Digital Resources and Software to support Digital Technologies curriculum
If you are an educator looking for simple ways to implement the new Digital Technologies Curriculum, try out some of the following resources and software. They can help anyone to grasp the basics of thinking and planning to make things happen and understand how to make things happen. They will help young people to start to understand the core principles of programing, computational thinking and problem solving, which is a big component of Digital Technologies. The great thing is that a lot of them are free and require no previous experience
Foundation – Level 2
Start teaching the Digital Technologies curriculum with problem solving and activities that involve role play and working through problems collaboratively. If they love Legos, they’ll love programming.
1. BotLogic (free, web) - great for young students. It is an educational puzzle game that challenges students to solve logic problems as well as valuable programming concepts. Students are able to select their age to start on the appropriate level. Select the correct instructions to help the robot to go home. 2. Daisy the Dinosaur (iPad, Free) - Intro to programming via iPad for beginners and a great app to start with when working with young kids. The basic controls and characters are easy to use for a young child. It features easy to drag and drop interface that kids of all ages can use to animate Daisy to dance across the screen. 3. Kodable (free, Web, Apple, Android) - great for youngers–learn to code before you can read. Kodable teachers kids to basics of any programming language in a fun game. It is self-guided and designed for children aged 5 and up. Students learn about strings, integers, and arrays. 4. Primo–a wooden game, for ages 4-7 5. Scratch Jr. (free, Apple and Android) - is aimed at young children (ages 5- 7) and allows them to program their own interactive stories and games. The interface is based on the MIT designed Scratch program, but easier for younger students. However it is a powerful tool for teaching kids to code while they create a story. Students have many choices through the block coding that allows them to choose images, characters, movement and scenes to tell a story. In the process they learn to solve problems, design project and express themselves creatively.
6. Lightbot (free, web/multiplatform) and Lightbot Junior ((paid $3.79, iOS)– Lightbot Junior is designed for ages 4-8 and is an easier verion of Lightbot. It is an iPad app and features a gentler learning curve and not too complex puzzles. Light bot is a web or apple/android app which can use used on multiple devices. Move through the levels learning more about programing language such as repeat to move the robot around the puzzle. See the website for teaching resources and explainations http://lightbot.com/resources.html 7. Bee Bot (iPad app, free) - This app help children to improve their skills in directional language and programming through sequences of forwards, backwards, left and right 90 degree turns. It
provides a good introduction before using the real bee bot floor robots. Save a screen shot of students work to keep a record. https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/bee-bot/id500131639?mt=8
11. The Foos (free, multiplatform including IOS, android, and web) - increasingly challenging drag and drop coding puzzles that introduce kids to the logic of programming using visual blocks of code. http://www.thefoos.com/hourofcode/
12. Code.org (web, free) –learn to code, for students of all ages. Find the most appropriate activity for your students depending on the age and ability. 13. Primo (paid, wooden board game) –a wooden game that invites children to explore programming in a developmentally appropriate experience that is challenging and exciting. For ages 4-7. Students can arrange the wooden blocks onto the wooden board and press a button to make Cubetto move. Teacher resources can be found at http://www.primotoys.com/education 14. Google Spreadsheets–decode and fill in color coded pictures (like the popular gingerbread house, penguinpicture, or shapes and pictures) 15. Robot Turtles (paid board game, approx. $24) – Robot Turtles is a board game which can support students learning about the basic principles of programming. Each player chooses a turtle and makes a maze on the board and play the instruction cards. If you get the jewel you win. http://www.robotturtles.com/ 16. Dot and Dash Robots (Paid, programmable robots) – these robots can be programmed using an ipad or android device. The robots can do anything a student can set their mind to. Complete with lesson plans for teachers https://teachers.makewonder.com/
Level 3 - 4
1. BotLogic– (free, web) - great for young students. It is an educational puzzle game that challenges students to solve logic problems as well as valuable programming concepts. Students are able to select their age to start on the appropriate level. Select the correct instructions to help the robot to go home. 2. Blockly (free, web) - it can also be downloaded in an offline version if schools have poor internet connection. Blockly Games is a series of educational games that teach programming. It is designed for children who have not had prior experience with computer programming. By the end of these games, players are ready to use conventional text-based languages. 3. Studio code org (free, web) – students can complete 20 hour courses. Different courses which are sequential and require more expertise. https://studio.code.org/ 4. Cargo-Bot – (free, Apple app) – a touch based coding tool. Solve problems with coding based instructions, the student needs to teach the robot (program it) how to move the crates. The app introduces students to key concepts such as loop repeat, etc. Program the game to solve the levels. See website for more information 5. Kodable (free, Web, Apple, Android)--great for youngers–learn to code before you can read. Kodable teachers kids to basics of any programming language in a fun game. It is self-guided and designed for children aged 5 and up. Students learn about strings, integers, and arrays.
