Category Archives: Technologies

CfE, Skills, Technologies, Uncategorised

KoduKup competition

March 3, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

KoduKup

About the Competition

The Kodu Kup is open to anyone from a Scottish school aged between seven to fourteen years old. Children must be entered by their school teacher as a team of three, forming a mini “game studio”.

What Should be Submitted?

Teachers should enter their pupils’ games by sharing them from inside Kodu Game Lab, this automatically uploads them to www.kodugamelab.com. Once uploaded, e-mail david.renton@wcs.ac.uk with team name, game name, school name, teacher’s name, link to the game (on www.kodugamelab.com), game description, screenshot, business plan and photos of merchandise created along with any additional files to backup the entry. Schools can enter as many teams as they wish, but each team can only submit a single game. Before sharing a game, please use the following structure to name it:

GameName_TeamName_KoduKupScotland

Closing date is the 29th May

Kodukup 2015 Scottish Flyer

CfE, Technologies

Scratch Programming from Primary to Secondary

March 3, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

P7 Pupils from the Williamwood High School cluster primaries, Carolside, Busby and Netherlee learn Scratch programming as part of their Technologies outcomes. This allows for progression when they join Williamwood High School in S1 and S2. Pupils are then able to develop their technologies skills to Third and Fourth Levels using Scratch. Pupils may then go onto choose NQ Computing Science and so have a solid understanding of the purpose and nature of programming.

Pupils from Carolside Primary on a Scratch programming task.

Staff from Williamwood have worked closely with the primary colleagues, providing learning materials and CPD. The next steps involve introducing Scratch to pupils in P6 and P5.

Sciences, Technologies

Digital learning in Dumfries and Galloway

March 1, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Throughout #digilearnscot week (as on most weeks in schools in Dumfries & Galloway Council), young learners use technology as an integral part of their learning.

On Monday and Tuesday, 6 primary schools will be involved in science lessons via video conference with Heather Reid at the Glasgow Science Centre. This is now their third year of working with Heather in this way. The learners are from the following schools; Castle Douglas, Sanquhar, Dunscore, Penpont, Glenluce and Closeburn. Here’s a wee flavour from last year’s learning…

Over the last decade, Dumfries and Galloway Council have also developed a programme video conferencing for music lessons. Throughout this week there will be woodwind and brass lessons for schools such as Stranraer Academy, Langholm and Canonbie.

Educators and learners in Dumfries and Galloway are hoping to capture a flavour of this learning for the Digilearn Wiki!

CfE, Glow TV, NDLC, Technologies

#DigiLearnScot Week in Glow TV

March 1, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

#DigiLearnScot Week is coming to Glow TV from 2nd – 6th March.

Join us for an exciting selection of different Glow TV sessions that will show you the different types of digital learning that is going on around Scotland.

You can register to join in with any of these sessions live in Glow TV:

Monday 2nd March at 3.30pm – Digital Leaders @ Kirklandneuk Primary
During this Glow TV event, discover how Digital Leaders were developed in Kirklandneuk Primary School in Renfrewshire, and find out how to tackle this in your own establishment. Register to take part in Glow TV.

Monday 2nd March at 3.45pm – TeachMeet
Learn something new, be amazed, amused and enthused. This is an informal gathering of those curious about teaching and technology. Register to take part in Glow TV.

Tuesday 3rd March at 3.45pm – QR Codes at Cardross Primary
Have you used QR codes in your school? QR codes might sound scarily complicated but they’re surprisingly easy to use and they are an informative and fun addition to the classroom.Register to take part in Glow TV.

Wednesday 4th March at 12.30pm – Have You Got the 1+2 Factor?
Join us on Glow TV to find out how to get involved in this nationwide event for Scottish education establishments. Register to take part in Glow TV.

Thursday 5th March at 11am – Brydekirk LearnMeet
As part of DigiLearn Scot week join learners from Brydekirk Primary in Dumfries and Galloway who will be hosting a LearnMeet. Register to take part live in Glow TV.

Friday 6th March at 9.30am – Meet the Digital Leaders
Join us live from Kirklandneuk and Glenburn Primaries to learn more from the Digital Leaders themselves as we bring our Glow TV coverage of DigiLearnScot week to a close. Register to take part in Glow TV.

Professional Learning, Technologies

Marr College DigiLearn TeachMeet

February 26, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Thursday 5th March from 3.30 to 4.30

Mrs McGregor-Sloman (Head Teacher) and Mr McLean (PT Computing Science) would like to invite you to attend a ‘TeachMeet’ In Marr College. The theme is the use of technology to enhance the learning of our pupils.

Any educator can come along can share their ideas and practice around the use of technologies to help young people learn and develop their skills and knowledge.

To register just email marr.mail@south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Early Years, Health and wellbeing, Literacy, Literacy and English, Supporting Learners, Technologies, Young people, children & families

Digital storytelling update – part 2

February 26, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

We told you last week about our Digital Storytelling exercise. Well, already there has been a major plot development!

Award-winning childrens’ author, Theresa Breslin, has kindly agreed to provide the story starter for Digital Storytelling 3.

Among the schools who will be taking part are Kilbarchan, Lochfield, Invergowrie, Pumpherston and Uphall Station primary schools.

The great news is that as of the time of writing this blog post, there are still slots available. So if you want to take part, get along to the storytelling learning space

About Theresa Breslin

Carnegie Medal winning author of over 40 books
Her books include Divided City, Ghost Soldier and Illustrated Treasury of Folk & Fairy Tales
Her work has appeared on Stage, Radio & TV

You can keep up to date with Theresa’s work online:

Twitter: @theresabreslin1
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Theresabreslinauthor
Website: theresabreslin.com

Early Years, Literacy, Literacy and English, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Digital storytelling update – part 1

February 26, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

We told you last week about our Digital Storytelling exercise. These two stories haven’t even started yet and there has been a major plot twist!

Renowned Scottish childrens’ author, Cathy MacPhail, has kindly agreed to provide the story starters for both Digital Storytelling 1 and Digital Storytelling 2.

First to take up Cathy’s challenge will be the young writers of St Michael’s Primary in Dumfries. Of course, they won’t see Catherine’s starter until just before they start writing!

You can see all the other schools taking part in this particular challenge on Glow by going to the storytelling learning space

About Cathy MacPhail

Cathy is Patron of Reading at Falkirk High
She is also an Ambassador for Children 1^st.
Her novel , Out of The Depths, was shortlisted for the Grampian Book Award and she is weel kent for her Tyler Lawless Mysteries.
Her novel, Another Me, is soon to be released as a film, Panda Eyes.

You can keep up to date with Cathy’s work online:

NDLC, Primary, Professional Learning, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Build-a-space live from Lockerbie

February 23, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Calling all educators!

Welcome to Build-a-space live from Lockerbie!

You too can have the online learning space of your dreams! Maybe it’s a space for your class, your CfE projects, your parents? Whatever it is, we will do our very best to make it happen.

We have assembled a ‘crack team’ of experts from the Digital Learning & Teaching Team (Pam Currie, John Sexton, Ian Stuart, oh and me, Con Morris!)

The team will be assembling (some online and some in person on Lockerbie campus) on Thursday, 5th March to support you and build your spaces until all our pointers are exhausted.

