Botlogic in the Classroom

 


Computers are amazing inventions! They allow us to complete multiple tasks through out our daily lives. However, computers do not magically know how to complete tasks, they need to be told  what to do and how to complete the task. This is what we call programming and Botlogic is a great way to introduce children to this concept. Children are able to understand that they have control of the computer and need to tell it what to do.
Botlogic is a great resource to get students thinking about decision making. Students are learning about programming as they work through a repetition of movements in order to move their robot to the required destination. Botlogic is perfect for children at all different levels, as it allows children to work at their own pace and move through twenty different stages.

Below i have provided a video that gives viewers a quick and simple walk through of Botlogic.


Subject:
Digital Technologies

Year Level: F-2

Strand: Digital Technologies Processes and Production Skills

Sub-strand: Digital implementation

Use data to solve a simple task/problem (ACTDIP003)

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities:
Literacy
Numeracy
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Critical and creative thinking

Links to other learning areas:
English
Mathematics

 

Link to resource:
http://botlogic.us/play

Cost:
Free

A classroom activity using this resource:

Incorporating this resource into the classroom helps students develop their logical thinking, problem-solving skills and gives them a chance to explore their creativity as they trail different methods to solve simple tasks/problems. Students are able to work independently on this task as its provides you with an in depth tutorial on how to conduct the game. This resource would be great to use as an extension activity for when students complete their math or science tasks in class. Students need to use their mathematical skills to think about how many steps they need to use in advance and which way they need to turn (left or right). Students are also able to use their English skills by reading and following instructions.

How to use this resource:
The first thing you will need to do is press ‘Start game’ or if you have not played this game before then if you wish, you may click to view the tutorial. You also have the option to choose a level to start on if you have already complete some previously.

Once you have started the game, you will see command keys (arrows) to you left of the screen. These keys (arrows) are what you use to navigate your robot to the required destination. The game gives you a certain amount of moves, which you cannot exceed. However, the aim of the game is to complete the task using the least amount of commands.

Bringing Vlogging into the Classroom

Kidzvuz is a free and safe online vlogging site. Kidvuz makes sure participants on their site are safe by being complaint with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. Parents need to approve their child’s account before they are able to have access to uploading videos. Participants personal information is never given out online and none of their personal information is  sold to out side companies.

Kidzvuz allows students to express their opinions and review the things they love. Kidzvuz gives children a sense of community, as they are surrounded by other children who have similar interests. The average age of the participants on this site range from seven to twelve, making this resource suitable to use in the classroom.

The following video gives you a little insight into what KidzVuz is all about.


Subject: Digital Technologies

Year Level: F-2

Strand: Digital Technologies Knowledge and Understanding

Sub-strand: Digital systems

Digital systems (hardware and software) are used for an identified purpose (ACTDIK001)

Link to resource:
http://www.kidzvuz.com/

Cross curriculum priorities and general capabilities:
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Critical and creative thinking

Links to other learning areas:
English
Health and Physical Education

Cost:
Free

A classroom activity using this resource:

This resource is great  because it allows students to experiment with  hardware devices in recording videos (Ipad, Laptop, Computer) and software programs to upload the videos (Kidzvuz). A great way to incorporate this resource into the classroom is to have the children read a book over a set time frame. It could be to read at least one book every week, every fortnight, every month. Whatever is best suited for the class. At the end of the time frame, students can review the book/s they have read and upload them onto Kidzvuz. This resource not only allows students to use hardware and software to create an item but they are also developing their comprehension skill. Therefore, this activity can strongly be linked with English.

This resource could be used to incorporate internet safety into a health lesson. If students are going to be uploading a video of themselves online, then they need to know the basics of internet safety and the correct etiquette to use.

This resource is a great tool to use in English, but this resource is not restricted to that subject has endless possibilities. You are able integrate this resource into many other curriculum subjects and tailor it to meet your criteria.

How to use this resource:
1. All participants will need to sign up to the website and fill in the information provided in the picture below.
2. The next step is to click on ‘Submit a video’ in the top right hand corner.

3. You will then see a new window pop up. On this window it asks you to fill in the box with what you are planning to review.

4. The last step is to press record on the next screen and record your review. The video must be no longer than 2 minutes. After this time frame, the recording will cut off. You then press submit and then your review is uploaded.