4. Hopscotch (Free, Apple) –programming on the iPad. No typing, just drag and drop blocks to create your own games. Students are able to add their own artwork and share games so that their friends can play them too. Hopscotch is an intuitive friendly programming interface designed for everyone. Support resources including how to videos can be found here: https://www.gethopscotch.com/resources Download the free Hopscotch Challenges iTunes eBook here. 5. Build with Chrome–kind of like Minecraft, more like Google Earth Warehouse; use virtual Lego blocks to build in your browser 6. Minecraft Edu (paid license per student structure, Windows, Mac or Linux computer with Java installed) - is a school ready remix of the original game. Minecraft contains a set of powerful yet simple tools to customise the user experience for learning. Intuitive tile-based programming. Schools will need to purchase a license to use the software, based on the number of students using the program. 7. Move the Turtle (cost, $3.99, iOS app) –programming via iPad, students need to use computational thinking to solve the problems. 8. Scratch (free, on-line or offline editor) - Scratch was developed for young people develop their visual programming language made up of block code which they drag to the workspace to animate sprites. It is multi-platform and web based that makes it more accessible. Students can complete a range of projects including programming and sharing interactive stories, games, and animations. The Scratch website includes a range of quality resources and education community. http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/ Use the following FUSE package for resources to get started with your class. http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?XZTR8Q Or more advanced resources can be found here http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?SX92X5 9. Snap! (free, web) - Snap is a visual, drag-and-drop programming language. It is an extended reimplementation of Scratch that allows you to Build Your Own Blocks. Use this teacher resource https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor e%20TUTOR.pdf and student workbook https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor
e%20LEARNER.pdf to support students to use Snap (Itching for More) https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/1053_AnIntermediateCourseinComputingScience.html 10. GameStar Mechanic – web GameStar Mechanic teaches kids, ages 7-14, to design their own video games. Students complete different self-paced quests while learning to build game levels. The site integrates critical thinking and problem-solving tasks. An app embedded within Edmodo makes logins easy for students. 11. Tynker – (Free, Web or Apple App) with the option for Premium upgrade - Tynker was built to teach programming. The app features starter lesson plans, classroom management tools and online showcase of student created games and programs. Everything is self-paced and students are able to follow without assistance. Students can use the built in characters and graphics to create their own games. If using the iPad version students learn to program with puzzles and easily build their own games. 12. CS is Fun (free, web) – a resource bank of resources for students in age categories. Explore the different programming resources available. 13. Made with Code (free, web) - this website teachers students the basics of programming while completing a project. It supports students to start thinking about digital solutions and how they could create their own creative digital solutions to solve problems. The projects use drag and drop blocks to make something work. 14. Cargo-Bot (free, app iOS) this iPad app supports students to learn the basics of coding in a puzzle environment. Slightly more advance d students can create separate smaller programs which they can repeat in the main instructions, helping them to learn about loops and repeat. 15. My Robotic Friend (paid $4.99, app iOS) Students need to program the robot to move through mazes. It teaches them about maths concepts as well as the basics of programming, problem solving and logic/reasoning. 16. Pencil Code (free, web) – Pencil code is a programming site for drawing art, playing music and creating games. It has strong connections with maths including the areas of geometry, graphing and algorithms. Students can create using either block code to extend them they can swap to text coding using Coffeescript. Pre-load projects from the library or start from scratch. 