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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Additional live code-along and play-along webinar recordings.
Computing Science information and resources
Introducing computing technology in the world all around us.
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.
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)
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!)
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Artificial Intelligence – Exploring Opportunities for Scottish Educators #CSscot23
Join Education Scotland for a short session exploring Artificial Intelligence and it’s potential in Scottish Education. This session is suitable for educators in Scotland. In this session we will explore…
What is artificial intelligence
What is generative AI and some examples
Prompt-craft
How might you use generative AI tools to support your work
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
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… …
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
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… …
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