Lego Education

Lego Education

On Thursday, we explored the world of Lego and how it can be incorporated into the curriculum.  The opportunities to develop an integrated approach to learning in conjunction with Lego are endless. Undoubtedly, this form of teaching and learning would appeal to both the kinaesthetic and visual learners as it involved the manipulation of Lego pieces using visual images on the laptop to support the construction process.

The benefits

Evidently, a collaborative approach was adopted as we worked in groups of three to construct a spinning top. Therefore, this methodology developed fundamental life skills such as communication, cooperation, listening and team work skills. As outlined by the Learn-It team, ‘it is about creativity and collaboration, motivation and self-direction. It is about improvisation and discovery, and interacting with meaningful tools that expand mental capacities.’ (www.learnit.ie)

The presenter of the work shop clearly illustrated that Lego Education is not primarily focused on the cognitive development of the child. It endeavours to develop the child’s capacity to exercise their creativity. This is clearly illustrated in the video below which was shown in our workshop, as Lego can be viewed as a piece of art work:

The lego channel on YouTube is also an excellent site to see authenticity, originality and creativity through the use of Lego – http://www.youtube.com/lego

The correlations between Scratch and Lego are evident in both educational and creative capacities. However, Lego perhaps has the advantage as the children can manipulate the objects and enjoy an aesthetic experience when viewing the finishing product as it appeals to all of the senses.

To further investigate the use of lego in schools, I looked at the project the CBS in Monkstown engaged in which was ultimately enjoyed by all involved. The following is a testimonial from the school with regard to the Learn It project:

”We had Learn It visit the junior school for science week. They had different projects for the different age groups from jnr infants to sixth class. Each class had a great time building their lego projects and then seeing them operate – from spinning tops to walking insects!  The Learn It team were very professional and well orgainised.  We had a great few days with Learn It and the boys are looking forward to their next visit.”

This clearly illustrates the enjoyment element associated with Lego education, as the learning process is child centred, active and innovative. The pictures below vividly show the fun had by all involved:

Week 9 – Submission of Scratch Project

The Moon Landing – ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.‘

This project is based on the historical event of the first moon landing in 1969. It was designed to provide the children with some basic information regarding the moon landing and to contextualise the time period we are referring to. At the end of the animation a simple quiz is included, assessing the children’s knowledge of this event. The children will simply have to recall some of the facts presented and engage in mathematical thinking – converting time into decimals, looking at different aspects associated with time i.e. hours, days, dates etc. To conclude the animation, an inferential question is posed as a means of challenging the more able children and encouraging originality of thought. It uses images, sound clips and narration to tell the story of the moon landing in a child-friendly and humorous way. (Chomh maith leis sin, baintear úsáid as Ghaeilge neamh-fhoirimiúil agus de bharr seo, cloiseann and feiceann na páistí Gaeilge lastigh den rang Gaeilge i suíomh taitneamhach.)

This project was inspired by a successful week on teaching practice and the implementation of the theme of Space. This animation could be used at the start of the week to generate interest in the topic while also providing a platform to build and work from. The theme chart below illustrates how this animation can be used to enhance thematic planning.

Space Theme Chart

Week 6 – Scratch in the Curriculum

Select any three of the learning principles and discuss in detail (with specific examples from Scratch School Placement if possible) how the use of Scratch has served/failed to support your chosen principles?

‘Collaborative Learning should feature in the learning progress.’

Undoubtedly, the software Scratch can foster and indeed promote collaboration within the classroom. This was evident from our first week on placement, as the pupils in our class had to work in pairs while learning the art of computer programming.  Both pair and group work can be problematic for the student teacher as pupils’ noise levels can rise during the interaction and subsequently they can become lost in the task. Surprisingly, however, the children maintained their focus and Scratch appeared to fuel their desire for learning while developing their ability to work in collaborative situations.

The 5^th class children at Donoughmore National School have become effective collaborative learners, as the challenges we have designed develop some of the following skills:

1. Communication
2. Co-operation
3. Listening

In terms of communication, the children must discuss the challenges with their partner and compromise with regard to certain elements e.g. designing the sprite, backgrounds, selecting music etc. This fundamentally enhances their ability as a team member as they must respect the opinions expressed by others.  To develop this skill further, we have used questioning throughout and allowed the children to model how they created particular scripts. The aim of this is to illustrate to the class how collaboration can result in attaining goals and also allow the children to articulate their own response to certain scripts and develop their ‘Oral Language as they talk and discuss the possible outcomes of their programme.’ (ICT in the Primary School p.96)

Co-operation is essential in both pair and team based tasks. In terms of Scratch, the children must take turns and share control of the computer. An aspect which I have noticed over recent weeks is the children’s desire to uncover what their partner thinks of their ideas – ‘What do you think of this costume? How could I make the sprite move over here? What way would you do it?’  It is evident that the children recognise the benefits of collaborative learning as the opinions and suggestions of others can enhance their project. Each week, we provide the pupils’ with an experimentation period in which they look at their classmates work and make recomendations through the SAM strategy.