17. Code Monkey Island (paid, approx. $35, board game) – code Monkey island helps student to learn basic programming syntax and logic. Any player is a wise leader of the tribe of monkeys and needs to safely guide their monkeys around the island and to the banana grove before the other players. They need to use their cards to do this, which use concepts such as conditional statements, looping, etc. 18. Lego Mindstorm (paid, lego, kit approximately $349, app and computer software) – build and program robots and machines using Lego Mindstorm kits. Designed for older and advanced coders. The EV3 brick comes with motors, sensors, remote controls, which are all powered by the the EV3 brick that connects to a computer. After creating the robot, students can use the drag and drop interface on either a PC or Mac computer to program it to do things. 19. Dot and Dash Robots (Paid, programmable robots) – these robots can be programmed using an ipad or android device. The robots can do anything a student can set their mind to. Complete with lesson plans for teachers https://teachers.makewonder.com/ 20. Sphero and Ollie (paid, robot) Sphero ball can be programmed to move in different directions. Studentscan set up mazes and challenge another student to program their robot to move around it. They can be controlled with iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Explore what this school did http://edgewaterecho.com/programming-robots-with-sphero/ or explore the education pages of the website http://www.sphero.com/education
Level 5 – 6
1. Kids Ruby (computer, free basic package) KidsRuby makes it fun and easy to learn how to program. KidsRuby is real code which students can see, run and view the outputs all at the same time. 2. Build with Chrome–kind of like Minecraft, more like Google Earth Warehouse; use virtual Lego blocks to build in your browser 3. Google Spreadsheets–code the spreadsheet with color that will reveal a secret picture
3. Tynker – (Free, Web or Apple App) with the option for Premium upgrade - Tynker was built to teach programming. The app features starter lesson plans, classroom management tools and online showcase of student created games and programs. Everything is self-paced and students are able to follow without assistance. Students can use the built in characters and graphics to create their own games. If using the iPad version students learn to program with puzzles and easily build their own games.
4. Lego Digital Designer (free, computer) – download the free Lego digital designer software to build your model. Explore the extended mode with unlimited colour options and an expansive brick library. 5. Minecraft Edu (paid license per student structure, Windows, Mac or Linux computer with Java installed) - is a school ready remix of the original game. Minecraft contains a set of powerful yet simple tools to customise the user experience for learning. Intuitive tile-based programming. Schools will need to purchase a license to use the software, based on the number of students using the program.
6. Scratch (free, on-line or offline editor) - Scratch was developed for young people develop their visual programming language made up of block code which they drag to the workspace to animate sprites. It is multi-platform and web based that makes it more accessible. Students can complete a range of projects including programming and sharing interactive stories, games, and animations. The Scratch website includes a range of quality resources and education community. http://scratched.gse.harvard.edu/ Use the following FUSE package for resources to get started with your class. http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?XZTR8Q Or more advanced resources can be found here http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?SX92X5 Lastly download the student and teacher course material ‘Starting with Scratch’ https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/1050_AnIntroductiontoComputingScience.html Find the facilitator’s guide here and the self-guided tutorial here.
7. Snap! (free, web) - Snap is a visual, drag-and-drop programming language. It is an extended reimplementation of Scratch that allows you to Build Your Own Blocks. Use this teacher resource https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor e%20TUTOR.pdf and student workbook https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor e%20LEARNER.pdf to support students to use Snap (Itching for More) https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/1053_AnIntermediateCourseinComputingScience.html 8. Tinkercad–3D modeling–fee–perfect for 3D printing 9. Windows Property menu–create a shortkey for any Windows tool through properties. Here’s a how-to for one example 10. Wolfram Alpha widgets (paid, software) – design and create widgets to use in the program.
