DFI week 8

EMPOWERMENT

Listening to Dorothy today made me realize that I had not given a lot of time to consider how I empower my young students in their own learning, and what they bring into the class from home and community. 

What barriers do they have? I know that some of my students have limited access at home, and some have much access but little supervision. 

How do I empower students in the class to be confident and comfortable in using digital technology that grows their learning?  How much time do students need? Is the learning appropriate and does it challenge them?

Computational Thinking

Being able to provide for learning within the classroom that empowers students to be active participants and digitally fluent rather than just passive consumers of technology. The NZC now has additional digital components to be included in the classroom. 

So what does this look like in a Year 1 classroom?

Computational thinking would look like students being given time over a session, day, month, or year, to work together to problem-solve. In a year one class this could look like 'play' activities where a small group of students need to work together for a common goal. It would be across curriculum areas and not just in one. E.g. working to build a road machine that can move a pile of blocks. Thinking, discussion, planning, and problem-solving would occur when students try ideas, test them, assess and discuss changes, and then repeat. We are seeing conversation, debate, listening, thinking, leadership, management, and creation in action. 

Coding

This part of the day was lots of fun as it was creative and hands-on. I can see the potential for students to create their own mini, have fun with understanding code text, and being more confident and creative in their own skills.