Tag: ELC

Exploring cyber security play pack, for early level learners.

By attending The Bongles and The Crafty Crows educator webinar (60 minutes, multiple dates) or by participating in the 2-part Cyber Resilience Internet Safety early level support webinars (120 minutes, dates TBC, please share your preference here), you will be eligible* to request a ‘exploring cyber security play pack’, for the early level learners in your care.

You will be invited to share feedback on how children choose to explore the pack and evaluate the effectiveness of the contents.

Please click here to view the pack contents and some suggestions of experiences it can provide.

Alternatively you may choose to create a similar play pack of your own, that compliments the story and provides children with the experience of handling and investigating concrete objects, that relate to the story and concept of cyber security.

*First come first served basis. 60 packs available.
DSAS ELC 2024 logo

Introducing The Digital Learning Through Play Award in ELC – CLPL Sessions

Accompanying CLPL supporting the new Digital Learning Through Play Award in ELC.

Join us in a 30-minute information giving session, introducing the brand new Digital Learning Through Play Award in ELC and to find out about the new accompanying CLPL professional learning network. 

22/08/24 11 am

22/08/24 4pm

19/09/24 10am

19/09/24 4pm

The Digital ELC Award for Scotland (DSAS) Introduction Session. Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite

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

Introducing computing technology in the world all around us.

Nina and the Neurons: Go Digital – CBeebies – BBC

What is digital technology? – BBC Bitesize

What is a computer system? – BBC Bitesize

What are computer games? – BBC Bitesize

Software – 1st level Computing Science and ICT – BBC Bitesize

BBC Learning – What Is Coding – Rumpus

What’s inside a computer? | Hello Ruby (loosely based, could model, paint, build)

Introducing Unplugged Computing Science with downloadable resources.

Direction/arrow algorithm cards/visuals

BeeBot mat scenes (communication4all.co.uk)

Human Codeapillar cards (by Judi Regan Tayside)

Codeapillar challenge cards (by Judi Regan Tayside)

Codeapillar SLF handout (Judi Regan Tayside)

Make your own BeeBot Story Map

Algorithm Sequencer

ScratchJr – block images

Introducing pictorial/visual coding through websites and apps.

code.org

Scratch Jr

Bee-Bot on the App Store (apple.com) 

Bee-Bot – Apps on Google Play 

 

Further reading and research for practitioners.

An overview of Computational Thinking in Early Years | Resources | Barefoot Computing 

Home | Hello Ruby

Computational thinking for pre-schoolers — Hello World (raspberrypi.org)

An introduction to unplugged coding for preschool children — Hello World (raspberrypi.org)

From Fakebot to Bee-Bot — Hello World (raspberrypi.org)

Coding Outdoors Hello World (page 16)

Exploring Nature Hello World (page 80)

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

 

What does Computing Science look like at early level? (office.com)

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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