11. GameStar Mechanic (first game design quest free, additional cost for further access, computer web based) - GameStar Mechanic teaches kids, ages 7-14, to design their own video games. Students complete different self-paced quests while learning to build game levels. The site integrates critical thinking and problem-solving tasks. An app embedded within Edmodo makes logins easy for students. 12. Stencyl (Free starter version, computer software) – Do you have advanced students that have mastered the basics of drag and drop coding apps and are ready for the next level? Stencyl uses the same drag and drop format but provides and open system where students can bulid their own games and publish them to the web (flash), to Android (Google Play Store), or to IOS (Apple Store). These is an educators version if you are interested in offering game design as a club. 13. Computer Science in Algebra (free, web): Code.org has teamed up with Bootstrap to develop a curriculum that teachers algebraic and geometric concepts through computer programming. The twenty lessons focus on concepts like order of operations, the Cartesian plane, function composition and definition, and solving word problems, within the context of video game design. Full lesson plans for teachers to follow https://code.org/curriculum/algebra , student workbook https://code.org/curriculum/algebra and self-paces online course for students to complete https://studio.code.org/s/algebra . Students will need to login to complete the course, however teachers could create generic student logins to protect student identity. Extension: Students use Scratch to design their game with their understanding of coordinates and programming. 14. CS is Fun (free, web) - a resource bank of resources for students in age categories. Explore the different programming resources available. 15. CS Unplugged (free, curriculum content) – explore the CS Unplugged website for lesson ideas and resources to teach the Digital Technologies curriculum. 16. Made with Code (free, web)– this website teachers students the basics of programming while completing a project. It supports students to start thinking about digital solutions and how they could create their own creative digital solutions to solve problems. The projects use drag and drop blocks to make something work. 17. Code Monkey (free basic game, web) – Code Monkey is an online game that teachers students how to program using a real text language, called CoffeeScript. In the game users control a monkey and help him catch bananas but writing lines of code. It starts off simple and progresses, teaching students new skills such as turning but specific angles and using a ruler to measure distances. Play up to level 30 for free, after which you will need to purchase a subscription. Teachers can set up a class. 18. Pencil Code (free, web) – Pencil code is a programming site for drawing art, playing music and creating games. It has strong connections with maths including the areas of geometry, graphing and algorithms. Students can create using either block code to extend them they can swap to text coding using Coffeescript. Pre-load projects from the library or start from scratch. 19. GameStar Mechanic (first game design quest free, additional cost for further access, computer web based) - GameStar Mechanic teaches kids, ages 7-14, to design their own video games. Students complete different self-paced quests while learning to build game levels. The site integrates critical thinking and problem-solving tasks. An app embedded within Edmodo makes logins easy for students. 20. Hakitzu (free, iOS, Android apps)–learning through games. Giant robots and JavaScript are your weapons of choice as you program your way to victory in this strategic combat game. No previous coding knowledge is required to crack the code as the game guides you from a beginner, to coder, to hacker. 21. Looking Glass (free, computer software, Windows, Mac and Linux) -animated story–offshoot of Alice, a programming environment for ages 10 and above. Create and share animated stories, simple games and even virtual pets. Watch the tutorial videos for support https://lookingglass.wustl.edu/help/faq
22. Lego Mindstorm (paid, lego, kit approximately $349, app and computer software) – build and program robots and machines using Lego Mindstorm kits. Designed for older and advanced coders. The EV3 brick comes with motors, sensors, remote controls, which are all powered by the the EV3 brick that connects to a computer. After creating the robot, students can use the drag and drop interface on either a PC or Mac computer to program it to do things. 23. Dot and Dash Robots (Paid, programmable robots) – these robots can be programmed using an ipad or android device. The robots can do anything a student can set their mind to. Complete with lesson plans for teachers https://teachers.makewonder.com/ 24. Sphero and Ollie (paid, robot) Sphero ball can be programmed to move in different directions. Studentscan set up mazes and challenge another student to program their robot to move around it. They can be controlled with iOS or Android smartphone or tablet. Explore what this school did http://edgewaterecho.com/programming-robots-with-sphero/ or explore the education pages of the website http://www.sphero.com/education 25.
