Digital Technologies Week 2 – 16th January 2018

During today’s session, we were exploring BeeBot with regards to numeracy. We have previously looked into the use of BeeBot within a classroom setting with regards to literacy and this prior learning helped to guide us during today’s session. We also studied the benefits of using BeeBot. In addition to this, we created a BeeBot map and we were assessed on this.

According to Janka, “The curriculum introduces programmable toys as a good example for developing knowledge and understanding of the contemporary world.” (Janka, 2008, p.2) This presents the idea that programmable toys are beneficial to children in their learning. It allows children to be engaged with their learning while being productive. Young people are also more interactive and creative which are valuable skills for the world of work.

It is also highlighted that, “[Floor robots in the classroom] help with the development of skills such as a logical sequencing, measuring, comparing lengths, space orientation, and expressing concepts in words.” (National centre for Technology in Education, 2012, p.1) Programmable toys are of great importance within numeracy and all areas of the curriculum as they allow children to be in control of their learning and to make the experience enjoyable for them.

Myself and my peer decided to create a ‘snakes and ladders’ map for our assessment this week. We were able to design the map to address several levels and abilities. For early years, the map is simply a game of snakes and ladders involving the BeeBot. Whereas, for first level learners the map allows them to see a visual representation of the numbers, the name of the numbers and the amount represented by circles in this instance and they must roll the dice to move the BeeBot around the map. For second level, the young learners will have to work out addition or multiplication sums to navigate the BeeBot around the map.

We were asked to allocate our creation to match certain experiences and outcomes of the Curriculum for Excellence and we chose the following:

“In movement, games, and using technology I can use simple directions and describe positions.” -MTH 0-17a

“I am developing problem-solving strategies, navigation and co-ordination skills, as I play and learn with electronic games, remote control or programmable toys.” -TCH 0-09a

Today’s session allowed me to become more comfortable usingBeebot and to understand the background and benefits of programmable toys.

References

Janka, P. (2008) Using a Programmable Toy at Preschool Age: Why and How [Online]. Available from: http://www.terecop.eu/downloads/simbar2008/pekarova.pdf [Accessed: 16 January 2018] NCTE (National centre for Technology in Education) (2012)

NCTE (National centre for Technology in Education) (2012) NCTE Floor Robots – Focus on Literacy & Numeracy. [Online]. Available from: http://www.ncte.ie/media/NCTE_Floor_robots_focus_on_literacy_numeracy_primary_12-06.pdf [Accessed: 16 January 2018].

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Report a Glow concern
Cookie policy  Privacy policy

Glow Blogs uses cookies to enhance your experience on our service. By using this service or closing this message you consent to our use of those cookies. Please read our Cookie Policy.