This week I had the opportunity to hear from Educational Technologist, Matteo Di Muro of the Brandon School Division who discussed the importance of computation skills for students. Computational Thinking is a problem-solving process that includes formulating problems in a way that enables us to use a computer and other tools to help solve them. Computational Thinking is a skill that requires the logical organization and analysis of data. Honestly, I did not have a lot of experience with the concept, nor did I have the foggiest idea of how to integrate it into my lessons as a teacher. I remember in my undergrad when I took a Historiography class, we discussed the importance of 'Computational Historical Thinking' when going back and forth between different scales of historical analysis... but, even then I just winged it. Thankfully, Matteo explained it in simpler language for me:
"Computational Thinking is the mental process of breaking down a task into smaller parts."
"Algorithmic Thinking."
Matteo explained that Computational Skills are difficult for teachers to generate lessons and subsequently assess student's progress, but that there are lots of free/cheap options to gamify the process of coding:
- For elementary grade students, teachers (and parents!) can utilize Scratch! "Your students can use Scratch to code their own interactive stories, animations, and games. In the process, they learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively - essential skills for everyone in today’s society. Educators are integrating Scratch across many different subject areas and age groups." The best part? ♡Scratch is 100% FREE♡ & that's music to my ears rn.
- For early to middle year students, teachers and parents can utilize Bearfoot Computing. Here teachers have unlimited access to curriculum material to foster Computational Thinking in the classroom, including group activities for remote learners! Super important.
- For middle and senior year students, here's the curveball: Minecraft. Or more specifically, Minecraft: Education Edition. "Minecraft: Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that builds STEM skills, unleashes creativity, and engages students in collaboration and problem-solving. Minecraft helps educators meet students where they are and inspires deep, meaningful learning across subjects." At this point in the presentation, I had to check to make sure I wasn't dreaming. You had me at "Minecraft". Shut up and take my money!
I personally am not a gamer whatsoever, but I'm trying to figure out all this Minecraft / Fortnight / Among Us stuff because, exactly how you said, KIDS ARE INTO IT! If you can use activities to use in your classroom that kids are already doing in their spare time, you've got a win-win situation. There's more to eSports than meets the eye. I once considered these video games as a "waste of time", but I can see the underlying benefits that connect with computational thinking.
ReplyDeleteI might need to hit you up for help in this eSports quest, Lady c!
I would absolutely love that! Better yet come play Overwatch ;)
DeleteI looooove a good game and I always wonder how I can integrate them into lessons. I was thinking Cities Skylines could be used for community units in social studies? Hearts of Iron could be used for world war 2 social studies? I don't know!! I really liked the scratch tutorial as well. I've used that kind of program before. It's super useful!
ReplyDeletehonestly, for history I think Assassin's Creed is a good place to start. I'm currently playing Valhalla! Brb traveling to Norway, 876 AD <3
DeleteI really love the idea of using Minecraft in my classroom! The meme you put up about doing homework it's 100% on point! If that is how I do homework I can't expect my students to do it differently so I think bringing things they like such as Minecraft will motive them to do it and will have lots of fun doing it!
ReplyDeleteYou fricken got this! I saw a YouTube Video about Among Us and Physical Education for Remote Learning. I think it's interesting how creative teachers are getting with integrating popular games and education. love it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFW4E6WqYcQ
Deletehey Cass!
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing. I enjoyed reading your blog and I can relate to the things that you share. your last comment on how we as educators should get more involved with e-sports is so true. I agree with you when you say that our future students are engaging in e-sports and we need to understand it. so I agree with you on that. great post! love the memes!
Aw, I appreciate you! Thanks so much, and yes! The more we can engage the better. <3
Delete