Level 7 - 8
7. Code Combat (free, web) – the game like platform with the premise that they are stuck in a dungeon surrounded by enemies or racing across a battlefield to conquer a foe. This application puts players in control of their character through programming, using texted based Java script. A monthly subscription provides access to video tutorials and extra practice levels, otherwise the program is free. Teachers can monitor their class by creating a clan for their class and inviting students to learn. 8. Grok Learning (free introduction to Programming, paid subscriptions, web) - Introductory courses using the programming language Python for people with no programming experience. Home of the National Secondary Schools Computer Challenge. Anonymous accounts disappear after 24 hours, students will need to sign in to save their program. 9. Alice (free, web) – 3D programming environment which enables students to create an animation for telling a story, playing and interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice teaches visually and is more entertainment oriented. It can provide students first exposure to object –oriented programming. Find teaching support materials on the website including step by step of how to get started. Free download of the software. 10. Auto Hotkey–free–simple shortkey programming for students; requires download 11. Build with Chrome–kind of like Minecraft, more like Google Earth Warehouse; use virtual Lego blocks to build in your browser 12. Code Avengers (free for teachers, students get level 1 courses free, web) online courses to teach students how to code their own apps, games and websites, using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Teachers can easily identify students that need support due to live updates of each student’s progress. https://www.codeavengers.com/
13. Crunchzilla (free, web) This online platform supports students to learn about text programming. Different options for different abilities. Code Monster is an easier version of Code Maven that offers a simple interactive tutorial and develops an understand of text programing language. http://www.crunchzilla.com/
14. GameStar Mechanic (first game design quest free, additional cost for further access, computer web based) - GameStar Mechanic teaches kids, ages 7-14, to design their own video games. Students complete different self-paced quests while learning to build game levels. The site integrates critical thinking and problem-solving tasks. An app embedded within Edmodo makes logins easy for students. Use the teachers guide to support https://gamestarmechanic.com/teachers/what_is_gamestar or download the getting started Teacher Pack https://d1uoa9d4t4btfa.cloudfront.net/1.40/pdfs/gamestar-getting-started- pack.pdf and direct students to the learning guide https://sites.google.com/a/elinemedia.com/gsmlearningguide/home 15. Hakitzu (free, iOS, Android apps)–learning through games. Giant robots and JavaScript are your weapons of choice as you program your way to victory in this strategic combat game. No previous coding knowledge is required to crack the code as the game guides you from a beginner, to coder, to hacker. 16. Looking Glass (free, computer software, Windows, Mac and Linux) - animated story–offshoot of Alice, a programming environment for ages 10 and above. Create and share animated stories, simple games and even virtual pets. Watch the tutorial videos for support https://lookingglass.wustl.edu/help/faq 17. Notepad (free, windows computer)–use these simple instructions to support students to create coding using the Windows Notepad 18. Python (free, computer software Windows, Mac and other) - Python is a programming language which can be used for first time or experienced programmers. There are lots of educational books to support you and your class to get started or use the helpful getting started guides on the website. https://www.python.org/about/ Explore the FUSE package with resources for teachers to use Python http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?RW2HY8 PythonMonk–free lessons for beginners on Python 19. Ruby (Free, Computer software, Windows, Mac, Linux) – Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language. Explore the many documents and tutorials designed to support teachers and students to learn Ruby https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/documentation/ and https://rubymonk.com/. Alternatively participate in the 9 hour CodeAcademy Ruby online course found here https://www.codecademy.com/tracks/ruby 20. Robotics–using NXT and Lego Mindstorm
18. Snap! (free, web) - Snap is a visual, drag-and-drop programming language. It is an extended reimplementation of Scratch that allows you to Build Your Own Blocks. Use this teacher resource https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor e%20TUTOR.pdf and student workbook https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/cms/files/education/computing_materials/Itching%20for%20Mor e%20LEARNER.pdf to support students to use Snap (Itching for More) https://www.royalsoced.org.uk/1053_AnIntermediateCourseinComputingScience.html
19. Tinkercad–3D modeling–fee–perfect for 3D printing 20. Windows Property menu–create a shortkey for any Windows tool through properties. Here’s a how-to. 21. Wolfram Alpha widgets (paid, software) – design and create widgets to use in the program.