How to take part

If you are in the Lockerbie area, feel free to pop in to the Primary School library area and make your request in person.
You can make requests and book some time on the Learning Spaces community on Glow
The whole thing will be broadcast online using various Glow Lync rooms

CfE, Health and wellbeing, NDLC, Primary, Technologies, Young people, children & families

#meandglow – Please pass this onto your learners!

February 22, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Today the Primary 4 learners of Lockerbie Primary School issue a challenge to all learners across Scotland. Tell us what you want from Glow!

Just reply to their post on the Glow Learners Newsfeed (http://bit.ly/meandglow) or use the tag #meandglow in your own Glow discussions.

These P4 learners will gather up all the comments and pass them onto their teacher, Mr Anderson.

“So what?”, says you. Well, Mr Anderson is a member of the National Digital Learning Forum. The Scottish Government set the forum up to help us all learn better using technology, so your suggestions will be heard!

Oh, by the way, no teachers to post please but do pass on the message to your learners! That shortlink again? http://bit.ly/meandglow

Languages, Literacy, Literacy and English, Technologies

Digital storytelling

February 17, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Calling all learners!

From 2nd to 6th March, we’re going to co-create stories using Word Online on Glow.

Renowned authors, Theresa Breslin and Cathy MacPhail are providing the story starters!

These will be published at 9am on the 2nd March. At 9.30, the learners of St Michael’s Primary in Dumfries will write the first chapter.

Classes who sign up each get about an hour to write their chapter of the story. The twist is the storyline and characters have to flow, that’s the fun bit! Any learner or educator can ‘tune in’ and see the story developing live.

By the end of the week, we will have three fab co-written stories!

There are three separate storytelling experiences. To take part, you should ask your teacher to read the Teacher guide – storytelling for digilearnscot week and sign you up on one of the spaces on Glow

Storytelling 1 (First and Second levels) (fabulously full up!)
Storytelling 2 (Third and Fourth levels) (still spaces!)
Storytelling 3 (First and Second levels) (still spaces!)

Another learning experience brought to you by #digilearnscot

Primary, Skills, Social studies, Technologies

Social Studies Digital Learning Day

February 17, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Date and time:

Saturday 21st March, 2015

9:30 – 15:00

Where:

Stirling Management Centre, Stirling Court Hotel

Organised and funded by Education Scotland, the day aims to engage practitioners in lively professional dialogue about the success and challenges of using digital learning in the Social Studies classroom. Download the full programme here: http://bit.ly/Ddayprogramme

There are 50 places available on a first come, first served basis and the day is open to all primary teachers and secondary Social Subject teachers. Book your place now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2STXHJS

This is a free event, including a free lunch. However, delegates will be required to meet their own travel costs.

Keynote Speakers

1) Active History

Russel Tarr – Head of History at the International School of Toulouse

Russel will share the digital applications and programs he has developed for his websites www.classtools.net and www.activehistory.co.uk. All of these have been designed for the students in his own history classroom.

2) Digital Commonwealth 2104

Professor David McGillivray – Chair in Event and Digital Cultures

School of Media, Culture and Society, University of the West of Scotland

Jennifer Jones – Project Coordinator, Digital Commonwealth 2014

David and Jennifer will share the success of the Digital Commonwealth to engage learners in developing and applying skills in digital media.

3) Digital Learning with the BBC

BBC Learning Online

Learn about new online resources to support CfE, the success of School News Report and the creativity of BBC Scotland’s L.A.B.

4) Reconnecting with Glow

Glow Futures Team, Education Scotland

The Glow team want to highlight some of what’s on offer and would like to invite delegates to have a fresh look at how Glow can help support learning and teaching.

Workshops

Apps and Maps – Annette Iafrate, Geography teacher, Gryffe High School, Houston

As one of Microsoft’s Innovative Educator Experts, Annette will share her passion for digital learning through using a variety of apps on tablets and ipods that integrate ICT seamlessly into her lessons, as well as creating class textbooks in OneNote.

Digital Storytelling – Philip Donnolly, Education Manager, Scottish Film

A former Senior Lecturer on Glasgow University’s Initial Teacher Education programme, Philip has long been a passionate innovator and exponent of digital technology in the classroom.

Delegates will learn simple but powerful methods for pupils to use Digital Video to reinforce curricular learning across all ages and contexts of Social Studies. Delegates will develop skills in voice overs, selecting still and moving images, and using video editing software.

Online Mapping – Carol Blackwood, Digimap For Schools

Online mapping can be the starting point of any lesson that has place as a concept. Carol will show delegates how to get pupils to be creative and present information to demonstrate their understanding of something they are being taught.

Citizen Journalism – Anna Brocklehurst, Sky Skills Studio (TBC)

A team from Sky Skills Studio will show delegates how to combine a range of digital and presentation skills to develop learners abilities to research, debate and report on news and politics.

Directions:

http://www.stirlingcourthotel.com/stunning-location/Getting-Here/

CfE, Early Years, National Qualifications, Primary, Professional Learning, Senior Phase, Skills, Teacher Education, Technologies, Uncategorised

Technologies Impact Review, “Building Society: young people’s experiences in the technologies”

February 13, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Education Scotland will publish the report of the Technologies Impact Review, “Building Society: young people’s experiences in the technologies”, on 9^th March 2015. This report continues the series in which Education Scotland evaluates the quality of young people’s learning and achievements, in this case in the technologies. The report contributes to the overall picture of what it is like to be a learner in a Scottish early years centre or school in this second decade of the 21^st Century.

Education Scotland have organized a launch event for this report and the college aspect report Computing and Digital Media.

Making tomorrow happen: technology education in Scotland

will be held in Celtic Park, Glasgow on 9 March 2015.

The event has been organized to raise awareness of the reports and to discuss the implications for future developments in the Technologies area of the curriculum.

It would greatly assist the organisation of the conference if you could send your nominees to Kenneth Rae – Kenneth.Rae@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk by 27th February 2015, stating their name, role and email address.

CfE, CLD, Early Years, Expressive Arts, Health and wellbeing, Languages, Mathematics, National Qualifications, Outdoor Learning, Primary, Professional Learning, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Skills, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Last chance to enter the Scottish Education Awards 2015

February 11, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

We’ve received a fantastic number of entries for the Scottish Education Awards but times running out now. The awards showcase and celebrate the hard work and dedication across Scottish education.

To be in with a chance of winning make sure you’re entries are in before midday on 16 February.

A full list of categories and details on how to enter are on the Scottish Education Awards website. Get you’re entry in now and good luck.

Early Years, Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Technologies

STEM and Food for Thought: Education Fund Phase 3

February 5, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Participating in the Food for Thought project provides opportunity to raise awareness of STEM careers in the food and drink industry, one of our key economic growth sectors.

Recent figures estimate that 170,000 employees with STEM skills are required by 2020.

Apply now and take STEM forward in your establishment.

Applications can now be made to the Food for Thought: Education Fund Phase 3. The fund aims to support practitioners to build their confidence and capacity and to improve learning and teaching within food education in Curriculum for Excellence. Awards of up to £3000 per project are available. Apply now.

This year we are looking for schools to plan food education projects that:

aim to improve outcomes for learners in ways which seek to eliminate the inequity that currently exists amongst learners from different backgrounds and from particular vulnerable groups
plan to focus on Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce by improving work experience, career advice and careers education. This is why we are asking you to work with local businesses as by working more closely with employers we can all aim to ensure our work is taking account of their views and needs to developing the workforce of tomorrow.
provide the opportunity for staff to develop their knowledge and skills around food education
involve progressive learning and teaching in delivering and embedding food education
build respect around food education into the ethos of the school (i.e. not one off events)

Proposals must be submitted by Sunday 29 March 2015. You will receive a confirmation email once your application has been submitted.

