Where does it fit into the Curriculum?

Computational Thinking

Barefoot Computing is an excellent Free resource that supports schools with embed Computing Science across the curriculum.

The site has lesson plans, materials and posters that can be downloaded and used in the classroom.

The poster below gives a nice overview of the Concepts and Approaches used in Computational Thinking.

Click on the poster to download your own from the Barefoot Computing website.

For more information and to access the Barefoot Computing website, please click on the link below.

Links to Technologies

Links to the Technologies Curriculum

Learners will develop knowledge, skills, attributes and capabilities around the key concepts/significant aspects of learning in the technologies.

Using digital products and services in a variety of contexts to achieve a purposeful outcome
Searching, processing and managing information responsibly
Cyber resilience and internet safety
Understanding the world through computational thinking
Understanding and analysing computing technology
Designing, building and testing computing solutions

Within each of the key concepts/significant aspects of learning learners will develop and demonstrates

knowledge and understanding of the key concepts in the technologies
curiosity, exploration and problem solving skills
planning and organisational skills in a range of contexts
creativity and innovation
skills in using tools, equipment, software, graphic media and materials
skills in collaborating, leading and interacting with others
critical thinking through exploration and discovery within a range of learning contexts
discussion and debate
searching and retrieving information to inform thinking within diverse learning contexts
making connections between specialist skills developed within learning and skills for work
presentation and communication skills

Digital Literacy

I can extend and enhance my knowledge of digital technologies to collect, analyse ideas, relevant information and organise these in an appropriate way. TCH 2-01a

I can use digital technologies to search, access and retrieve information and am aware that not all of this information will be credible. TCH 02-02a

I can explore online communities demonstrating an understanding of responsible digital behaviour and I’m aware of how to keep myself safe and secure. TCH 2-03a

Computing Science

I understand the operation of a process and its outcome. I can structure related items of information. TCH 2-13a

I can explain core programming language concepts in appropriate technical language. TCH 2-14a

I understand how information is stored and how key components of computing technology connect and interact through networks. TCH 2-14b

I can create, develop and evaluate computing solutions in response to a design challenge. TCH 2-15a

Click the graphic

Links to Science

Sciences E&Os there is potential to link this to topical science:

SCN: 2 – 20a and b: (Summary) Topical Science at Second Level allows pupils to demonstrate their understanding of the impact of scientific discovery and invention has on their lives and society and to share opinions about topical scientific issues.

The invention of the internet and then social media has had an inconceivable impact on our society – we live our lives online and our data has now become an increasingly valuable commodity. Discussing this and developing an understanding of how to stay safe online and to share only what you want to share links very well with these E&O’s.

In addition at each level there are a number of Scientific Skills:

Scientific analytical thinking skills

– Applies scientific analytical thinking skills, with assistance, working with less familiar (or familiar but more complex) contexts. .

– Demonstrates further development of creative thinking including through the engineering processes of design, construction, testing and modification.

Skills and attributes of scientifically literate citizens

At Second Level, it is anticipated that learners will be able to demonstrate the skills below with assistance.

– Presents a reasoned argument based on evidence, demonstrating understanding of underlying scientific concepts, and engages with the views of others.

– Demonstrates understanding of the relevance of science to their future lives and the role of science in an increasing range of careers and occupations.

– Demonstrates increased awareness of creativity and inventiveness in science, the use of technologies in the development of sciences and the impact of science on society.

– Expresses informed views about scientific and environmental issues based on evidence.

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Improving Gender Balance and Equalities

Research suggests that there can be benefits to playing video games in terms of developing problem-solving, cognitive function and special awareness skills (Gee, 2005; Adachi and Willoughby, 2013; Green and Bavelier, 2006; Przybylski, 2014; Subrahmanyam and Greenfield, 1994; Spence and Feng, 2010; Connolly et al., 2012). Research by OECD (2015) shows that pupils who play video games have higher success when sitting computer-based tests, specifically in problem-solving and mathematics. The OECD also suggests that pupils who interact with computer software are more confident when faced with the prospect of a computer-based test.

It is widely known that more boys interact on a regular basis with video-gaming software than girls. It is vital that we encourage all pupils to interact positively with computer software so that all pupils can benefit from the skill development and confidence working with technology can bring. By encouraging and empowering boys and girls to engage with technology in a positive way, we move closer to closing the gender-based gap within the STEM subjects and inspire more pupils to consider a diverse range of curricular areas and learner pathways.

As part of CfE’s Health and Well-being Experience’s and Outcomes under ‘Planning for choices and change’, we ask that learners “experience activities which enable them to develop the skills and attributes they will need if they are to achieve and sustain positive destinations beyond school”. In a world where technology is ever present in the work place, it is important that all young people are provided opportunities to engage in exciting learning opportunities, such as GamesCon.

References

Adachi, P.J. and T. Willoughby (2013), “More than just fun and games: The longitudinal relationships between strategic video games, self-reported problem solving skills, and academic grades”, Journal of Youth Adolescence, Vol. 42, pp. 1041-1052.

Connolly, T.M. et al. (2012), “A systematic literature review of empirical evidence on computer games and serious games”, Computers and Education, Vol. 59, pp. 661-686.

Gee, J.P. (2005), “Good video games are good learning”, Phi Kappa Phi Forum.

Green, C.S. and D. Bavelier (2006), “Enumeration versus multiple object tracking: The case of action video game players”, Cognition, Vol. 101, pp. 217-245.

OECD (2015), The ABC of Gender Equality in Education: Aptitude, Behaviour, Confidence, PISA, OECD Publishing.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264229945-en

Przybylski, A.K. (2014), “Electronic gaming and psychosocial adjustment”, Pediatrics, Vol. 134, pp. 716-722.

Scottish Government, Curriculum for Excellence: Health and Well-being across all learning: Responsibility of all, accessed 03 September 2019 at https://education.gov.scot/Documents/hwb-across-learning-eo.pdf

Spence, I. and J. Feng, (2010), “Video games and spatial cognition”, Review of General Psychology, Vol. 14/2, pp. 92-104.

Subrahmanyam, K. and P.M. Greenfield (1994), “Effect of video game practice on spatial skills in girls and boys”, Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, Vol. 15/1, pp. 13-32.

There is a natural fit into the Technologies Computing Science E’s & O’s
and the Technologies Benchmarks.

Links can also be made to Literacy, Numeracy, Health and Wellbeing and Science outcomes.
Learners will be demonstrating attributes in:

• each of the four capacities
• computational thinking
• problem solving
• scientific analytical thinking skills
• creative thinking skills