14. Code Academy (free, web, login required) An education platform to support students to learn programing and creating digital solutions. It is a good first step for those looking to begin more
complex programing. Code Academy supports walks students through the steps of building a website, creating a website project or interactive or learning programming languages such as HTML and Python. Achievable goals such as animating your name or creating a basic website about you. https://www.codecademy.com/ ‘ 15. Touch Develop (free, web) – Touch Develop is an app creator created by Microsoft. The apps created will work on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac or Linux. Start with a tutorial at beginner level or get started with creating scrip. Download the Creative Coding through games and apps course, an introductory computer programming course for early secondary grades. https://cp-mlxprod- static.microsoft.com/010162-1002/en- us/downloads/creative%20coding%20through%20games%20and%20apps_about%20the%20cour se.pdf Get started now https://www.touchdevelop.com/ 16. App Inventor (free, web) an online app developer created by MIT university. The platform is designed to support students with creating their own android apps. Teacher resources http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/teach.html including concept cards, familiarizing students with the basic concepts and a 6 week online course. Explore the extensive list of teacher resources http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/resources.html 17. Crunchzilla (free, web) - this online platform supports students to learn about text programming. Different options for different abilities. Code Monster is an easier version of Code Maven that offers a simple interactive tutorial and develops an understanding of text programing language. http://www.crunchzilla.com/ 18. Computer Science in School – Code.org has teamed up with Project GUTS (Growing Up Thinking Scientifically) to deliver middle school science program consisting of 4 modules for the introduction of computer science and science. https://code.org/curriculum/science The modules of work at planned out in detail and could be mapped to the Victorian Curriculum. The units of work use online software called StarLogo NOVA http://www.slnova.org/ Teachers could create generic student logins i.e. student one, student two, or inform parents that they will be signing up. Online Teacher course - https://guts-cs4hs.appspot.com/unit?unit=10&lesson=11 19. The Institution of Engineering and Technology – This website provides many STEM based teaching and learning resources. For example Filer Communications and the age group that you are working with to find resources and challenges of how to teach students about networks and communication systems. 20. Computer Science in Algebra: Code.org has teamed up with Bootstrap to develop a curriculum that teachers algebraic and geometric concepts through computer programming. The twenty lessons focus on concepts like order of operations, the Cartesian plane, function composition and definition, and solving word problems, within the context of video game design. Full lesson plans for teachers to follow https://code.org/curriculum/algebra , student workbook https://code.org/curriculum/algebra and self-paces online course for students to complete https://studio.code.org/s/algebra . Students will need to login to complete the course, however teachers could create generic student logins to protect student identity. Extension: Students use Scratch to design their game with their understanding of coordinates and programming. 21. Bootstrap (free, web) – computing creatively and connecting mathematics. With the aim of exciting students about gaming while directly applying algebra to create something. Two main programs of learning with clear curriculum links and lesson plans for teachers. Aimed at students aged 12-16. http://www.bootstrapworld.org/index.shtml 22. Mozilla Thimble (web, free) – students will need to create personal login to use this website. Mozilla Thimble enables students to remix webpage projects and complete their own. Students experience learning to write their own webpages with side-by-side windows that instantly show the effects of their changes in coding. Authentic programming experience using text code.
23. CS Field Guide (Free, web) – this open sourced online textbook resource has been developed by Tim Bell from The University of Canterbury, NZ. It is currently mapped to the New Zealand Computer Science curriculum There are two versions of the online textbook, the student version http://www.csfieldguide.org.nz/index.html and the teacher version https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/csfg-teachers Teachers need to access the Google groups group to stay up to date with the additions and revisions and to access the most up to date link to the teacher version. Useful sections such as ‘network protocols’, ‘data representation’, and ‘algorithms’.