Read also our news release: Food for Thought Education Fund serves up another course of funding.

Mathematics, National Qualifications, Primary, Sciences, Skills, Technologies

Kings College University : Aspires Project 2014

February 3, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Many governments and organisations are concerned that not enough young people are choosing to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) after the age of 16.

There is also widespread concern that the profile of those who do go on to study STEM subjects and pursue STEM careers is too narrow, with women, working-class and some minority ethnic groups remaining under-represented, especially in the physical sciences and engineering.

Particular STEM fields are predicting or already experiencing significant STEM skills gaps that may impact negatively on the economy. There is also a pressing need to improve the spread of scientific literacy across all societal groups.

The ASPIRES study sought to shed new light on our understanding of how young people’s aspirations develop over this 10-14 age period, exploring in particular what influences the likelihood of a young person aspiring to a science-related career.

The project is a five-year study funded by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of its Targeted Initiative on Science and Mathematics Education (TISME).

In addition to researching influences on students’ aspirations, the project also worked with a small group of teachers to develop approaches for integrating STEM careers information into science lessons.

Access the report through http://bit.ly/1fkDdDy

Early Years, Mathematics, Outdoor Learning, Primary, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies, Uncategorised

New STEM Scottish Education Award 2015

February 1, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Scottish Education Awards celebrate the hard work and success which takes place in Scottish education. They recognise the achievements of people who dedicate their lives to children and young people and showcase the valuable work and innovation in Scottish classrooms

This year a new award category for STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, has been introduced.

This category recognises establishments who are helping children and young people develop STEM skills and apply these across the four contexts for learning – curriculum, inter-disciplinary learning, ethos and life of the school and opportunities for personal achievement.

Nominations should be able to evidence the following questions and describe the impact on learners, the school and wider community:

In what ways do learners in your establishment demonstrate successful application of STEM skills?
In what ways are learners using STEM to develop skills for learning, life and work?
In what ways do you work with partners/parents/wider community to support STEM?

Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.

Nominations close 12pm on Monday 16 February 2015.

#primaryscience

Early Years, Primary, Professional Learning, Social studies, Technologies

Scottish Learning Festival 2015 – Social Studies

January 28, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Scottish Learning Festival is Scotland’s largest annual professional learning event, offering education practitioners a great opportunity to increase their knowledge, discover new work, and improve their practice. Delegates can take part in a range of Conference sessions (Keynotes, seminars, discussions and more) and meet Exhibitors from organisations with products and services which benefit learners.

Scottish Learning Festival 2015 will take place at the SECC in Glasgow on Wednesday 23rd and Thursday 24th September 2015.

The theme of this year’s event is “Raising attainment and achievement for all”, with a focus on maximising educational outcomes through local partnerships and collaboration; self-evaluation; and work-related learning.

Education Scotland is inviting organisations to submit proposals for seminars that will become part of this year’s programme. Full details of the themes and the online submission form are available on the SLF website. The closing date for submitting proposals is Friday 27th February 2015.

In the Social Studies team we are keen that the final programme includes great examples of effective and stimulating practice from schools, including creative projects and fresh approaches to learning. We are interested in all the subject areas within Social Studies, and in any sector. If you would like to showcase some of the work that your school or class is undertaking, or an activity that supports the professional development of teachers, please do consider submitting a seminar proposal.

Assessment, CfE, CLD, Early Years, Expressive Arts, Health and wellbeing, Languages, Mathematics, National Qualifications, Outdoor Learning, Primary, Professional Learning, Responsibility of All, RME, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Social studies, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Submit your seminar proposals for SLF 2015

January 26, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

SLF 2015 takes place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in Glasgow.

SLF provides high quality continuing professional learning and is a rendezvous for educational professionals both nationally and internationally, providing a unique platform to engage with a diverse range of experts, colleagues and suppliers.

We are now accepting seminar proposals for the 2015 conference programme which will feature around 100 seminars over the 2 days.

Is there a project you have been working on that could be showcased? Or perhaps you are aware of establishments that demonstrate good practice? We would encourage you to share this information with your colleagues and networks and submit relevant proposals for consideration.

The theme for SLF 2015: Raising attainment and achievement for all, with a focus on maximising educational outcomes through:

• local partnerships and collaboration – to share approaches that lead to better outcomes
• self-evaluation – to ensure creative and innovative approaches to sustained improvement
• work-related learning – to improve transitions into sustainable, productive employment.

Full details of the theme are available on the SLF website.

If you would like to submit a proposal for consideration please do so before Friday 27 February. Proposals received after this date will not be considered for inclusion in the conference programme. All proposals must be submitted online.

There is a robust review, evaluation and scoring system in place to help ensure that all submissions are treated equally therefore it is essential that all requests to participate go through the submission process and adhere to the timescales.

Last year we received in excess of 300 proposals which allowed Education Scotland to deliver a relevant and balanced conference programme covering all key areas of education. The 2015 conference programme and registration will be launched in May and will feature the sessions that have been submitted and selected for inclusion.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and hope you will contribute to SLF 2015 to help continue to deliver Scotland’s largest annual national education event. If you would like any further information about SLF 2015 please contact the SLF team.

Assessment, BtC5, CfE, Early Years, Expressive Arts, Health and wellbeing, Languages, Mathematics, Moderation, Primary, Responsibility of All, RME, Sciences, Social studies, Supporting Learners, Technologies

Online learning spaces – the Learning Experience space

January 25, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

This is the second post in a series which describes some of our work on ‘content-free’ templates for educators and learners to use in CfE learning.

This space is on Glow O365, so it is best to log into Glow (eg on the Learning Spaces Community) before you explore the links below

What’s the thinking behind the Learning Experience space?

This space helps learners and educators co-create a learning experience starting from a bundle of Experiences and Outcomes.

It follows closely the approached offered by the NAR flowchart. In fact, there is a behind the scenes planner which may reduce some of the workload associated with some other methods of planning learning.

What does it do?

For the learner, they can be involved in devising learning intentions and success criteria, talking about their learning, showcasing learning and getting support when needed.

For the teacher, it makes the planning and delivery of a BGE learning experience a wee bit easier.

How do I get it?

The Learning Space template is on Glow O365 and is available to any member of staff from their school site. See How to create a Learning Experience Space for more details

Summary of support available

Handy guide – teaching in a learning experience space
(Note this is an initial version. There is yet more guidance to be added on making full use of the planner)
How to create a learning experience space
Visit the Learning Spaces community and use the tag #learnexspace in the newsfeed and someone will help.
Contact me on Glow : @Con Morris (EdScot) or email ltcmorris@glow.gov.uk

Early Years, Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Technologies

British Science Week 13 – 22 March 2015

January 23, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

British Science Week (BSW, formerly National Science & Engineering Week (NSEW)) is a ten-day programme of science, technology, engineering and maths events and activities across the UK aimed at people of all ages.
Anyone can organise an event or activity, and the British Science Association helps organisers plan by providing free activity and support resources. It welcomes and supports any type of organiser, from schools to community groups and from parents to large organisations. The resulting programme of events is a hugely varied and eclectic mix.
Get lots of information about how to plan your events for British Science Week and find events you can attend near you.