The children are placed in pairs, allowing the more able child with an extensive knowledge and understanding of Scratch, to support their weaker counterpart to reach a shared learning goal. This idea of scaffolding the learning is indicative of a collaborative approach and the benefits are evident to both the principal and teacher as they believe levels of participation and productivity have significantly increased.

‘Higher Order Thinking and Problem Solving Skills should be developed.’

Scratch is an education outlet in which children can develop and heighten their ability to engage in higher order thinking and problem solving skills. After carrying out extensive research Mc Coy found that children ‘who have programming experience score higher on measures of geometry knowledge and problem solving.’ (Using Technology in the Classroom – Bitter & Pierson) In reference to last week’s lesson, the children solved some of the following questions indicating the nature of their thinking:

Which axis will I use in order to make the sprite use left and right or up and down?

Why will I add a minus before the 10?

What is a quarter, half, third of a second?

Is that a line of latitude of longitude?

Is the sprite moving in a clockwise of anticlockwise direction?

In order to develop this form of thinking, questioning is key to provoke the children into thought. The curriculum outlines that ‘facilitating the development of higher order thinking skills can be achieved by modelling ‘What If…’ processes.’ (ICT in the Primary School) Engaging the children in challenges and allowing them to develop their own solutions promotes high-order thinking. Also, by showing the pupils an example of work and hiding the script we can encourage them to collaborate with their partner and apply their existing knowledge to arrive at the answer.

It is outlined in the curriculum that ICT develops ‘higher order thinking skills, including problem solving, investigating, evaluating and analysing, critical and creative thinking and communication skills’ . (ICT in the primary Schools p.17) These skills are fostered across the curriculum and promoted and further developed through Scratch  making it a revolutional tool for the teacher and their class.

‘Learning is most effective when it is integrated.’

Scratch is like a puzzle which pieces together all curricular areas into one programme.

After a significant period of working with the software of Scratch, I recognise the role it plays in learning as it can reinforce, reiterate and enhance the learning across all curricular areas. This was evident from the outset even by simply looking at the module descriptor:

Assessment Guidelines 2013

After the class teacher saw our first lesson, she decided to explore the strand of Data to reinforce the concepts of the x and y axis and also look at map work in relation to geography as we dealt with lines of latitude and longitude and the language of location. Consequently, through the medium of Scratch, their interpretation and understanding of the above areas was significantly enhanced. Scratch can enter into all curricular facets and to illustrate the value and importance of an integrated approach to learning,  I searched the website – www.scratch.mit.edu for a range of projects which correlate to particular subjects at the various levels:

English: The Story/Game of Little Red Writing Hood – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/afropickles/3091355

Irish: Is cluiche teanga é agus cuirtear béim ar an t-ainm briathar – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/summer12mayo/2655279

Maths: A counting game – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/Ms_I/1334857

History: A quiz which tests the children’s knowledge on Ancient Egypt – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/alexander71343/3023046

Geography: A project which looks at the climate in America – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/nature9/3009048

Science: An animation which looks at the area of forces/pressure – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/sennajnuet/1771209

Music: A project which looks the piano and the various keys associated with it – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/StarlightDragon/2935457

Physical Education: This project looks at Hip Hop dancing – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/blfender/2940452

SPHE: ‘The Friendship Story’ – http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/keepcool3/158980

Religion: The Story of Creation –http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/dsdude10/42830

Art: In all projects a sense of creativity is expressed through designing sprites/backgrounds/costumes etc. Evidently, ‘gains in non-academic areas such as creativity and self concept’ are associated with the programme of Scratch. ( Using Technology in the Classroom)

After spending three weeks teaching Scratch, I recognise that providing a suitable context for their project work is key and by creating links with other areas in the curriculum we are providing a place where the children can articulate their knowledge with regard to a particular area through Scratch e.g. create a quiz for their class, animate a story in history, design a maths game etc. As outlined by Loveless ‘Effective learning takes place in a context which has interest, relevance and purpose.’ (The Role of ICT, 2003) In my opinion Scratch is a prime example of this context.