Level 9 - 10
1. Mozilla Thimble (web, free) – students will need to create personal login to use this website. Mozilla Thimble enables students to remix webpage projects and complete their own. Students experience learning to write their own webpages with side-by-side windows that instantly show the effects of their changes in coding. Authentic programming experience using text code. 2. Python (free, computer software Windows, Mac and other) - Python is a programming language which can be used for first time or experienced programmers. There are lots of educational books to support you and your class to get started or use the helpful getting started guides on the website. https://www.python.org/about/ Explore the FUSE package with resources for teachers to use Python http://fuse.education.vic.gov.au/?RW2HY8 3. Ruby (Free, Computer software, Windows, Mac, Linux) – Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language. Explore the many documents and tutorials designed to support teachers and students to learn Ruby https://www.ruby-lang.org/en/documentation/ and https://rubymonk.com/. Alternatively participate in the 9 hour CodeAcademy Ruby online course found here https://www.codecademy.com/tracks/ruby 4. Rasberri-pi – credit card sized programming board to help students to learn how to program a computer. Plug in a mouse and a monitor and learn how to program it. Cross curriculum links. Students can take advantage of the size, cost and portability, ie my a robot. 5. Intel Galileo - A teachers Guide to the Intel Galileo http://www.macict.edu.au/wp- content/uploads/A-Teachers-Guide-to-the-Intel-Galileo-Final.pdf 6. The Institution of Engineering and Technology – This website provides many STEM based teaching and learning resources. For example Filer Communications and the age group that you are working with to find resources and challenges of how to teach students about networks and communication systems. 7. Touch Develop (free, web) – Touch Develop is an app creator created by Microsoft. The apps created will work on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac or Linux. Start with a tutorial at beginner level or get started with creating scrip. Download the Creative Coding through games and apps course, an introductory computer programming course for early secondary grades. https://cp-mlxprod- static.microsoft.com/010162-1002/en- us/downloads/creative%20coding%20through%20games%20and%20apps_about%20the%20cour se.pdf Get started now https://www.touchdevelop.com/ 8. App Inventor (free, web) an online app developer created by MIT university. The platform is designed to support students with creating their own android apps. Teacher resources http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/teach.html including concept cards, familiarizing students with the basic concepts and a 6 week online course. Explore the extensive list of teacher resources http://appinventor.mit.edu/explore/resources.html 9. Make School (free beginner course, web) Learn how to create your own apps ready to sell.
10. GameMaker (basic package free, web) GameMaker offeres a game maker studio for novice and professional game developers, allowing them to create cross-platform games. (The older version on the DET EduStar image can be found here: https://www.yoyogames.com/legacy) Use the learn section for support http://help.yoyogames.com/categories/20139196-Learn 11. Code Avengers (free for teachers, students get level 1 courses free, web) online courses to teach students how to code their own apps, games and websites, using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Teachers can easily identify students that need support due to live updates of each student’s progress. https://www.codeavengers.com/ 12. Bootstrap (free, web) – computing creatively and connecting mathematics. With the aim of exciting students about gaming while directly applying algebra to create something. Two main programs of learning with clear curriculum links and lesson plans for teachers. Aimed at students aged 12-16. http://www.bootstrapworld.org/index.shtml 13. Khan Academy Computer Science 14. Alice (free, web) – 3D programming environment which enables students to create an animation for telling a story, playing and interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice teaches visually and is more entertainment oriented. It can provide students first exposure to object – oriented programming. Find teaching support materials on the website including step by step of how to get started. Free download of the software. 15. Greenfoot (free, web) Object-Oriented programming in Java, with games and simulations. Uses visual tools coupled with programming, making learning to program easier. Runs on PC, Mac & Linux. Real programming, learning and teach Java and share with user communities. 16. CodingBat (free, web) – live coding problems to build coding skill in Java and Python, created by Nick Parlante at Stanford. The coding problems give instant feedback giving students an opportunity to practice and build understanding of the concepts. Intermediate level. 17. CS Field Guide (Free, web) – this open sourced online textbook resource has been developed by Tim Bell from The University of Canterbury, NZ. It is currently mapped to the New Zealand Computer Science curriculum There are two versions of the online textbook, the student version http://www.csfieldguide.org.nz/index.html and the teacher version https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/csfg-teachers Teachers need to access the Google groups group to stay up to date with the additions and revisions and to access the most up to date link to the teacher version. Useful sections such as ‘network protocols’, ‘data representation’, and ‘algorithms’. 18.
Here are general ideas. See what fits best for your grade levels:
1. Activate!—create games 2. American Computer Science League–competitions for junior and senior high 3. Chrome Experiments–geeky experimentation with programming 4. Google Computer Science for High School–free workshops (with application) for K-12 teachers 5. I like programming video 6. Kodu—game programming 7. Learn to code
8. Robby Leonardi–programmer–a game played about programming in the style of Mario
More ideas? Check Cybraryman’s Programming Page and see what Kent ISD is doing that week.
