Weekly Tasks

Engaging in the Angry birds game and programs like Code studio, CodeCombat  and Code.org are all fantastic resources for engaging students to learn about code. It took me a little time to process but before long I figured it out and I was really into it. By listing the codes in the correct order, for example move forward, turn left, move forward, turn right ect I was able to catch the pig. It really got my computational brain workingI had direct experience with the appeal of these games when my seven year old son saw me playing the angry birds program on Code.org and continued to engage with game independently for over an hour.I really look forward to utilizing programs like this with my students. If I can work it out I'm confident most students will also.

When engaging with the Khan Academy site I started by drawing simple shapes. I then experiment with code to try more complex shapes and designs. At first I thought this is way out of my league then slowly began to gain some understanding. I am grateful for sites like these that explain with video tutorials how to work with code and by spending a lot more time interacting with programs like this not only will enhance my own understanding but also to assist my future students. 

Playing around with the site “scratch” was also beneficial in developing my computational thinking. I began by following the task instructions of a fish tank with fish swimming and an octopus going side to side at the bottom of the screen. And then experimented with other ideas of trying to get characters to simulate a game of basketball.I really enjoyed playing around with all the settings and seeing what was possible. Although I am still definitely a novice I can really see the opportunities for developing creative thinking and design.

I have attempted to create a digital resource using Wix.com. I thought an interactive map of Australia with external links to relevant learning content would be a useful digital resource and be a good place to start creating. By embedding external links to useful sites and information making it as interesting as possible. I an really envisage using digital resources such as these to enhance learning.

 

I have been experimenting in developing a digital task card. I feel these are great interactive learning tool. I know I have to create a similar resource to this for another course and I have enjoyed making myself familiar with the possibilities. I wish I had access to resources like these when I was at school.

A binary code represents text or computer processor instructions using the binary number system's two binary digits, 0 and 1. A binary code assigns a bit string to each symbol or instruction.

I attempted to come up with a game you might play with learners called binary cards shootout. This required me to flip over binary cards while two students compete to verbally call out the number represented. Although I feel this game needs refinement as my own understanding of binary code increases.

Using programs like Bubbl.us are fantastic for creating mind maps. I have found this program relatively easy to use and a great way to present information.