As a teacher I have developed some innovative pathways to introduce students to the three digital revolutions: computation, communication, fabrication.
1) Turtle art, including the Turtle Art tile project
Turtle art is software which produces beautiful patterns with a simplified coding interface.
2) Scratch multimedia story telling
Scratch multimedia coding is for telling stories in an interesting and entertaining way. I have developed several iterations of an 18 lesson course I have taught to Year 7s. Any story can be told.
3) Fabulous Fabrication
Students cycle through the learning of some basics, design, making, collaboration, reflection, debugging and presentation using these materials: microbits, neopixel strips, servos, cardboard, building materials and tools, 3D printers. When I trialled this approach recently with year 8s the sort of things they decided to build with moving parts were a complete exo skeleton, a submarine made from geodesic domes, a sword and scythe weapon set, a mini computer, a dancing cactus and a couple of others.
4) AI pathways
This is the latest big thing. I have found and developed a variety of resources suitable for secondary students. Dale Lane, an IBM developer, has integrated Machine Learning with a Scratch User Interface. Ken Kahn has developed materials using Large Language Models to make web apps, games and more. This can also serve as an introduction to web site design with HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Google’s Teachable Machine is another resource accessible to school students.
5) Chess
I have worked as a chess coach. Chess can promote a variety of sought after skills such as complex decision making, logical, rational thinking, time management, mental toughness, resilience, will power, determination and persistence.
6) Drones
I am familiar with the Tello drone and have also built a drone (the Air:bit) from a kit which uses microbits developed by WonderKit Technology, a company in Norway. There are a variety of options here in a rapidly developing field.
7) Python coding
PyGame as an engaging way for students to learn python. Python can also offer a pathway to data science through Jupyter, numpy, pandas and matplotlib.
8) Website design with HTML, CSS and JavaScript
9) App Inventor provides block code (easier to learn) for making apps for any phone
