Learning the Basics of Computer Science

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After visiting a Coderdojo in Kadıköy, Claire Wachowiak, our Primary Tech Integration Specialist invested in some Makey Makey kits. She was inspired by the level of engagement and collaboration that she witnessed and thought it would be an interesting way to introduce students to some hands-on computer science at IICS.

A Makey Makey is a tool that helps students learn about the basics of computer science. By using a circuit board, alligator clips, and a USB cable, a Makey Makey uses a closed loop electrical signals to talk to the computer or website.

Three students, Phillip, Joey, and Hanako explored this tool last week. Please check out the video below to see these students in action; collaborating, learning, and creating.

Hour of Code 2016

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When we asked second grade students what coding means to them, they came up with some very interesting responses:

Coding is…

  • giving commands
  • following step-by-step (directions)
  • hard, frustrating
  • being specific
  • happy when you figure it out
  • (following a) pattern
  • figuring out the least amount of movements to solve a problem

Most students who participated this year’s Hour of Code would agree. Students describe coding as the language of computers. Essentially if you are using technology, code is involved.

 

However, coding isn’t just about learning a language, it is a skill that encourages collaboration and promotes problem solving, including critical thinking. It helps student to develop their logical thinking skills as well as nurture their creativity.

Please watch the video below to see IICS students coding. If you are interested in learning more about coding, please check this out for more resources.

How Much Time?

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In an effort to get students to reflect upon their daily technology habits and their overall screen time, we asked grade six students what types of digital devices they are using at home and school (Smartphones, laptops, television, tablets,etc.). We then asked students what they were doing on these devices (Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, video games, Google, etc.).From there, grade six students were asked to record their use of digital devices and what they were doing online on an average school day.

log_example

why_digitalAfterwards, students explored the reasons behind using digital media. The top three responses were communication and sharing, entertainment, and education and skills.

All students completed the daily log similar to the one above. Then each student calculated the amount of hours they spent using digital media per day. In order to determine a percentage of daily use per student, we agreed that six grade students were awake an average of 16 hours a day. From here, students could compare how much they used digital devices on a average waking day.IMG_4462

As the technology integrator, I found this lesson quite powerful because it gave students hard evidence of how much time they spend using digital devices. Some students reached as high as 81% of their day and others came in at about 30 to 40%. As a class, we asked students what surprised them about the results and if these results made them rethink how they spend their time.

With the understanding that digital devices are effective tools that can play very positive roles in our lives, we also looked at how we could spend our time without a digital device. Could we have a better balance? Are we using these because we are just bored? Could we get outside a bit more? Would it be a good idea to develop some new habits?

student_calculatingOne interesting aspect that come up for me was the high use of YouTube for watching videos and listening to music. Out of 50 sicth grade students, 44 said they used YouTube daily – that is 88% of sixth graders.  YouTube is a fantastic resource, but there are also many alternatives. I recently found an article ‘47+ Alternatives to Using YouTube in the Classroom’ that can be applied to home use as well.

 

 

How much time do you spend on your digital devices?

 

 

Searching for an Image?

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Photos for Class is a tool that allows students and teachers to search for school-safe photos that are easily downloaded, including the proper attribution – right from the Class Site!  Check out the video below to see for yourself!