I completed an 'Hour of Code' using the Angry Birds and Plants verses Zombies theme on code.org. The activity uses Blockly, a visual programming language that has blocks you drag and drop to write programs. Although this code was used you can click a button to see the javascript code if you wanted to. This program also has a section for teachers that gives you ideas on how to run a class using this program, ideas on how to overcome obstacles like not enough computers and lesson plans. It is a great resource for introducing students to computer programming.
I actually loved the program. It gave instructional videos as well as used themes that young students are very into. It was bright, interactive and because the videos and games weren't to long they held my attention.
The only downside to this type of program is that students can't explore for themselves. If they don't get the steps correct then you can't move forward. Although this is good for making sure they learn how to do something it does not allow for creativity or exploration of how to use coding.
The only downside to this type of program is that students can't explore for themselves. If they don't get the steps correct then you can't move forward. Although this is good for making sure they learn how to do something it does not allow for creativity or exploration of how to use coding.
This is a screen shot of one of the tasks I was asked to do.
This activity meets the Australian Curriculum General Capabilities by:
- developing an understanding of the characteristics of data, digital systems, audiences, procedures and computational thinking
- applying this when they investigate, communicate and create digital solutions
- learn to formulate problems, logically organise and analyse data and represent them in abstract forms
- they automate solutions through algorithmic logic
- Students decide the best combinations of data, procedures and human and physical resources to generate efficient and effective digital solutions
- They create digital solutions that consider economic, environmental and social factors. (ACARA, 2015)
I was even awarded a certificate to say that I had completed the 'Hour of Code'. (Students love awards!)
This activity would help students gain a knowledge of basic computer programming and would inform students that computers can do anything if the correct information is programmed in.
References:
Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (2015) Retrieved from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/technologies/general-capabilities
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