For further information and details regarding registration click on the link below:
http://britishscienceweek.org/

CfE, Technologies

Raspberry Pi Network on Glow

January 21, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Do you like Raspberry Pi? How about checking out the tasty offerings over at the…… Raspberry Pi Network.

What is the Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a low cost, credit-card sized computer that plugs into a computer monitor or TV, and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It enables people of all ages to explore computing, and to learn how to program in languages such as Scratch and Python. It’s capable of doing everything you’d expect a desktop computer to do, from browsing the Internet and playing high-definition video, to making spreadsheets, word-processing, and playing games.

Where can I learn more about the Raspberry Pi?
Education Scotland has developed a Raspberry Pi Network on Glow.

Log into Glow, open any MS Office tile and click on the following link (www.bit.ly/raspberrypiedscot)

The Raspberry Pi Network is a dedicated site where both teachers and learners can create, collaborate and innovate. Some of the features available on the site include:

•NEWSFEED
Discuss approaches to teaching with colleagues from across Scotland.

•ANNOUNCEMENTS
Keep up to date with Raspberry Pi events throughout the year.

•USEFUL RESOURCES
Share your own resources and access those created by other teachers and learners.

•CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Find out about events in relation to the Raspberry Pi.

•RASPBERRY PI NOTEBOOK
Using OneNote to explore relevant discussion themes.

•WEB LINKS
Explore links to find out about other related Raspberry Pi projects.

•VIDEO DISCUSSIONS
View and discuss relevant videos aimed at promoting some of the projects which can be carried out using the Raspberry Pi.

CfE, Primary, Supporting Learners, Technologies, Universal Support

Online learning spaces – the Class space

January 20, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

This is the first post in a series which describes some of our work on ‘content-free’ templates for educators and learners to use in our learning.

This space is on Glow O365, so it is best to log into Glow (eg on the Learning Spaces Community) before you explore the links below

What’s the thinking behind it?

This space helps support the learning of a class throughout an extended period of time.

It covers the first 2 or 3 stages of the Salmon model reasonably well, helping learners with easy access to resources, encouraging socialisation and information sharing.

At the same time, it offers the potential for ‘flipping’ some of the teaching and learning .

What does it do?

It has a number of functions that will support class learners; teacher announcements, newsfeed, calendar and learning resource areas. The slides below will you give some idea of the functionality…

http://www.slideshare.net/ConMorris/intro-to-class-space

Ok, how do I get it?

The Class Space template is on Glow O365 and is available to any member of staff from their school site. See How to create a Class Space for more details.

Summary of support available

Handy guide to teaching in a class space
How to create a class space
Join the Learning Spaces community and use the tag #classspace in the newsfeed and someone will help
Contact me on Glow : @Con Morris (EdScot)

Thanks for reading!

Technologies, Uncategorised

Invitation to Love your Clothes with Betty & Bee at SR:D Limited Edition store

January 19, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Please find attached an invitation to attend a fun evening with Love your Clothes and Zero Waste Scotland, hosted in the Scotland Re:Designed store at Ocean Terminal, Leith.

The event, on Thursday 22nd January 2015 6pm – 8pm, will be co-hosted by bloggers Betty & Bee, who will illustrate and demonstrate how they love their clothes, and how easy it is for us all to make more mindful choices when it comes to waste in fashion.

Full details of the event, and how to RSVP can be found by clicking here.

Technologies

Game Masters: Teachers Orientation Event

January 19, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Game Masters: Teachers Orientation Event

Date: Monday 2 February 2015
Time: 16:30-18:30
Venue: Studio 1, Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Cost: Free
Booking: Please book your FREE space by emailing schools@nms.ac.uk or phoning 0131 247 4041. Tea/coffee and cake will be provided. Spaces are limited so please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This session will introduce teachers to the Game Masters exhibition in preparation for visiting with a class.

The event will run as follows:

4.30pm – Registration and Refreshments

4.45pm – Introduction, practicalities about visit & overview of resources

5pm – Sarah Rothwell, Assistant Curator (Modern & Contemporary Design), introduces exhibition

5.15pm – Short tour of exhibition, followed by opportunity to explore exhibition and try games

6.15pm – Finish

More details about school visits to Game Masters: www.nms.ac.uk/schoolgames

Primary, Skills, Social studies, Technologies

Save The Date: Social Studies and Digital Technologies Day

January 16, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Social Studies and Digital Technologies Day
organised by Education Scotland

Date: 21st March 2015

Time: 9:30 – 3:00

Venue: Stirling Management Centre, Stirling

Places: 40 – open to all primary and secondary practitioners

This is an excellent CLPL opportunity to refresh and learn new approaches to integrating ICT and Technologies through Social Studies.
There will be three exciting keynote speakers in the morning, followed by an afternoon session with a choice of three interactive workshops.
A complete programme for the day and the opportunity to book a place will be published in early February.

Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Technologies

ROYAL INSTITUTION GRANT SCHEME FOR ENRICHING STEM TEACHING

January 14, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Ri and the Causeway Foundation are offering UK schools grants of up to £500 to host a show, talk, workshop, debate, challenge or other STEM activity to supplement their students’ classroom activities.

Grants of up to £500 are being offered to eligible state-funded schools, academies and FE colleges in the UK to take part in an Enrichment and Enhancement (E&E) STEM activity from the STEM Directories before July 2015. This is an exciting opportunity for students to take part in a mathematics activity and help integrate mathematics enrichment in school practice.

The Scheme is now open and the deadline for applications is 9th February 2015 at 5pm.

For more information and to apply, visit the STEM Directories website. Priority will be given to schools meeting certain criteria; please see the grant terms for more details.

If you have any questions relating to the grant scheme or the STEM Directories, please contact info@stemdirectories.org.uk.

Technologies

Learning Through Technology Award

January 12, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Do you know a school or centre that has:

Developed a vibrant and progressive culture and climate of continuous innovation.
A culture and ethos that promotes respect, ambition and achievement while improving outcomes for all learners in ways which eliminate inequity.

If so the Scottish Education Awards would like to hear about your nomination.

Further details can be found at: SEA2015_Flyer_Learning through technology_Final

Technologies, Uncategorised

Computing Science – CPD materials

January 12, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

Staff training materials commissioned by Education Scotland covering the new web development topics in Higher and Advanced Higher Computing Science are now available here: http://cfecomputing.org.uk/. Coding languages included in the resource are

HTML5/CSS3
JavaScript
JQuery
PHP
PHP/MySQL

The HTML5/CSS3 and JavaScript materials have been created using Codecademy. The JQuery, PHP and PHP/MySQL materials are available as online or downloadable HTML pages with access to a live MySQL database to further develop your skills in this area.

You can see more details of the course here.

Examples of what is available illustrated below.

PHP/MySQL Screenshot

If you have any comments or suggestions please forward to

Kirsty.McFaul@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk

Elizabeth.montgomery@educationscotland.gsi.gov.uk.

Mathematics, Sciences, Technologies

Scottish Education STEM Award 2015

January 11, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

This year a new award category for STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, has been introduced.
This category recognises establishments who are helping children and young people develop STEM skills and apply these across the four contexts for learning – curriculum, inter-disciplinary learning, ethos and life of the school and opportunities for personal achievement.

