Written Sources of Research, Evaluation, Thought/Reflection relating to Computing
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Like most
of my fellow trainee teachers, until starting this PGCE course, I had not
taught a formal ICT/Computing lesson to a classroom of students. I had given
advice to a family member or friend from time to time on certain computer
programs, but in truth, I was (and possibly still am) not excellent with
computer technology. It has therefore been important for me to evaluate my own
knowledge and understanding of computing, and build upon what little skills I
had by conducting further independent research into the subject.
Below are links to a variety of websites which I have found useful when researching Computing in primary education. They have provided much food for thought, and one has reflected on each individual webpage’s relevance and suitability when planning Computing lessons of my own.
Below are links to a variety of websites which I have found useful when researching Computing in primary education. They have provided much food for thought, and one has reflected on each individual webpage’s relevance and suitability when planning Computing lessons of my own.
The
National Curriculum 2014
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-computing-programmes-of-study
The first source I consulted was the current National Curriculum (2014). We live in a privileged era where a vast wealth of information is available at our fingertips. However, with such a deep store of resources available, it has become increasingly important to be able to access it appropriately and efficiently. The National Curriculum (2014) states that pupils must be able to use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. This computerized version of the Computing section of the curriculum is separated into respective Key Stages, its purpose of study, aims, attainment targets and subject content are concise if a little vague which allows for some adoption and adaption of certain teaching techniques not discussed blatantly in the curriculum itself.
Primary Computing Review
http://primarycomputing.co.uk/a-computing-curriculum/ (Accessed on 21/02/15)
This article provides an interesting review of Primary Computing as outlined in the new National Curriculum. Its feedback from teachers and lesson outlines is particularly useful.
Computing in the National Curriculum: A Guide for Primary Teachers (2013).
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.computingatschool.org.uk%2Fdata%2Fuploads%2FCASPrimaryComputing.pdf&ei=P6LoVJSmH-KC7gbvaQ&usg=AFQjCNGqJe3t5I-XFlAQRNIsE3A6mf4xeA&bvm=bv.86475890,d.ZGU (Accessed on 08/02/15)
If possible, get a second-hand copy of this helpful guidebook for obvious yet crucial tips for the first-time Computing teacher.
The Guardian; Coding at school: a parent's guide to England's new computing curriculum (4 Sept 2014)
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/04/coding-school-computing-children-programming (Accessed on 10/10/14)
In my attempts to what was involved in what I considered a new topic of “Coding” I read a variety of online articles. It turned out that Coding was nothing new. It has always been taught in primary education, only it wasn’t taught under such a title. From articles like the one hyperlinked below, I learned that Coding is simple the skill of giving exact instructions, whether that be to another person when making something, or typing instructions on a computer, or even playing with a toy like the Bee-Bot.
BBC News report: A computing revolution in schools
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29010511 (Accessed on 12/10/14)
‘Shut Down or Restart?’ report:
http://royalsociety.org/education/policy/computing-in-schools/report (Accessed on 20/01/15)
This particular articles divides the subject discipline of teaching Computing at school-level into three distinct but interrelated sub-domains: (1) computer science (the rigorous academic discipline that covers algorithms, data structures, programming); (2) digital skills (the general ability to use computers confidently, effectively and safely); and (3) information technology (the design and application of digital systems to meet user needs for particular purposes). The subject title ‘computing’ is intended to embrace all three of these sub-domains.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-computing-programmes-of-study
The first source I consulted was the current National Curriculum (2014). We live in a privileged era where a vast wealth of information is available at our fingertips. However, with such a deep store of resources available, it has become increasingly important to be able to access it appropriately and efficiently. The National Curriculum (2014) states that pupils must be able to use search technologies effectively, appreciate how results are selected and ranked, and be discerning in evaluating digital content. This computerized version of the Computing section of the curriculum is separated into respective Key Stages, its purpose of study, aims, attainment targets and subject content are concise if a little vague which allows for some adoption and adaption of certain teaching techniques not discussed blatantly in the curriculum itself.
Primary Computing Review
http://primarycomputing.co.uk/a-computing-curriculum/ (Accessed on 21/02/15)
This article provides an interesting review of Primary Computing as outlined in the new National Curriculum. Its feedback from teachers and lesson outlines is particularly useful.
Computing in the National Curriculum: A Guide for Primary Teachers (2013).
http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0CCEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.computingatschool.org.uk%2Fdata%2Fuploads%2FCASPrimaryComputing.pdf&ei=P6LoVJSmH-KC7gbvaQ&usg=AFQjCNGqJe3t5I-XFlAQRNIsE3A6mf4xeA&bvm=bv.86475890,d.ZGU (Accessed on 08/02/15)
If possible, get a second-hand copy of this helpful guidebook for obvious yet crucial tips for the first-time Computing teacher.
The Guardian; Coding at school: a parent's guide to England's new computing curriculum (4 Sept 2014)
http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/04/coding-school-computing-children-programming (Accessed on 10/10/14)
In my attempts to what was involved in what I considered a new topic of “Coding” I read a variety of online articles. It turned out that Coding was nothing new. It has always been taught in primary education, only it wasn’t taught under such a title. From articles like the one hyperlinked below, I learned that Coding is simple the skill of giving exact instructions, whether that be to another person when making something, or typing instructions on a computer, or even playing with a toy like the Bee-Bot.
BBC News report: A computing revolution in schools
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-29010511 (Accessed on 12/10/14)
‘Shut Down or Restart?’ report:
http://royalsociety.org/education/policy/computing-in-schools/report (Accessed on 20/01/15)
This particular articles divides the subject discipline of teaching Computing at school-level into three distinct but interrelated sub-domains: (1) computer science (the rigorous academic discipline that covers algorithms, data structures, programming); (2) digital skills (the general ability to use computers confidently, effectively and safely); and (3) information technology (the design and application of digital systems to meet user needs for particular purposes). The subject title ‘computing’ is intended to embrace all three of these sub-domains.