Numeracy; ICT; Critical and creative thinking; Personal and social capabilities
A classroom activity using this resource
Lightbot is a programming puzzle game which provides a fun way for students to apply computational thinking through problem solving challenges. The game is suited to both independent and paired work, therefore making it ideal for rotations or a whole class activity. It can be modelled on a IWB before students attempt the puzzles themselves, and is a great way for students to consolidate their understanding of basic algorithms. It comes with 50 different levels to suit students of different abilities, and there is a junior version to suit remedial groups.
How to use this resource:
iLearn2. (2015). Primary programming with iPad using Lightbot- video tutorial. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VYlW3LvO0U
Subject: Aurasma Aurasma is a software tool to create an augmented reality. Using the location and visual recognition features of a smart device (smart phone or tablet) users can detect auras tagged to real world items. These auras can contain additional visual or audio content that is available to enhance or augment the viewing experience.
Examples of real world use and instructional video content are provided on the Aurasma website. My experience in a year 4 class is that students quickly engaged with learning tasks knowing that their end product would include an Aurasma presentation explaining it to peers, parents and Administration.
Year Level: Year 4 (Applicable students from year 3 on)
Strand: Digital Technologies
Sub strand:
Knowledge and understanding
Digital systems … are used for different purposes and can store and transmit different types of data (ACTDIK007)
Different types of data, and the same data, can be represented in different ways (ACTDIK008)
Processes and production skills Collect and present different types of data for a specific purpose using software (ACTDIP009)
Work with others to create and communicate ideas and information … using agreed protocols (ACTDIP013)
Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities
Numeracy, ICT capacity, Critical & creative thinking, Literacy, Personal & social capacity
Links to other learning areas
English, History & Social Sciences, Science, The Arts, Health & Physical Education
How to use this resource
Teacher use of Aurasma: In the education context, this tool could be used by the teacher to provide students with additional information, perhaps rewarding students as they complete a scavenger hunt activity around the classroom. Likewise, information concerning works of art, the artists and the social context could be displayed as an aura during a gallery tour.
Student use of Aurasma: More excitingly, students could create their own Aurasma presentations, to present explanations of the planning and execution process of a work of art, a science activity or other type of work. The aura could show images or video of the task in progress, and include an explanation of the real world problem and the solution they have created for it. Alternate presentations even of the same problem and solution would effectively demonstrate how this information could be presented in different ways.
This app can be found on the App Store on Apple Devices and on the Play Store on Android Devices.
Description: This app will allow students of all ages to create simple or complex “Stop Motion” videos. Stop Motion videos are created using a range of images that can be taken using device cameras. Using the app, videos created can be rendered and then shared online or between people in an easy manner.
Video: Below you will find a YouTube video that will provide you with a tutorial through the Stop Motion App to assist in using it to create stop motion videos.
Curriculum Link:
Year Level/Bands: K-2, 3-4 & 5-6
Subject: Design and Technologies
Strand: Processes and Production Skills
Sub-Strand & Content Descriptor(s): Critiquing, exploring and investigating
2.5 Explore and investigate needs or opportunities for designing and the resources required to realise designed solutions.
4.5 Critique, explore, investigate needs or opportunities for designing and test and evaluate a variety of technologies, materials, systems, tools and techniques to produce designed solutions.
6.6 Critique, explore and investigate needs or opportunities for designing and analyse and select appropriate materials, components, tools and processes to achieve intended designed solutions.
Sub-Strand & Content Descriptor(s): Generating, developing and evaluating ideas
2.6 Visualise, generate, develop, evaluate and communicate design ideas through a range of media including digital technologies.
4.6 Generate, develop, evaluate, communicate and document design ideas and design decisions using both manual and digital technologies.
6.7 Generate, develop, evaluate, communicate and document design ideas and processes for a range of audiences, using some relevant technical terminology.
Subject: Digital Technologies
Strand: Processes and Production Skills
Sub-Strand & Content Descriptor(s): Using digital systems
2.4 Identify, explore, and use digital systems (hardware and software components) for personal and classroom needs.
4.4 Use a range of digital systems and peripherals for diverse purposes, and transmit different types of data.
Sub-Strand & Content Descriptor(s): Creating and interacting online
2.6 Work with others to organise and create ideas and information in the form of text, images and audio using information systems and share these with known people in safe online environments.
4.7 Manage the creation, sharing and exchange of information with known audiences and apply agreed social protocols to protect people when communicating online.
6.8 Use a range of communication tools and agreed social protocols when collaborating on projects and creating, communicating and sharing ideas and information online.
Cross Curricular Priorities: Using this app can have links to each of the Cross Curricular Priorities, depending on the topic or theme set for the video by the teacher.
General Capabilities: I believe that this app could also link with each of the General Capabilities in the Australian Curriculum depending on the topic or theme of the video set. No matter what the topic or theme, this app will link with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Capability and Critical and Creative Thinking.
Links to Other Learning Areas: The topic or theme of the video set for students to create using this app will have a significant relevance to the links with other learning areas. The biggest link with other learning areas will be with English, as you are required to create a range of texts (including Digital Media texts) across a range of year levels. Further information on this can be found in the Australian English Curriculum.
Intended Use of this Resource:
This app could be used in a range of learning experiences across all primary school age groups.
If teachers pose their students with a topic or theme for the students to base their video on, the students can use their creativity and imagination to establish their ideas for a stop motion video. This can be done individually (if there are enough devices) or in groups, which will also require them to work as a team.
Prior to sending the students to work on their stop motion videos, it would be beneficial to explain the app to the students (the video above could be shown also) to ensure that the students will make best use of their time given to work on their video.
This app can be used in a range of ways, it just depends on how the teacher wishes to do so.
Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities: Numeracy – Develop and extend on skills such as problem solving and working with algorithms.
ICT – Students will develop an understanding and also the ability to use different computer software and programs.
Links to other learning areas: Mathematics – data representation, problem solving and working with algorithms.
A classroom activity:
To complete this activity within a classroom, I would give the students a topic that relates to another area that they are learning about in class. Students will work together in pairs to create an app. This will be done using Codecacademy from the Google Chrome app store. This could be done during both allocated ICT time and with whichever subject the app is based on.
How to use this resource: This lesson would be fantastic for teachers looking at different ways to cater for how students learn and engage. It has a clear lesson plan for teachers to follow and can easily be linked to other areas of the curriculum.
