Computer Programming and Game Based Learning

Session 5

In today’s session we discussed the benefits of modelling software. Modelling software is the term given to work which allows children to explore “What happens if...”. Modelling software enables us to try activities on a trail basis before committing to them. Here are some examples of modelling software that can be used by children in schools...

Purplemash- http://www.purplemash.com/
Purplemash is an online space for Primary children with online tools, curriculum based activities , programs and games which support and inspire learning in the classroom. Its features include all the 2simple software such as 2design and make and 2DIY which allow children to design their own characters and games, going back and changing details when they want. Here are some examples of activities children can do on Purplemash...

Curriculum based activities...create a leaflet:

2DIY...make your own game:

 2design and make...practice making nets:    

Games...practice maths skills- ‘bond bubbles’:

 

 

The benefits of a software like Purplemash is that it allows children to play around with their ideas and design their own activities on a trail and error basis because they have the freedom to go back and change features to improve on their ideas.

LOGO- this is another piece of modelling software that we got to try out in this session. LOGO is more focused on computer programming and coding much like the programmable toys we looked at in session 3. LOGO allows you to draw shapes or create patterns by entering specific commands such as ‘fd 30 rt 90’ (forward 30 paces, right turn 90 degrees). This is great for promoting cross- circular learning in ICT and Numeracy by getting children to practice their programming skills whilst thinking of angles and shapes.

Scratch- Scratch was the final piece of software we discussed in class, similar to Purplemash scratch is a programming language for children which allows children to create their own interactive stories, games and characters and share them online. Again the features of scratch give children the freedom to change their minds and ideas by altering the features of their stories or characters as they go along. They can add motion, sound and music to their “sprites” (characters) and even dialogue making them interactive. 

Session 6  

The benefits of Games based learning
Research has shown that learners in the UK are some of the unhappiest in Europe and this could be a result of lessons which are not engaging enough and are therefore de-motivating.

Here are a few computer based games that can be used in the classroom as part of an interactive, engaging lesson. Each game holds educational value in that it gives children an opportunity to practice their programming skills as well as promoting cross circular learning.

Kudo Game Lab
Kudo is a new visual programming language which allows children to create their own games. Children can create their own “world” and program their Kudo (character) to perform certain actions as the click of a particular button, such as shoot, drill etc.

Dance to Advance
Children can choose from or create their own range of quizzes and games which they can the play using the interactive dance mat connected to the computer. All they have to do is type in “responses” and “prompts” which will then appear randomly on the screen and children can select the right answer by using the dance mat.

This has to be my favourite game so far, it is extremely interactive as children can create quizzes for one another to play at the same time as being very educational- the children must have the subject knowledge in order to create the quiz in the first place. It is also a very practical and fun lesson which is likely to motivate children more than sitting at a desk filling in a quiz worksheet and also gets them to practice their basic programming skills.

All in all I have realised the impact that ICT resources can have on children when applied in lessons meaningfully and I will definitely apply this in my teaching...

“benefits have been identified including motivation and engagement, independent learning and autonomy and key or core skills such as collaborative learning and communication, all of which can contribute to improved knowledge, understanding and skills” (The impact of ICT in Schools, Professor Rae Condie and Bob Munro, Quality in Education: University of Strathclyde, 2007)

Simulation or adventure games
Similar to the modelling programs we looked at during last week’s session, simulation games allow children to try out more than one possibility or idea.

A good website to use with children that has many simulation games is Kent ICT http://www.kenttrustweb.org.uk/kentict/kentict_home.cfm .