Nominations should be able to evidence the following questions and describe the impact on learners, the school and wider community:
• In what ways do learners in your establishment demonstrate successful application of STEM skills?
• In what ways are learners using STEM to develop skills for learning, life and work?
• In what ways do you work with partners/parents/wider community to support STEM?

Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.

Nominations close 12pm on Monday 16 February 2015.
#primaryscience

Mathematics, National Qualifications, Primary, Professional Learning, Research, Sciences, Technologies

Project STEM, Book of Insights 2014

January 6, 2015 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) is the Government department for economic growth.
It works with further and higher education providers to give students the skills they need to compete in a global employment market and supports the UK’s science and research industry, which is important to economic growth.

The organisation has produced Project STEM, Book of Insights 2014 which details young people’s attitudes, beliefs, motivations and behaviours that affect their decisions on subject choice and career paths to add depth to the current understanding of how they perceive STEM careers.

The book brings together four phases of research activity with young people; qualitative, social listening, co-creation and quantitative research activities that ran between February and March 2014.
To complement the qualitative research, the researchers listened to young people’s social media conversations to understand their sentiment towards STEM careers and subjects.

To access the research document Project STEM, Book of Insights 2014

Technologies

Raspberry Pi Day 17 January 2015 – University of Strathclyde – 10am to 4pm

December 19, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized computer, designed to improve computer programming knowledge. It is a low cost but capable device that can be used by people of all ages to learn about computing. It connects to the Internet, plays HD video, and can be installed with a variety of Linux operating systems. The Raspberry Pi supports a multitude of applications and development tools – like Scratch which is designed to teach programming concepts to young people. The Raspberry Pi also makes it easy to connect to external sensors and electronics, allowing it to be incorporated into a wide range of projects, such as robots, games, weather stations and more.

The Raspberry Pi day is an event for all levels of ability and involvement. Several talks will be given during the day, covering the basics of the Raspberry Pi, as well as programming and electronics applications. There will also be a laboratory area, with Raspberry Pis for interactive demonstrations and space for guest projects.

Book your tickets now. Tickets for children are free. Adult tickets are £2.50. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For more information: http://phys.strath.ac.uk/raspberrypiday/

CfE, Skills, Technologies

Sky Academy Skills Studios in Livingston

December 17, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Sky Academy Skills Studios in Livingston is inviting you and your class to be part of an unforgettable, exciting and interactive learning experience!
Already hugely popular in London, Sky Academy Skills Studios opens in Livingston in March 2015. This free half day learning experience gives young people between the ages of 8-18 the opportunity to use cutting edge technology to make their very own TV report based on a subject area of your choice.

Groups of up to 32 students will be divided into four teams, each with their own studio equipped with a green screen, broadcast quality HD camera and touch screen edit table.

The whole experience is tailored to the Curriculum for Excellence, and learning is central to every stage of the experience. Topics link to:
• Mathematics
• Literacy and English
• Sciences, Technologies
• Expressive Arts
• Social Studies
• Health and Wellbeing

Students also develop core life skills such as creativity, problem solving, communication, teamwork and self-management. Sky’s dedicated team will be on hand to ensure the experience is inspiring and unforgettable, as well as safe and easy to organise.

Take a look online (Sky.com/skills) to find out more about Sky Academy Skills Studios and book now on Sky.com/teachers or call us on 01506 325 999.

Scottish Learning Festival 2015 – save the dates

December 17, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

We’re delighted to announce that SLF 2015 will take place on Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 September in the SECC, Glasgow. SLF is the largest education event in Scotland and will focus on raising achievement and attainment. Those interested in presenting a seminar at the festival can submit a proposal in January, when further information will be available on the SLF website.

Registration for the SLF will open in May, look out for more information over the coming months and save the dates in your diary now.

We are also working with a range of partners to host a series of SLF Extra events in 2015. On 17 February, Aberdeen City Council in partnership with Education Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council and Moray Council will host the Aberdeen Learning Festival in the AECC. The festival will include keynotes, workshop and an exhibition. More information about the event and how to register will be available in January.

On 27 February Children in Scotland, in partnership with Education Scotland, are hosting the first in a series of six free events for all those involved in education. The morning session will focus on pupil engagement and participation and the afternoon session will look at parental engagement. This first event takes place in Melrose and more information is available on the Children in Scotland website.

More SLF Extra events will be taking place in 2015, visit the SLF website for details.

Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Skills, Technologies

K’Nex Cluster Challenge 2015

December 12, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Glasgow Science Festival is pleased to announce the K’Nex Cluster Challenge for 2015. This annual competition is a chance for primary 5 and 6 pupils to apply their creativity and construction skills to various engineering based challenges, competing at three levels; classroom, cluster and area to become their area champion.

The Cluster Challenge involves primary schools working together with their cluster secondary school through each level of the competition. Pupils will work in teams of two to demonstrate their imagination, creativity and ingenuity by designing and making a model, using K’Nex, which solves a set engineering based challenge.

Each level has different fun challenges set by Glasgow Science Festival with judging criteria including the following categories: communication, design, problem solving and visual appeal. The overall winning team at each level will compete in the next level of the competition until a winning team for each area in the west of Scotland is found.

Full details of the competition and how your cluster can get involved can be found on the Glasgow Science Festival website.

Applications must be made by Friday 30th January 2015.

CfE, Mathematics, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Junior Saltire Competition 2015 – Marine Energy Challenge

December 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Young Engineers and Science Clubs Scotland encourage you to enter the Junior Saltire Competition 2015 Marine Energy Challenge.

Finalists will be invited to test their devices at FloWave’s Ocean Energy Research Facility, which is the world’s most sophisticated ocean simulator.

Prizes of up to £750 and unique Saltire medals are up for grabs!

Read more in our newsletter http://eepurl.com/-Iaif

#primaryscience

CfE, Research, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Christmas Cyber Security public Lecture

December 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Christmas cyber security lectures, run in association with SICSA, are a series of lectures for school pupils that take place across Scotland in the week before the Christmas holidays. With up to 5 talks from leading industry figures, Police Scotland and University academics in one session the lectures provide a fun and varied introduction to the challenges facing all of us as we move towards the internet of things. The lectures aim to use light-hearted and fun methods to promote cyber security and to highlight educational and career options in the field.

The first two times slots are for school pupils only (approximately age 14+), while the third, starting at 14:30, is a public lecture open to all. There are public lectures at Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow universities.

· Glasgow Uni – Mon 15th Dec, 1430-1630

· Edinburgh Napier (Riady lecture theatre, Craiglockhart campus) – Tue 16th Dec, 1430-1630

· Dundee Abertay – Wed 17th Dec, 1430-1630

Registration is free and is open via Eventbrite at

https://christmas-cyber-security-lectures-2014.eventbrite.com/

Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Skills, Technologies

Hermitage Primary School, Technology Challenge 2014

December 10, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Primary 7 pupils at Hermitage Primary School, Helensburgh took part in their Technology Challenge presentation evening on Thursday 4^th December, which brought their interdisciplinary topic to a close.

The project incorporated all STEM subjects enabling learners to develop their knowledge and understanding of the concepts and skills in Technologies, Maths, Language and Science. This also included aspects of PSD.

The Technology Challenge required pupils to work in cooperative groups, to plan and design a working electrical vehicle which was supported by a good business plan. Their progress was recorded in the form of a booklet and i-pad presentation.

