Workshop 4 - Digital Media: Control and Monitoring

This week we discussed the role of digital media and how computers control so much happening around us.Having permeated our every day life, there is now a whole range of ICT equipment to support teaching in schools!

We looked at how computers do not make mistakes - any problems being the fault of the programmer and not the actual computer itself. This linked to the fact that to make things work , there must be a procedure. This is a set of instructions or rules that a central processing unit  (CPU) can store. We were then introduced to various programmable toys including Beebots, Pixies and Pippins!!




The Beebot is used in KS1 to teach spatial awareness and can be used to investigate distance, angles and directional activities. Each move is entered using the direction arrows and tasked include following a maze, hunting for treasure or spelling out words using a floor sized alphabet.
 Great fun!

At KS1 the National Curriculum states that pupils need to "give direct signals or commands that produce a variety of outcomes" which reflects an awareness that control is part of every day life.

We also had some experience with data loggers and digital microscopes that can enhance lessons across the curriculum. When a digital microscope is attached to an IWB, the whole class can see whats happening.

As with all resources, computer based or not, the real potential is only met when the equipment is used correctly, which requires a knowledgeable and confident teacher!