Bibliography:

ICT in the Primary School Curriculum

The Role of ICT – Avril Loveless

Using Technology in the Classroom – Bitter & Pierson

Week 5 – Reflection

The educational potential of computer programming using applications such as Scratch is regularly celebrated as affording learners opportunities for a ‘‘mental workout’’ of cognitive and collaborative skills. Briefly discuss the truthfulness (or lack thereof) of this statement by drawing on specific examples from your own Scratch placement experiences to date.

The truth of this statement cannot be denied as computer programming is an effective tool which can exercise and indeed awaken children to think creatively and analytically.  This has been evident on our scratch placement as children are exploring concepts such as angles, distances, lines of latitudes and longitude while concurrently developing the language associated with computer programming. It is has been noted by both the principal and class teacher, that this software has challenged the children to work with their partners to create a script which matches the task at hand. This was evident during the ‘Trampoline Task’ as the children had to explore the x and y axes in order to get their sprite to jump up and down on the trampoline.  The children needed sufficient time to digest this task and a period of experimentation to arrive at the answer. This simple task was indeed a ‘mental workout’ which promoted collaborative work and developed higher order thinking skills.

The images below outline the task set and an example of one of the children’s creation.

However, in response to this question, I would like to address the fact that very few schools and teachers are aware of the ways in which ICT can enhance the learning process. I think the fault lies mainly with the curriculum as it explores the potential of ICT in a broad and idealistic context which does not relate to the typical teacher. For example – ‘The creative use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education has the capacity to increase the quality of people’s lives by enhancing teaching and learning.’ This quote proclaims that ICT is indeed an invaluable tool but fails to state how it can be incorporated with particular subject areas. I feel the general consensus from the teaching force in Ireland is that practical curricular examples are required, rather than convoluting statements which provide little or no help to the teacher. The curriculum guidelines should be an aid for the teacher not simply a piece of reading material which rests on a classroom shelf and should attend to the computer literacy needs of all teachers. However, the diagram below as illustrated  in the ICT curriculum shows how the implementation of ICT in schools can be executed effectively and I personally believe that this simple diagram can resonate with us all, suggesting that there are three key procedures associated with this process.

An interesting element to note from my placement was that the majority of the staff were eager to discover what this phenomenon ‘Scratch’ actually is and appeared to have an appetite to learn, illustrating that teachers are open to the incorporation of ICT into the classroom domain. The staff at this particular school believed that they were trained insufficiently and did not want to tackle something that they were clearly lacking knowledge in. Also I believe another issue to address here is that the use of ICT in a class depends on the teacher and their own experience and familiarity with computer software. Unfortunately, the reality of this is that many of the children attending schools today do not have access to Scratch or develop their knowledge around ICT.

In the minister’s report on ‘Investing effectively in Internet and Communications Technology in Schools’  it clearly outlines that ICT will not benefit the children in their learning if it is not applied and integrated successfully. ‘Integrating ICT in school life hinges largely on its successful curricular application. Schools must take a learner-centred, rather than a technology-centred, approach to ICT in order to create positive learning outcomes.’  Therefore this issue needs to be addressed through the provision of teacher training, a comprehensive curriculum with practical examples and essentially funding.

To conclude, I feel that ICT and computer programming are not ‘celebrated’ but procedures are being put in place to increase the computer literacy of teachers. Teachers are gradually recognising that there is much more to ICT than a PowerPoint presentation and a positive fact to focus on however is that there is a demand for this form of professional development within the teaching domain, suggesting that in the future our pupils will be immersed in an ICT enriched classroom. The only obstacle obstructing this development is the funding. In our economic climate, ICT belongs on the periphery in terms of education, therefore, teachers will have to become resourceful and intuitive in order to fulfil the child’s desire to explore the world of ICT.

A video clip which I feel celebrates the art of computer programming is ‘What most schools don’t teach’. In this video the importance of computer programming and indeed technology as an entity is highlighted by some of the worlds most famous people Bill Gates, Will. I. Am,  Mark Zuckerberg and Jack Dorsey. It emphasises the fact the having the ability to computer programme is similar to having the powers of a wizard, suggesting that the world of computers is almost a majestic place in which billions of people can access something by a simple click of a button. ‘The programmers of tommorrow are the wizards of the future.’  

Week 4 – Scratch

Undoubtedly, the opportunities to integrate Scratch into the learning process are endless, pathways can be established to link with all curricular areas, consolidating and reaffirming the learning objectives.  Through the medium of scratch,  a teacher can develop ´higher order thinking skills such as problem-solving, information processing, metacognition, creative thinking and reasoning.’ (Scratch – Numeracy in Senior Primary Classes) In a sense, it is an effective tool which can enrich and enhance learning.