Multi-level
1. Code K-8 Intro to Computer Science Course (15-25 hours) – this course is designed to introduce core computer science and programming concepts. The course is designed for use in classrooms for grades K- 8, but it is fun to learn at all ages. 2. Code.org (free, web based) – students aged 4-18 can learn to code with fun activities. Students can complete the entire 20 hour leveled courses or do shorter activiites. 3. The Foos App (free, Android devices) students learning to code can use this game like environment to learn the basics of programing. Help the characters through adventures and problems by codes. There are 40 levels to solve and each character has a unique story to keep the fun going. 4. Pixel Press Floors (free, in-app purchases, Apple ipad) – simply create a drawing and create a game from it. Alternatively create your game straight into the app. Download the lesson plans from the website. PixelPress integrates the physical world with the digital world. This iPad app allows you to use paper and pencil to draw your own video game. First sketch your game using PixelPress’s “glyph” system which uses symbols to create the different elements of your game. Next, capture your drawing, by snapping a photo, from within the app, or simply use the “Draw-In_App” tool. Once your game is digitised, you can get creative, by changing the colour scheme, and adding backgrounds, characters, and audio. Finally, you get to play, test, tweak, and share, (or not).
Books
Children’s and reference books:
Cordell, M, 2012, Hello, Hello, Hyperion Books, New York. Collins S, Lester M, 2007, When Charlie McButton Lost Power, Penguin, New York. Smith L, 2012, It’s a book by Lane Smith, Macmillan Children’s Books, London. Schwartz David M, 1998, G is for Googol: A Math Alphabet, Tricyle Press. The Lead Project, 2013, Super Scratch Programming: Adventure! Covers version 2: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games, No Starch Press, California. McManus, 2013, Scratch Programming in Easy Steps: covers versions 2.0 and 1.4, In Easy Steps Limited, Southam. Briggs Jason R, 2013, Python For Kids: A playful Intro, No Starch Press, California. Philbin Carrie Anne, 2015, Adventures in Raspberry Pi, John Wiley and Sons Inc., New York. Warner T, 2014, Sams Teach Yourself Scratch 2.0 in 24 hours, Pearson Education, USA Buechley L, 2013, Sew Electric, HLT Press, Wilkinson K, 2014, The Art of Tinkering, Weldon Owen
Primary Themes Past and present Fairy-tales Animals and Insects The Weather Human Bodies Robots Space Technology and My World Computers and the Brian
Secondary Themes
Traffic Patterns
Interesting Articles / Useful websites 7 Apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills
Why you should be pumped for Education in 2015
CAS (Computing at School) Website UK
Mr Colley.com ICT and Computing Resources
Simon Haughton’s Website
Computing Theory for 7-11 Year Olds PDF By Simon Haughton
Article from the Guardian – why we should teach coding
Benefits of Coding for the Whole Learner
Why coding should be a mandatory class in junior high
Coding is the Key – Article in the Australian
Why coding is important ted talk – Kibo robots
The Conversation: The robots are coming for your job! Why digital literacy is so important for the jobs of the future.
Advanced Manufacturing Report: Most Manufacturers to Soon Implement Technologies Like 3D Printing & Robotics
Back to School with Making in the Classroom – should I start now or wait
10 Reasons to Teach Coding May 25 2015
Cool Tools to Help Kids Learn to Code July15
15+ Great Resources for Introducing Coding to the classroom
Elementary Students can CODE
Where’s the Elephant by Seymour Papert
The first great works of digital literature are already being written – the Guardian 13 Oct 15
Useful Videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia55clAtdMs - Simon Peyton Jones TEDx (UK curriculum) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSpYO3rHvKs Demystifying DigTech Roger Hawkings Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NwXjGMpWprI&index=1&list=FLkVvzEEVMHNgOy579v97rdA National Curriculum: Interview with Mark Dorling, co creator of CAS. Implementing the curriculum in the UK https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMUkJ3qLoVw An Introduction: Digital Technologies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1K2jdjLhbo - Rubrik's Cube: A question, waiting to be answered https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1NcfOlaKBk Terminology for Digital Technologies CSER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-oAyXibnJU Why Digital Technologies CSER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU1xS07N-FA&sns=fb Code Stars - short film https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKIu9yen5nc What most schools don't teach
Research Links:
Computational thinking, Jeannette M. Wing http://exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Wing06.pdf
Scratch Programming for all http://exploringcs.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Scratch_programming-for- all.pdf
Scratch Programming Concepts by MIT Media Lab