  Giffnock Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2) 

(P4-S2) 

11:30am – 12:30pm 

1pm – 2pm 

14th July Thornliebank Library Stop Motion (P1-S2)  11:30am – 12:30pm 
17th July Knightswood Library Digital Creator Workshop(Stop Motion, Hour of Code,Spheros, Coding) (P4-S2)  10:30am – 11:30am 
17th July  Mitchell Library Thunkable – Design your own Information app  (P5-S4)  1pm – 3pm 
18th July  Mearns Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2) 

(P4-S2) 

10:30 – 11:30am 

12 – 1pm 

19th July  Eaglesham Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2) 

(P4-S2) 

11am – 12 

12 – 1pm 

20th July Clarkston Library Stop Motion (P1-S2)  11am – 12
20th July  Barrhead Library

Stop Motion

Introduction to Coding

(P1-S2) 

(P4-S2) 

1pm – 2pm 

3pm – 4pm

24th July  Riverside Museum Stop Motion (P1-S2) 

10:30am – 11:30am 

1 – 2pm

25th July  Riverside Museum Stop Motion (P1-S2) 

10:30am – 11:30am 

1 – 2pm 

26th July  Airdrie Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  11am – 12 
26th July New Stevenston Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2) 2pm – 3pm 
1st Aug Shotts Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  11am – 12pm 
1st Aug Kilsyth Library Introduction to Coding  (P4-S2)  2pm – 3pm 
2nd Aug Viewpark Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  11am – 12 
2nd Aug  Cumbernauld Library Introduction to Coding (P4-S2)  2pm – 3pm 
4th Aug  GOMA Library Coding – Scratch: Creating a game (P4-S2)  12 – 1pm 

Computing Science Scotland 2023: Review and Resources

If you missed Computing Science Scotland Week, we have (most!) sessions available for you to view again!  (Unfortunately the tech gremlins appeared in a few recordings!)

These videos, and many others are available to watch on our youtube channel playlist

All links and descriptions of our recorded sessions are below, but first we’d like to say thank you to all of you that participated in #CSscot23 and made it the success it was!

For You and Your Learners

Inspiring Sustainable Behaviour with micro:bit #CSscot23

Making a difference in the world around us can seem a little daunting but there are lots of easy, individual and local things we can do to help. Using the accelerometer on the BBC micro:bit, we will code a random sustainability activity picker to inspire us all to make a difference and to have fun doing it.

This session is suitable for learners first – 4th level.

This session is based on the activity picker project – https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/activity-picker/

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Monitor and Encourage Sustainable Behaviour, micro:bit #CSscot23

This session for you to watch with your class at your own leisure. The video will be made available from 17th May at 11am within the Curriculum Live Channel.

Encouraging those around you to make better choices in their sustainable behaviour is hard. One important thing to encourage change is to convince them with data. Using the data logging feature on the BBC micro:bit, we will build a manual data logger to allow you to gather data for your local area. You could look at transport on the way to school or the types of litter in your local environment. The choice is yours but remember collecting the data is only the first step. Then you need to think about how you will present and share that data in order to make a difference.

This session is suitable for 2nd – 4th Level learners.

This session is based on the traffic survey project – https://microbit.org/projects/make-it-code-it/traffic-survey-data-logger/

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Watch with your learners

MITCH RESNICK creator of Scratch, Live Assembly & Sustainability Challenge #CSscot23

Join Mitch Resnick, LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab, as he explores and shares how he develops new technologies to engage educators and learners in creative experiences.

His Lifelong Kindergarten research group developed the Scratch programming software and online community , used by millions of young people around the world. The group has also collaborated with the LEGO Company on the development of new educational ideas and products, including the LEGO robotics kits.

There will be an opportunity to ask Mitch questions at the end of his talk and learners across Scotland will be invited to take part in a national Scratch sustainability challenge. Projects developed will be showcased globally on the Scratch website!

This live assembly will be relevant for learners in the upper first level – senior phase.

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Here is the sustainability challenge!

 

 

Technology to Protect our Planet – Live Assembly, Tech She Can #CSscot23

Are your students interested in technology and how it can help us protect our planet? Could they see themselves working in a green career in the future? Join us on Tuesday 16th March at 2pm, when Tech She Can Learning Design and Development Officer (and experienced primary school teacher), Poppy Patel, will deliver a live virtual 30-minute Tech We Can assembly for children aged 8 – 11. Poppy will highlight the role technology plays in helping us to protect our planet and fight climate change – and also show some of the green careers within tech that students could pursue in the future.

