Author: rsule

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Sphero SPRKS

Sphero SPRK

sphero

The Sphero SPRK robot is a fun, interactive robot that students can use in Digital Technology.

Description:

The Sphero SPRK is a white, small hand-sized ball which students can program easily. The see through shell of the Sphero SPRK allows students to see exactly how the Sphero SPRK works inside. The Sphero SPRK can connect with the student’s computer and Smartphone through the Sphero SPRK App. The Sphero SPRK is a great learning tool for teachers to introduce STEM into their Teaching. Students can make the Sphero SPRK change colours, run circuits, keep the beat with a song and many more fun adventurous things.

Subject: Digital Technology

Strand: Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Year Level- Foundation to 10

General Capabilities:

  • Numeracy
  • English
  • Information and communication technology capability
  • Critical and creative thinking

Activities Ideas:

  • Science- Sphero SPRK circuits the orbit of the moon.
  • Mathematics- Moving the Sphero SPRK to add or subtract on a number line.
  • The Arts- Changing the colours the Sphero SPRK to design a coloured art piece.

Links to Sphero SPRK:

http://www.sphero.com/education

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Plickers

PlickersPlickers 1

Plickers is a fantastic online tool which can be used in the classroom to check for your students understanding, gain an insight into what students already know and can be used as an assessment tool.

Subject– Digital Technology

Strand– Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

General Capabilities:

  • Numeracy
  • English
  • Information and communication technology capability
  • Critical and creative thinking

Year Level– Foundation- Year 10

What is Plickers you may ask?

Well, Plickers can use a teachers Ipad, computer or Smartphone in conjunction with a series of QR codes. Students are given their own QR code on a piece of card. Teachers may laminate the card for durability. Each code is specifically signed with a student’s name. Each code can be turned in four orientations which each orientation provides a different answer. On the diagram below you can see A, B, C and D on the Plickers.
Plicker card

When the teacher is ready to collect specific assessment data, the teacher on their Plickers account can assign specific questions to the class. The questions then appears on the Interactive White Board in front of them. If an Interactive White Board isn’t available in the classroom, the teacher can read the questions off their computer. See Diagram below.

plickers question

Once the question appears, students then turn their QR codes to the correct answer. The teacher then scans each Plickers and it will highlight in green the students whose Plickers have been successfully scanned. See diagram below.
plickers scanned

The teacher can then show students the correct answer and the Plickers do not reveal to the students who got the answer incorrect or correct. This allows students to not feel pressured or embarrassed if they do not get the right answer.

Later on, the teacher can check their Plickers account and place the student’s answers into an assessment spread, where the teacher can use the assessment information to inform teaching or plan for teacher.

Plickers is a great tool to use in the class for many reasons:

  1. Check for understanding of a topic
  2. Another assessment
  3. Fun, interactive technology way to engage students with their learning

 

Link to Plickers: https://plickers.com/

  • Download the app on your computer and camera device
  • Print Plickers onto cards
  • Set your class up
  • Assign questions
  • Off you go to a great new learning experience