Author: jpilpel

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Code Monkey- Coding for lower primary

‘Description of app’

CodeMonkey is an educational programme which provides opportunities for students to develop problems solving skills and multi-step thinking through the application of coding skills.

 

Code monkey

‘Different modes’

Throughout the program, students have access to ‘game based learning’ whereby they are programmed as a monkey. Their mission is to collect all of the bananas which have been stolen from the bad gorilla. As students progress, they will meet new characters who help them throughout the journey. They receive instant ‘stars score’ feedback once they have created solutions for game problems.

They can also engage in becoming ‘game builders’ whereby they produce their own games for others to explore, using
their own knowledge and understandings developed throughout their experiences. Through the application of production and design skills, students begin to think critically and creatively from a ‘gamer’s perspective’.

‘Application to classroom’

Students and teachers can benefit from this app and use it as a valuable tool for enhancing learning and assisting/assessing in teaching. The following table featured below, provides examples of educational benefits for both students and teachers.

 

 

 

benefits

Introduction video: Code Monkey

Check out the introduction video to code monkey by clicking on the URL. You will find the video at the bottom of the page. Write code, catch bananas, save the world…what else could you want???

 

http://www.playcodemonkey.com

 

‘Links to SCARSA’

Subject- Digital technologies

Strand-Processes & Production skills

Sub-strand- digital implmentation

Content descriptor:Use visually represented sequenced steps (algorithms), including steps with decisions made by the user (branching) (ACTDIP011)

Recommended years 1-3

Cross-curriculum priorities-Sustainabiliy

General capabilities- Literacy, Numeracy, Critical & Creative thinking, Information & communication techniques

Links to other learning areas: Maths & English

 

References

Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2014). The Australian Curriculum: (Science). Canberra: Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.australian curriculum.edu.au/Home

Access the link: http://www.playcodemonkey.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Code.org-computer science fundamentals

‘Description of website’

Code.org is an online website which provides access to courses which focus on computer science ‘fundamentals’, of all ages. The website was created in 2013 and is a non-profit organisation which dedicates its time to increasing opportunities for students and people around the world to engage with computer science in a meaningful and relevant way.

 

Introducing code studio for grades k-5

 

video

 

 

 

https://code.org/educate/curriculum/elementary-school

 

‘Different modes’

There are a range of free, online courses displayed on the website targeted for elementary to high school. ‘The hour of code‘ is an aesthetic feature on the website which enables to students to interact with and explore the following:

Learn to program droids

Create their own ‘Star Wars’ game

Explore a Minecraft world through coding

Engage with ‘Frozen’ characters using coding to discover the magic of ice!

‘The hour of code’ has been designed to appeal to the elementary age group and its aim is to encourage students to explore the world of coding through familiar and age appropriate themes. Throughout this learning process, students are developing coding skills through high order thinking, problem solving and discovery-based learning. These skills are preparing students to become critical and creative thinkers apply it to their everyday thinking.

‘Application to the classroom’

Each course provided, features the suggested age group and the type of skills which students will be developing throughout. The courses are flexible and therefore, teachers are able to modify them according to the students abilities and needs. The lessons align to the computer science standards however, they are American based and therefore, adjustments would need to be made to ensure their were clear links between content descriptors, learning outcomes and the West Australian Curriculum. The picture featured below, displays recommended courses for age groups and the type of skills which will be explored and developed.

 

courses

Technologies-CurriuclumLinks to SCARSA

Subject- Digital technologies

Strand-Processes & Production skills

Sub-strand- digital implementation

Content descriptor-Implement and use simple programming environments that include branching (decisions) and iteration (repetition) (ACTDIP020)

Recommended years-Elementary to High school

Cross-curriculum priorities-SustainabiliyGeneral capabilities- Literacy, Numeracy, Critical & Creative thinking, Information & communication techniques

Links to other learning areas: Maths, English, Science, Arts

 

References

Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authority [ACARA]. (2014). The Australian Curriculum: (Science). Canberra: Australia. Retrieved from: http://www.australian curriculum.edu.au/Home

Code.org. (2013). Retrieved from: https://code.org