Computer Programming
Workshop #5 - Tuesday 27th November
After experiencing a week off from university for 'directed task week', we returned to ICT this Tuesday to explore computer programming, modelling and various other aspects related to computer programmes.
Firstly, we investigated 'computer modelling', which relates to the idea of simulation, such as architecture and computer games.
The first programme we explored was called: My Modelling Tool Kit (1). This programme can be used to create various different identities and items, such as a cake, creature, character or teddy bear. The Modelling Tool Kit allowed you to change the shape of each item, the colour, decorate it, and add other features, for example, if you were making a cake, you could add candles to the cake. It was a very simple and easy programme to use and navigate.
The second programme we looked at was called: Tizzy's First Tool. This programme was very straightward and included features such as write, paint, publish, move, chart, decide and present.
The third programme was an online website called: Purple Mash (http://www.purplemash.com). This programme is an award-winning resource from 2Simple Software. It included creative tools such as 2Paint, 2Publish, 2Design and Make, 2DIY 3D and 2Count, etc. The website allowed you to choose a specific theme, such as aliens, dinosaurs, the environment, etc. It also included maths games, such as ones involving number bonds ('bond bubbles'), games practicing your dividing skills ('divivers'), as well as many others to do with sequencing and patterns. The website also enabled you to design and create your own games, such as maze games.
One of the best features of the Purple Mash website was a feature called 'Simple City'. This allowed you to visit different places to explore such as cafes, garden centres, farms and the doctors. These different settings all included scenarios. For example, one involved directing a child who was locked out of a house. We were allowed to control the child's actions to help them. Other features involved creating posters. I designed one promoting anti-bullying.
Finally, we explored 'progression in programming', which concerned the process of creating and making games. Here, we focused on Papert's Philosophy of learning through technology. This is further explained below:
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We then explored MSW Logo Screen, which was a bit harder to navigate as it involved giving commands and directions to the computer, in order to apply.
Located below is a screen shot of an example of some regular quadrilaterals I drew using MSW Logo. You have to provide commands in order to draw lines. The codes are as follows:
- FD = Forward
- BK = Back
- RT = Right
- LT = Left
- PU = Pen Up
- PD = Pen Down
- PE = Pen Erase
- CT = Clear Text
Then, you provide a specific amount after the command to direct the amount of degrees you wish to turn. For example, RT 90 = Right Turn 90 degrees.
I believe that this is a very good tool to use in the classroom as it develops the following skills:
- Spatial awareness
- Angles
- Directions
- Drawing Shapes
- Knowledge of Polygons
Therefore, this programme can be incorporated for a number of cross-curricula links: it can develop children's ICT skills, mathematical skills as well as transferable skills, including the ability to think logically and to reason.
The final programme we looked at was the Scratch document. This allowed you to instruct a character to execute a number of actions, such as to move, turn or glide. In addition, you can get the character to communicate through making sounds or using speech bubbles. Sound effects include animal sounds, music loops, instrumentals and vocals. Moreover, you can also add a scenic background and add different characters and import them from a selection of categories, including animals, fantasy, letters and people.
Below: Screenshot of Scratch document and MSW Logo Screen
Very informative. How might some of these ICT applications need to be adapted for SEND children?
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