Vehicles had to move forwards, backwards and have working lights and were to be created within a given budget. In addition, pupils were granted an additional £10 by the Head Teacher in order to add extra technology such as LED lights, pulley operated doors, a working lift and even a moving dragon’s head!

Following weeks of hard work the 10 teams of 6 pupils spoke to a panel of 3 judges and an audience of invited guests.

Each team gave a presentation about their vehicle detailing their experiences of working as a team, planning and designing, working to a budget and what they felt they had achieved.

The judging panel were very impressed with the standard of work and the efforts of every team member and eventually selected U-PoP as the winning team.

U-Pop created a mobile recording studio which included a working recording and playback sound module.

The delighted team members were Max Kemp, Hamish Paterson, Annika Seitz, Shannon Beaton, Esther Lopez and Rory Frew.

#primaryscience

CfE, Early Years, Mathematics, Primary, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Scottish Education STEM Award 2015

December 9, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This year a new award category for STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, has been introduced.

Nominations should be able to evidence the following questions and describe the impact on learners, the school and wider community:

In what ways do learners in your establishment demonstrate successful application of STEM skills?
In what ways are learners using STEM to develop skills for learning, life and work?
In what ways do you work with partners/parents/wider community to support STEM?

Nominations for this year’s awards are now open.

Nominations close 12pm on Monday 16 February 2015.

#primaryscience

Literacy and English, Primary, Senior Phase, Skills, Social studies, Technologies

BBC Schools Report Practice Day

December 9, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

There is still plenty of time to sign up for the BBC’s School Report. The next practice day is on the 11th December.

www.bbc.co.uk/schoolreport/

BBC News School Report gives 11-16 year-old students in the UK the chance to make their own news reports for a real audience.

It is a collaborative project run by BBC News and BBC Learning.

Using lesson plans and materials from this website, and with support from BBC staff and partners, teachers help students develop their journalistic skills to become School Reporters.

In March, schools take part in an annual News Day, simultaneously creating video, audio and text-based news reports, and publishing them on a school website, to which the BBC aims to link.

School Reporters produced a stunning array of content on 27 March 2014, with more than 1,000 schools across the UK making the news on the biggest ever School Report News Day.

The ninth News Day will be held on 19 March 2015.

Primary, Skills, Social studies, Technologies

Amnesty Youth Awards

December 9, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Amnesty Youth Awards bit.ly/132PPRy celebrates young people’s talents for human rights reporting, photography, songwriting (and performing), campaigning and fundraising.

Applications for our Youth Awards 2015 open on 8 September 2014 and closes on the 30 January 2015.

The competition is open to young people between the ages of 7 – 19 (up to and including Further Education). Students can take part in one or more categories to develop new skills and confidence to engage creatively with human rights.

Amnesty has awards and teaching resources to support five different catagories:

The Awards run in conjunction with the Times Educational Supplement and this year’s judges include:

Sir Richard Branson – ambassador of Amnesty’s Youth Awards
Sir Trevor McDonald OBE – judge, Young Reporter strand
Krishnan Guru-Murthy – judge, Young Reporter strand
Rankin – judge, Photographer strand
Kate Nash – judge, Singer-Songwriter strand
Owen Jones – judge, Campaigner strand

Additional Support for Learning, Assessment, CfE, CLD, Early Years, Expressive Arts, Gaelic Learners, Health and wellbeing, Health and wellbeing, Languages, Literacy, Literacy and English, Mathematics, MCMC/16+LC, Modern Languages, Outdoor Learning, Primary, Responsibility of All, Sciences, Skills, Supporting Learners, Technologies, Universal Support, Young people, children & families

Scottish Education Awards 2015 – now open for nominations

December 8, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Nominations for the Scottish Education Awards 2015 awards are now open. Celebrating the hard work and success in Scottish education, the awards recognise the achievements of people who dedicate their lives to children and young people.

There are 17 awards available across a range of categories covering all areas of education. New awards for this year include learning for sustainability, making languages come alive and transforming lives through partnerships.

If you know of a school or teacher that deserves to be recognised for their hard work visit the Scottish Education Awards website for more information and to submit a nomination.

Nominations must be submitted by Monday 16 February 2015, good luck.

Modern Languages, Social studies, Technologies

Japan Webpage Contest

December 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

This contest is open to any UK school that is teaching Japanese or doing any kind of project related to Japan. Your school does not need to be teaching Japanese to enter the contest.

http://bit.ly/japanwebcontest

To enter the contest, all you need to do is make a simple webpage about the work that your school is doing with Japanese or Japan. This could be a blog, a wiki, or a page that’s part of your school’s website.

Your webpage could feature:

A project with your Japanese partner school
A report on your school’s visit to Japan
A report on your school’s Japan Day
Japanese or Japan-related resources that you have made to help your students
Japanese language work made by students
Other Japan-related work by students, e.g. from geography, history, art, sports, music, intercultural understanding, cross-curricular lessons
Students’ experiences of learning Japanese or about Japan
An overview of Japanese at your school

All entries to the contest will be featured on the website. You will also have your chance to vote for your favourite shortlisted entries, in the online voting poll.

Cash prizes and other prizes will be awarded to the best entries. Click here for more information.

In 2010, the Public Vote Award was won by Bearsden Primary School for their Godzilla’s Den website.

Look at other past entries for more inspiration. http://www.japanwebpagecontest.org.uk/vote2011.php

(The contest is organised by the Japan Foundation London. The Japan Foundation is Japan’s principal organisation for promoting international cultural exchange.)

CfE, Early Years, National Qualifications, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Game Masters: Teachers Preview Event

December 3, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Date: Tuesday 9 December
Time: 16:30-18:30
Venue: Studio 1, Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh
Cost: Free
Booking: Please book your FREE space by email schools@nms.ac.uk or phone 0131 247 4041. Tea/coffee and cake will be provided. Spaces are limited so please book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

This session will introduce teachers to the Game Masters exhibition in preparation for visiting with a class.

The event will run as follows:

4.30pm – Registration and Refreshments

4.45pm – Introduction, practicalities about visit & overview of resources

5pm – Sarah Rothwell, Assistant Curator (Modern & Contemporary Design), introduces exhibition

5.15pm – Short tour of exhibition, followed by opportunity to explore exhibition and try games

6.15pm – Finish

More details about school visits to Game Masters: www.nms.ac.uk/schoolgames

CfE, National Qualifications, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Inspiring workshops and presentations for all year groups

December 3, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

File:Edinburgh Napier University logo.png

Presentations

Our presentations are designed to be delivered to up to 150 people. We can happily deliver these to an entire year group. All presentations run from 40mins– 1 hour

P7 – S3 Workshops

Our workshops are intensive fully interactive sessions designed for groups of up to 30 pupils (unless otherwise stated). Workshops are 45mins—1 hour long to fit into a standard lesson.

Careers & Parents’ Evenings

We are happy to attend your careers event or parents’ evening to answer individual questions and provide literature and information on our courses. We also have presentations suitable for a group of parents & carers. Please let us know your date and we will check availability.

Edinburgh Napier University Information Stand

If you are holding a careers event or parents’ evening, invite us along, and we can bring our information stand with literature about our courses and applying. We will provide a member of staff to answer any questions.

