Make Create Educate

Ed update: This blog was published in MicroMag Issue 6 Nov 2016. The Microbit can be used to create music. I recently watched the MicroMonsters YouTube video. The video is easy to follow and the purpose of the video is to learn to use a Piezo speaker. So of course I composed the code but I found the code very long and complex. Then I wondered how can you simplify the code to make it shorter and easier to manage. Definition Functions are a way to store information that can called at anytime during the program. Functions remove the need to type the same code over and over and allow you to reuse repetitive pieces of code. This reduces the number of lines of code and errors. Example For example, the tune of Star Wars has several parts that are repeated throughout the song.  By creating a Function for each repeating part it is possible to use the function multiple times. This creates simpler code. The first phrase of Star Wars can be rewritten as SWIntro . It contains the

How do you use Beebots in the classroom. Beebots and Blue are a wonderful introductory device to teach computational thinking and algorithms. Primarily targeting Age 5-8 these devices do have other applications beyond algorithms. This post will propose some ideas for using Beebots and Bluebots. Once students have mastered how to program beebots teachers often think their use is over but they can be used as a tool for students to demonstrate their understanding of other concepts in other curriculum areas.  As these devices are often sold in lots of 6 schools often only have 1 or 2 sets. This makes it difficult to have a class of 30 completing the same activity. I think this technology is most useful in small groups, many teachers have rotating literacy and numeracy groups where each group completes one task a day. I have included some activities below that would work with small groups or where you have enough devices for one between 2 or 3 students. Mats Students may create th

Prior to working with eTextiles students need to understand the principals of a circuit. The importance of connecting the + on the battery to the + on the light. One of my previous blog posts was about using Paper Circuits Once you have explored the basics of a simple circuit the next step would be to sew a simple circuit with conductive thread to connect a battery to an LED. Tips when working with eTextiles Handsew the pieces together with regular cotton to hold all pieces together. Ensure when sewing each side of the circuit (+ to + and - to -) that threads do not cross or touch in any way. Use a running stitch. Pull thread firmly into place, don't use loose stitches. Knot ends tightly. Trim any loose threads close to the the knot.  Clear nail polish can be used to seal the knots in place. Possible Materials Description Item Approximate Price Conductive thread can be purchased in different thicknesses and in various lengths. Check the ply, leng

The first #HopperDownUnder conference saw 700 women in technology descend on Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre July 29-31. This event was an amazing experience and highly recommended for your professional learning plans each year. The workshop I facilitated was on the topic of " Engaging Girls in Technology " it included a presentation , a brainstorming session on Barriers, Solutions and Project ideas and a hands on activity on " Using paper circuits to prototype for etextiles ". The purpose of the workshop was to explore with a group of people what are the Barriers to Girls participating in Technology, Possible Solutions to this problem and suggested projects that could be implemented in schools. The discussion was facilitated using a Padlet , which is an online brainstorming tool. The second part of the workshop was facilitated by Helen Kardiasmenos  she presented some ideas on integrating technology with primary girls links to literacy and an