Primary Computing Conference - 29 November 2013

Demystifying the Computing Curriculum 

A one day conference hosted at the Nottingham e-Learning Centre in Top Valley, Nottingham.
8.45am - 3.30pm

During the day we will look at how to implement in your school the key elements of the Computing Curriculum for all Primary Key Stages including workshop sessions on the following:

• Coding
• 2 Simple Build a Profile
• Early Years coding
• Online class interaction
• Demystifying the terminology with Scratch
• Apps for coding

Book a place on the Primary Computing Conference.

Cost per participant £100.00

All participants will receive a USB stick with relevant documents and support materials for distribution in schools.

Nacce Regional Conferences 2013

Naace Regional Autumn conferences 2013

London - Nottingham - Bury

At a time when the best schools are making more use of technology than ever before, these

conferences will explore the strategic role of technology to improve learning within the new

curriculum. What are the opportunities and constraints in a back to basics curriculum? How

can we identify key methods for technology to radically improve learning?

The new computing programme of study for KS1 and KS2

A high quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world"

Have you read this before?

Do you recognise the document from which this quote is taken?

It's actually the first sentence in the new computing programme of study for KS1 and KS2 to be implemented in maintained schools by September 2014!

It challenges us all to understand what is meant by computational thinking.

According to Jeanette Wing, Professor of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon University, computational thinking involves answering these questions:

•     What is the problem we are trying to solve?

•     What's the best way to solve it?

•     How do I break the problem down into smaller parts?

•     Can I develop a step by step strategy to solve the problem?

•     Can I see any patterns, similarities or differences that will lead to a solution?

•     Is the solution I've found efficient?

•     Have I avoided over complicating my solution?

In short, it is a set of problem solving skills and techniques that pupils will utilise throughout life along with their literacy and numeracy skills. The challenge for us is to devise strategies to create a generation of confident problem solvers with the determination to succeed combined with the resilience needed to overcome difficulties.

http://computinged.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/a-definition-of-computational-thinking-from-jeanette-wing/

Scratch Course 11 December 2013

Scratch Course: Getting ready for the new Computing Curriculum

Wednesday 11 December 2013 - 9:00-15:30

Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy for pupils to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music and art. Scratch is free to download.

Scratch will be an essential software tool to enable you to deliver the new Computing Curriculum. On this course we shall:

• Explore Scratch so that you can confidently create a game of your own.
• Use Scratch creatively to achieve each of the three objectives highlighted above
• Leave with a scheme of work for Scratch that has been partially adapted for your school

Cost: £95 and includes lunch and refreshments.

Use the Booking button on the right to save your place.

Kodu Course: Monday18 November 2013

Kodu Course: Getting ready for the new Computing Curriculum

Monday 18 November 2013 - 9:00-15:30

Kodu is a new visual programming language made by Microsoft specifically for creating games. It is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone.

Kodu will be a really useful addition to your list of software tools to enable you to deliver the new Computing Curriculum.On this course we shall:

• Explore Kodu so that you can confidently create a game of your own.
• Use Kodu creatively to achieve objectives in delivering the new Computing Curriculum
• Leave with a scheme of work for Kodu that has been partially adapted for your school

Cost: £95 and includes lunch and refreshments.

Use the Booking button on the right to save your place.

Goodbye Martin!

The big news around here is that the Centre Manager, and all-round good guy, Martin MacGillivray retired this month.

He has been manager of the Centre here at Top Valley, Nottingham since the inception of E-Learning Centres in 2001. And in that time he has expertly steered us through the good times and the... lean times.

In times of drastic cuts to funding and the new financial limitations of recent years, Martin has kept us together and maintained a positive working environment, whilst continuing to provide a sound platform for us to delivering exciting and meaningful support to pupils and staff in schools in and around Nottingham.

Martin's calmness, dedication, loyalty and dubious sense of humour is sure to be missed. We wish him all the best on his new ventures, which is bound to include single malts, motorhomes and a bit of good music. Thanks and good luck Martin.

We also warmly welcome Pat Whitby, who is now overseeing the e-learning team. More about her later.

COORDINATOR CONFERENCE APRIL 24th

Just a little reminder for all Primary ICT coordinators that the next conference is very soon.

Details:  April 24th 9.30 - 3.30

Venue:   North e-Learning Centre, Top Valley, Nottingham

Price:      £95 per person

To book, simply click on the 'make a booking' icon and select Coordinator Conference and follow the details.

All schools will be invoiced after the conference.

For more details, contact Jan Gray (email jan.gray@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or mobile 07960 266656).