For more information and a brochure on more about ‘what we can do for your pupils’ – studentrecruitment@napier.ac.uk

CfE, Professional Learning, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Disruptive Innovation Festival

November 13, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Hopefully you will have had the chance to see some of the outstanding sessions available as part of the online Disruptive Innovation Festival which has been running from 20th October to 14th November 2014. For those of you that have not managed to catch any of the sessions or missed some due to other commitments we are delighted to announce that many of the events have been recorded and will be available to view for another 30 days.

Visit the DIF website archive at DIF Archive to access the sessions that are still available until 14th December 2014.

Here is a small sample of some of the events that will be available to view until 14th December:
• 3D Printed materials and the Circular Economy
• Internet of Things
• Circular Economy Classroom Activity
• Biomimicry Classroom
• William McDonough (Cradle to cradle): Redesigning the Future
• Jeremy Rifkin: The Next Industrial Revolution
• Mark Miodownik: Made to be Made Again
• TU Delft: Pioneers of Design -Longer Lasting Products
• Sir Ken Robinson: Inspiring a Generation

Please share this information with colleagues who might be interested: STEM subjects, Geography, Business Education, Economics, Modern Studies and anyone interested in inter-disciplinary learning.

If you are inspired to introduce your pupils to the circular economy but would welcome some help in getting started please do not hesitate to contact me by email at jen.barrett@ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

Sciences, Technologies

Royal Academy of Engineering:Deployable Structures Kit

November 6, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Royal Academy of Engineering provides leadership and promotes excellence across all fields of engineering.

The Academy has a diverse range of partners and a long history of delivering STEM enhancement and enrichment programmes in schools to inspire the next generation of engineers and technicians.

Teachers can access resources created by teachers and engineers that aim to engage school students with science, technology and mathematics by placing these subjects in engineering contexts

The most recent resource is Deployable Structures.

These resources allow the learning of maths within the engineering context of deployable structures. There are a range of Third level maths topics covered including density, nets, transformations, scale, conversions, circles, area, compound shapes problem solving. A source of challenging material for Second Level learners.

The resources consist of a teacher’s guide to explain how the activities could be used, six activities and two case studies about engineers involved in deployable structures. Please read the safety advice in each activity.

Further information about the Royal Academy of Engineering resources can be found at

http://bit.ly/1vOIFqH

Mathematics, Sciences, Senior Phase, Technologies

STEM @ university contacts

November 4, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

As part of the Scottish Universities Deans of Science and Engineering education groups work to support Scottish Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education in schools many Universities in Scotland have recently set up a single e-mail address for teachers who have STEM related enquiries. It is not expected that the person receiving the initial e-mail at the University will always give a direct response but it would be expected that they ensure a response is made from a related department within the University or to direct you to the appropriate contact within the University.
University of Aberdeen – STEM@abdn.ac.uk
University of Abertay – STEM@abertay.ac.uk
University of Dundee – STEM@dundee.ac.uk
Glasgow Caledonian University – STEM@gcu.ac.uk
University of the Highlands and Islands – STEM@uhi.ac.uk
University of Glasgow – STEM@glasgow.ac.uk
University of Edinburgh – STEM@ed.ac.uk

For a brief overview of STEM study options within each University please refer to the following brief document. (Please always refer pupils to University prospectus and websites as this document may not always be up to date).
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Wg-EaXb-X30TUkT5y1Ok7bm-ll-38zXgF4NsLJ1jgeg/edit?usp=sharing
Please feel free to share this information with other colleagues in STEM departments.’

CfE, Professional Learning, Sciences, Senior Phase, Technologies

Disruptive Innovation Festival – must-see events this week for Educators

November 3, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

It’s week 3 of the Disruptive Innovation Festival: an online festival exploring emerging ideas and technologies that have the potential to reshape our economy. The Festival is curated by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

So far you will have had the opportunity to drop in on events covering ideas such as self-driving cars, powering cities with coffee bean waste, cradle-to-cradle design, restructuring the financial system, biomimicry design and the sharing economy.

This week – the penultimate week – has a strong focus on education. This includes a Headline Act by Sir Ken Robinson on Thursday where you will have the opportunity to put questions to him and hear of his thoughts for a transformed educational system. Sign up for free here: http://thinkdif.co/headliners/sir-ken-robinson

Transforming D&T Education
04 Nov 16:00 GMT – 04 Nov 17:00 GMT
http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/transforming-d-t-education
Steve Parkinson of Teach Design will host this session where he will take a look at the changing face of D&T education, and what he and his students have learned from studying the circular economy and Cradle-to-Cradle design.

—
Product Teardown
05 Nov 17:00 GMT – 05 Nov 18:00 GMT
http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/product-teardown
Kyle Wiens will walk us through product teardown, showing us the process the iFixit team go through when rating products for their repairability. Kyle will take your questions on how designers could re-educate themselves to design for disassembly and repairability.

—
Transforming Learning: Beyond the $1,000 Pencil
06 Nov 13:00 GMT – 06 Nov 14:00 GMT
http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/transforming-learning-beyond-the-1-000-pencil
Join the renowned Alan November to hear how we can equip our students to take responsibility to manage a large proportion of their learning, and to help others to learn.

—
The Circular Economy Workshop
06 Nov 17:00 GMT – 06 Nov 18:00 GMT
http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/the-circular-economy-workshop
Watch this video to learn how the circular economy can be introduced to a large group of students by taking a group work approach. Download the presentation and lesson plan so you can replicate the session in your setting

—
Education: What are the new stories?
06 Nov 17:30 GMT – 06 Nov 18:30 GMT
http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/education-what-are-the-new-stories
Is the traditional narrative of school, qualifications and a ‘good job’ still relevant? Oliver Quinlan doesn’t think so, but he wants to hear from YOU in this session as he asks for the new stories around education
—

Watch this quick video summary of what else is in store for educators this week at the DIF: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NXYY9mkGN8&utm_source=DIF&utm_campaign=9bd7318ffa-DIF_Mon_3_Nov11_3_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_45b4eeb0e0-9bd7318ffa-87295145

Technologies, Uncategorised

Game Masters – The developmeny of Video Games – National Museum of Scotland

November 2, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland

5 December 2014 – 20 April 2015

The exhibition explores the development of video games through interviews with game designers and rare original game artwork, as well as looking forward to how independently produced games are leading the way in design, aesthetics and game play.

Location

Exhibition Gallery 1, Level 3

Pricing

Adults £10
Concession* £8
Child £6.50 (under 5s free)
Family of 3** £23
Family of 4** £28
Students*** £5 (Tuesdays only)

Members go free!

National Art Pass holders receive 50% discount (only available in person and by phone).

* Concession prices apply to 60+, students and unemployed with ID, disabled people. Carers of disabled people free.

** Must include at least 1 adult and 1 child

*** A valid NUS or Young Scot card must be shown

Further details about the exhibition can be found at: http://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/game-masters/

Primary, Skills, Technologies

Computing Clubs for Girls – Primary and Secondary!

October 29, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

CC4G

Free to the first 50 schools to sign up!

CC4G – Computer Clubs for Girls – is a fully resourced scheme of work from e-skills UK, developed with teachers, supported by role models from leading employers and specifically designed to encourage girls to take on the digital world with confidence.

The resources cover a variety of topics, from coding to e-safety, web design to music video production, are fully supported by teacher guides, and can be used to deliver extra-curricular clubs or to support lesson time activities.