College Workshops: Initially, when I was introduced to Scratch on week 1, I was overwhelmed as there were many different aspects associated with simply getting your sprite to move. However, after I was shown how to navigate around the Scratch software I gradually began to recognise the various functions associated with the categories ‘motion’, ‘looks’, ‘variables’ etc. An aspect to note was that using scratch is an exploratory process, the children must learn what the various action buttons represent and experiment with their own scripts. Essentially, it is a process of trial and error in which we must continual return and try and ‘crack the code’.

Week 1 – Scratch Placement

This week I began my placement at Donoughmore National School. I was in 5^th class and there were 24 enthusiastic pupils who were eager to explore the world of Scratch. There were four children in the class who had used Scratch previously and they were an invaluable asset assisting their fellow classmates when necessary. The children worked in pairs and took turns on the various tasks throughout the lesson. This proved problematic as some children tended to dominate. To combat the occurence of this next week, we are going to set a timer on the interactive whiteboard and label the children as either A or B and allocate a specific amount of time to each task.

I taught the introduction phase of the lesson, explaining what Scratch is, showing examples of winners from the Scratch competition and allowing them to design and create their own sprite. I recognise after my first week that clarity of instruction is a necessity when explaining how to operate the software. Explanations that are clear, concise and asking children to model tasks proved a recipe for success. It was apparent that some children had a great knowledge of Scratch and with this in mind, we will pair these children with their weaker counterparts in the class, in order to make this programme accessible for all. Another aspect to note was that some children were completed much quicker than others and to overcome this problem we will set an array of challenges forcing the children to experiment and inevitably think critically to complete the task.

Overall, all pupils in the class were able to create a simple script at the end of the lesson, in which their sprite could move up, down, left and right. They were also able to complete an array of tasks as illustrated on the PowerPoint below:

Scratch Week 1     – PowerPoint used to explain tasks

Scratch has the potential to be an invaluable pedagogical tool and through this elective we are educating not only the students but also their teachers, illustrating the use of ICT within the classroom domain. As Dewey once stated, ‘If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tommorrow.’ Therefore teachers must become accustomed to using software such as Scratch to accomodate the pupils interests and contextualise their learning in an innovative and creative way.

Week 3 – Reflection; ‘Blogging in the Classroom’

Blogging in the classroom – Initial Reactions & Possible Relevance:

This week we explored how blogging could be incorporated effectively into the classroom environment through the medium of the wordpress website.  Essentially a class blog can act as a link between the home and school, a simple post can inform parents of their child’s work and also achievements at school.  This site is not solely for the parents and teachers, it is a place where children can take pride in their work and voice their own opinions with regard to curricular areas, school outings and also the Green Schools initiative.  Another advantage is ‘Bloggers continually search  filter and post ideas and information which engage in higher order thinking skills.’ (NCTE) Consequently, a class blog can enhance the relationship between the home and school, as a dialogical relationship is established and parents can become part of the learning process in an interactive way.

As outlined by Richardson, ‘The best way to fully understand the potential of web-blogs as a teaching and learning tool is to become a blogger’. Therefore, I created my own personal blog to chart my experience of the ICT elective and be come familiar with the various methods I can use to incorporate blogging into the primary classroom. To develop my own personal knowledge, I decided to investigate further how schools utilise blogging, visiting the following websites:

http://www.ballyeaschool.ie/

http://www.cbsennis.com/

http://kilrushns.ie/home/home.php?active_page=home

http://clarecastlens.scoilnet.ie/blog/

(I had my teaching practice placements in the above schools)

After visiting the above sites, I saw how both teachers and principals used the site to display projects, inform parents of school outings, post information regarding parent teacher meetings, insert links to educational games and activities. Essentially, I have learned that the opportunities for integration are endlesss and that they are ‘constructivist tools for learning’. (Richardson 2010)

However, an interesting element to note is that very few teachers’ avail of this resource and this was illustrated clearly in the ‘ICT in schools – Inspectorate Evaluation Studies’.

After reading several articles, I recognise  that it is the role of the teacher to equip the children with the necessary skills and knowledge when interacting with a blog especially with regard to safety. ‘It means teaching kids never to publish personal identifiers about themselves.’  (Richardson 2010) Consequently, it is my aim to learn about the many aspects of blogging in order to make my future classroom as an interactive and technologically enriched environment which is conducive to the learning process.

Sources:

‘Blogs, Wiki’s & Podcasts’ – Richardson, 2010

‘Blogging in the Classroom’  NCTE

‘ICT in Schools – Inspectorate Evaluation Studies’