 

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CLPL Sessions for Educators

ELC Practitioner Code Along, with Scratch Jnr #CSscot23

Celebrate #CSscot23 with the Education Scotland Digital Team, by joining a short 30 minute evening ‘Code Along’ session to explore the free online block-based coding app Scratch Jnr.

Scratch Jnr provides an introduction for early level learners to experiment with programming their own interactive stories and games through block-based coding, with endless opportunity to problem solve and express themselves creatively.

This session is suitable for all practitioners working with early level learners across a variety of settings.

Please download the app prior to the session and ‘Code Along’ with us.

The app be downloaded here. For more information about Scratch Jnr, please click here.

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ELC Practitioner Play Along, with Barefoot Computing #CSscot23

Celebrate #CSscot23 with the Education Scotland Digital Team, by joining a short 30 minute evening ‘Play Along’ session to explore the free resources from Barefoot Computing

Barefoot Computing allows you and your learners to explore computational thinking using simple practical activities.

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Esports Scotland: The Journey into Education

Join Esports Scotland to hear about their journey into education and their future plans.

Over the past 18 months Esports Scotland have been working within education in Scotland. Today’s session will talk about our journey into education and our future plans. -Overview of partnership and Esports projects

-Project wins and hurdles partnerships helped overcome

-Esports Scotland and education

-D&A college and Esports progression

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Artificial Intelligence – Exploring Opportunities for Scottish Educators #CSscot23

  • What is artificial intelligence
  • What is generative AI and some examples
  • Prompt-craft
  • How might you use generative AI tools to support your work
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scottish computing science week 23

15 – 19 May, Scottish Computing Science Week 2023 #CSscot23

Put a hold in your planner for the week of the 15th May 2023 and join us for exciting interactive live computing science lessons. 

Below is our exciting offering for CSscot23 but remember to keep your eyes peeled for more updates and details as we release them (everything will be added here)!

Let us know what you’re planning to join or anything you’re planning in your own setting on twitter @digilearnscot #CSscot23

Webinars and Curriculum Live lessons

15 May 11:00, MITCH RESNICK creator of Scratch, Live Assembly & Sustainability Challenge #CSscot23 - Join Mitch Resnick, LEGO Papert Professor of Learning Research at the MIT Media Lab, as he explores and shares how he develops new technologies to…
15 May 16:00 – 17:00 Esports Scotland: The Journey into Education - Join Esports Scotland to hear about their journey into education and their future plans. Over the past 18 months Esports Scotland have been working within…
15 May 19:00, ELC Practitioner Code Along, with Scratch Jnr #CSscot23 - Celebrate #CSscot23 with the Education Scotland Digital Team, by joining a short 30 minute evening 'Code Along' session to explore the free online block-based coding…
16 May 11:00, Scratch Code Along with Barefoot – Planet Pledge #CSscot23 - Live Code Along with Barefoot Computing to create a Planet Pledge using Scratch for first - 4th level learners. Join Barefoot Computing for this Live…
16 May 14:00, Technology to Protect our Planet – Live Assembly, Tech She Can #CSscot23 - Are your students interested in technology and how it can help us protect our planet? Could they see themselves working in a green career in…
16 May 19:00, ELC Practitioner Play Along, with Barefoot Computing #CSscot23 - Be part of #CSscot23 by joining the Education Scotland Digital Team in a short 30 minute evening 'Play Along' session and be introduced to the…
17 May 11:00, Live Code Along, Inspiring Sustainable Behaviour with micro:bit #CSscot23 - Making a difference in the world around us can seem a little daunting but there are lots of easy, individual and local things we can…
18 May 16:00, Artificial Intelligence – Exploring Opportunities for Scottish Educators #CSscot23 - Join Education Scotland for a short session exploring Artificial Intelligence. This session is suitable for educators in Scotland. In this session we will explore... What…
18 May, 11 – 11:45 Live Lesson, Soft Robotics and AI with National Robotarium - Join Engineers from the National Robotarium as they take learners through Soft Robotics and Artificial Intelligence. Soft Robotics focuses on technologies that more closely resemble…
19 May 11:00 – 11:45 Next Tech Girls Scottish Computing Science Week Event - This is an amazing opportunity for secondary school students around the UK to find out what it means to work in tech and hear from…
Computing Science Scotland 2023: Review and Resources - If you missed Computing Science Scotland Week, we have (most!) sessions available for you to view again!  (Unfortunately the tech gremlins appeared in a few…
Monitor and Encourage Sustainable Behaviour, micro:bit, ON DEMAND #CSscot23 - This is pre-recorded session for you to watch with your class at your own leisure. The video will be made available from 17th May at…