Running CC4G doesn’t need any specialist IT expertise or software, it’s fully curriculum-compliant, and girls love it.

Java Fundamentals training

In addition to sponsoring CC4G licenses, Oracle is offering teachers from each school within this scheme free Java Fundamentals training using the Alice and Greenfoot development environments.

The course lays the foundation for students with little or no programming experience to learn the Java programming language, introducing fundamental programming concepts and terminology in an easy, engaging manner.

Sign up now for a free one year account

The first 50 schools in Scotland to respond will each receive a free licence, sponsored by SDS and Oracle, to run CC4G for a one year period, plus free Java Fundamentals training from Oracle. To see for yourself how good CC4G is, register for a free trial at www.cc4g.net.

This offer will not last long and licenses will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. Please contact CC4G with any questions and to confirm your acceptance: cc4ghelpdesk@e-skills.com

CC4G is run by e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for Business and Information Technology. We work on behalf of employers to ensure the UK has the technology skills it needs to succeed in a global digital economy. Our work covers software, internet & web, Computer Games, IT services, telecommunications and business change. At e-skills UK we help people achieve their goals every year through our programmes, research and initiatives – at work, school and in further and higher education.

Sciences, Technologies

Home Economics & Science staff Teach Meet Dundee Science Centre Tuesday 11th November

October 29, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Teach Meet for Home Economics and Science staff offering support around Broad General Education, National Qualifications, positive destinations, progression with assessment. Presenters include Education Scotland, Scottish Food & Drink Federation, Food Standards Scotland, SQA, University of Abertay, SSERC & Dundee science Centre to name but a few.

Also included in the session will be a ‘Science of Gin’ presentation, discussing the use of botanicals to produce different styles.

TUESDAY 11^th NOVEMBER 4.30pm – 7.30pm Dundee Science Centre.

CfE, Professional Learning, Technologies

Get with the Programme

October 28, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

Get with the Programme

An evening of resources, ideas and discussion for computing classes and STEM clubs in primary and secondary schools.

With sessions and discussions from:

Skills Development Scotland

Code Club

Abertay university

Apps for good

FREE Professional Learning session for education practitioners

Thursday 30th October 2014, 1615-1830 at Dundee Science Centre

Delivered by

Forest Kindergarten Training

October 27, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The Forestry Commission Scotland offers training for early years’ staff in developing forest kindergartens. The training consists of a one day taster course for Heads and Managers of nurseries and a three day training course for nursery teachers and early years practitioners.

One Day Taster Course – The taster course gives promoted staff an introduction to the philosophy of Forest Kindergartens, an opportunity to consider controlled risk taking and discussion of the value of learning in nature using natural materials in woodlands or other green spaces. The content of the course consistently refers to the Early Years Framework and Curriculum for Excellence. This course gives promoted staff the opportunity to consider their role in supporting staff in developing forest kindergartens and sharing information with parents and the wider community. Part of the day is held indoors and the remainder outdoors.

Three Day Course – This course is designed to support staff in embedding forest kindergarten as part of their Pre-Birth to Three and Curriculum for Excellence practice. The course gives staff the opportunity to share their hopes and concerns, discuss controlled risk taking and understand how this approach embraces the Rights of The Child. Participants learn about the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, challenging outdoor experiences that can be offered and ways that the Curriculum for Excellence supports experiential outdoor learning. The course gives staff a theoretical overview and the opportunity to engage in practical outdoor activities. Staff also visit an established forest kindergarten and discuss practice with staff who have completed the course and are now experienced forest kindergarten leaders. Part of the course gives staff opportunities to consider responsive planning approaches and ways in which woodland experiences can impact on indoor practice and the nursery outdoor environment.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the past three days. All my inhibitions and fears about taking children off site are well and truly gone. The course was delivered to a very high standard and I know I’ve learned a lot”

“I was not really a fan of getting outdoors and getting dirty but now I understand the benefits it has for the children and I am motivated and excited to get started”

Forestry Commission Scotland Support – Forestry Commission Scotland offers this course to all staff delivering the curriculum for Excellence at the Early Level in nurseries and schools. Ongoing on-site support continues from FCS to assist staff in identifying suitable woodland or green space and involve staff teams, parents and carers and the local community. FCS can also participate alongside staff to support them in developing the quality of their session. Each participant receives a training pack and pen drive loaded with essential information. This includes awareness raising materials and activities to engage children, staff, parents, carers, and the local community.

A new Training for Trainers course is being prepared so that existing forest kindergarten leaders can deliver training alongside forestry commission staff within their own local authorities. North Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire staff are currently co-presenting the 3 day course.

There is an opportunity for staff to continue developing their knowledge and skills through supplementary courses lasting one and a half days each to learn how to use ropes, fire and tools. In future a course on The Pedagogy of Forest Kindergartens will be offered

Forest Family Bags are also being created to support families using woodlands with their children and a Transition pilot programme is about to be developed to support the continuation of forest kindergarten into primary one.

For further information on any of the above please contact: Marian Cairns, Acting Central Scotland Education Officer, Central Scotland Conservancy Email: marian.cairns@forestry.gsi.gov.uk Tel: 01698 368553, Mob: 07747474790

CfE, Expressive Arts, Mathematics, Professional Learning, Sciences, Senior Phase, Skills, Technologies

Disruptive Innovation Festival

October 21, 2014 User deactivated Leave a comment

The online Disruptive Innovation Festival (DIF) is working with organisations, universities and individuals from all over the world to spotlight and explore the disruptive innovations that are shaking up industry and creating new opportunities in the economy. Many of the sessions during the festival have been crowd-sourced from global contributors and emphasises the opportunity for interaction and engagement with these ideas. Throughout the four weeks, the DIF provides thought-leadership, advice, short courses, design challenges, resources and networks for new or budding entrepreneurs, designers, makers and doers. The DIF will also welcome participation from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s network including business, policy makers, academics and designers who are contributing to and participating in the DIF 2014.

Of particular relevance from a STEM perspective are the following sessions:

[27 Oct] Eben Bayer – An Entrepreneur’s Story
– http://thinkdif.co/headliners/eben-bayer

[29 Oct] The Circular Economy: an educator’s guide
– http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/the-circular-economy-an-educators-guide

[30 Oct] Systems thinking and restorative agriculture-at scale
– http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/systems-thinking-and-restorative-agriculture-at-scale

[30 Oct] Assembly Line or Mind Gym? Where is education going?
– http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/where-is-education-going

[3 Nov] Mark Miodownik – Made to be Made Again
– http://thinkdif.co/headliners/mark-miodownik

[6 Nov] Sir Ken Robinson – Inspiring a Generation
– http://thinkdif.co/headliners/sir-ken-robinson

[6 Nov] Education: What are the new stories?
– http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/education-what-are-the-new-stories

[12 Nov] Janine Benyus & Michael Pawlyn – Biomimicry
– http://thinkdif.co/headliners/janine-benyus

[Throughout] Experts on Demand
– http://thinkdif.co/emf-stages/experts-on-demand

[Throughout] Design Challenges
– http://thinkdif.co/pages/challenges

People sign up to receive news about the DIF at www.thinkdif.co

All of the sessions are free to attend, and most will be made available for a short period of time after the event.

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Exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland

5 December 2014 – 20 April 2015

Pricing

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A training blog for PLSuperheroes