Week 3 - Digital Media and Computer control

Digital Media has been enhanced to such an extent that pictures, videos and music are now instantly accessible with the touch of a button. Couple this with the advanced computer systems in operation today, and endless learning opportunities are presented at the touch of a finger tip!

Computers have a huge element of control in our every-day lives; from the washing machine inside our home to the traffic lights outside the home.

So how is this concept of computer control translated into the classroom?

Technological tools such as: programmable toys or robots; monitoring computers; digital microscopes, videos and cameras, can all be integrated into the teaching of the curriculum.
Let's take a closer look at the Beebot, a friendly robot that children can program, which can be used in a variety of ways to enrich a child's learning experience.

It teaches children how to control a simple robot using directional language and so can be used as a tool to communicate understanding within a particular subject area. The grids and maps that the Beebot comes with introduces children to the idea of mapping and how tapping simple instructions into the Beebot will enable it to move across the map. As children take turns to program the Beebot, it provides an ideal opportunity to asses how each child is grasping the directional concepts involved.
Take a look at the video below which shows the Beebot spelling out the word "hat" - a simple concept that could be used in Literacy lessons:

It's uses can be extended across the curriculum (Maths, English, Geography) and include activities such as: ordering the sequence of a story; mapping out coordinates; navigating a maze and problem solving using the various maps and grids provided.

More able students can try to construct their own mazes and create their own problem solving activities, as well as make predictions eg, how the Beebot could draw a square or triangle. I can see how the Beebot would certainly increase a child's motivation to take part in an activity and so a child may be more inclined to learn. However care needs to be taken that the "fun" aspect of the Beebot does not detract from the objective of the lesson. Some may argue the practicalities of its use as it requires an expanse of area to function correctly - something that may not be readily available in the average primary classroom. However, "where there's a will, there's a way!" and this fun educational toy certainly warrants the extra work that may be required to make it feasible.
Click on the link below to find out more about the Beebot:

http://www.terrapinlogo.com/bee-botmain.php