ACARA

by

Tynker

TynkeTynkerLogo_Fotorr is a browser-based application used to teach your students how to program as they create games and animated projects. Tynker can be used on any computer (desktop, laptop, notebook, Chromebook) with an internet connection. It can be used on an iPad, however some features are not supported. As it is browser-based, it works best in Google Chrome and Safari browsers.

Students can easily learn to code using the visual programming language by solving fun puzzles and creating original projects and games. Students gain an excellent foundation in programming and computational thinking, preparing them to transition to any mainstream object-orientated programming language.

Tynker has multiple learning modules; allowing students to work at their own pace, with each lesson is designed to run between fifty and sixty minutes. As it is browser based, students are able to work from home if the activity is not completed within the specified lesson. Tynker has been created to keep students engaged from start to finish and Tynker also caters for a variety of learning styles.

Teachers are able to assess their students’ learning through creating a multiple-choice questionnaire at the end of a module.

Each student is able to create a unique project, which can then be shared with friends and family.

For more information on Tynker, visit: https://www.tynker.com/?t=reset

    Subject: TechnologiesTynker

    Strand: Digital Technologies – Knowledge and Understanding

    Sub-Strand: Representation of data

    Year level: Year one to year six

 

Cross-curriculum priorities and General Capabilities:

  • Literacy;
  • Numeracy;
  • Information and Communication Technology;
  • Critical and Creative Thinking; and
  • Personal and Social Capability.

Links to other learning areas:

  • English;
  • Mathematics;
  • Science; and
  • The Arts (Visual Arts). 

How to use Tynker:

Visit the Tynker YouTube channel for a variety of short videos, including how to get you and your class started: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MAKe5X7pohhiMZ4nzdInA

Below are a couple of suggested YouTube clips for you to view:

What is in a Tynker lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bko9qtCeb2A

Preparing for your first Tynker lesson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmTbED57tes

 

References:

ACARA. (2015). Australian Curriculum. Retrieved from http://v7-5.australiancurriculum.edu.au

SCSA. (2014). Digital Technologies. Retrieved from http://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/p-10-curriculum/curriculum-     browser/technologies/digital-technologies2

Tynker. (2015). Tynker – Programming courses for kids. Retrieved from https://www.tynker.com

Tynker. (2016). Tynker. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2MAKe5X7pohhiMZ4nzdInA

 

by

Kodable

Teaching Kids to Code: Mission Possible

Kodable

Subject: Digital Technologies

Year: P-4

Strand: Digital Technologies

Sub-Strand: Processes and Production Skills

Content Descriptors:

Year P: Use data to complete a task

Year 1: Use data to solve a simple task/problem

Year 2: Use data to solve similar tasks/problems

Year 3: Use visually represented sequenced steps (algorithms), including steps with decisions made by the user (branching)

Year 4: Use simple visual programming environments that include a sequence of steps (algorithm) involving decisions made by the user (branching) 

General capabilities: 

  • Literacy
  • Numeracy
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability
  • Critical and creative thinking

(“Technologies Learning Area Scope and Sequence”, 2015)

Kodable

Kodable introduces students to the concepts involved in computer programming. It provides visual instructions and step-by-step levels. It begins with a back story, introducing the ‘Fuzz family’ crash landing on a planet called Smeeborg. Students then explore mazes and collect coins.

The ‘Fuzz family’ are guided through these mazes as the students drag and drop commands. Each level then reinforces the concepts students are learning, and adds new concepts along the way. Levels are unlocked as students progress through the mazes, but teachers can manually unlock levels as need, which is a great feature for Gifted and talented students who may learn the concepts very quickly and need to be accelerated through the levels to continue to be challenged.

Kodable engages students with fun and colourful characters, and fun games. It keeps them challenged but not overwhelmed. Students build conceptual understanding and build on their knowledge as they think and act like programmers. Videos are provided to introduce students to new concepts, and extensions are provided in the teacher portal.

The Kodable website also provides learning guides for each area. There learning guides provide an overview of the topic, techinical vocabulary, lesson plans, un-plugged activities and on-line activities. Activities provided in the lesson plans include a range of whole group, guided practice and independent activities.

How to Use

Teachers can simply visit the Kodable website and sign up for a free account. Create a class name and class code and add your students to create student profiles (you can simply copy and paste students names from a class list to save time).

Advantages

  • Teachers can manually unlock levels
  • Provides differentiation and extension
  • Scaffolded learning sequence
  • Free teaching resources

Possible Disadvantages

  • After 30 levels it will cost $6.99USD to unlock the rest

Resource Links

Kodable website: https://www.kodable.com/

Kodable App (iTunes): https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/kodable/id577673067?mt=8

Kodable App (Google Play): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.surfscore.kodable.main.android

Platforms

Android

iPad

 References

Kodable. (2016). Retrieved from website: https://www.kodable.com/

Technologies Learning Area Scope and Sequence. (2015). Retrieved from School Curriculum and Standards Authority website: http://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/p-10-curriculum/curriculum-browser/technologies/digital-technologies2/technologies-overview/Tech_Scope_and_Sequence.pdf