DFI Session 8: Computational Thinking

Today was our final session before we participate in our 'Google Certified Educator Level 1' exam next week. Dorothy started our day off by discussing the Manaiakalani kaupapa of 'Empowered'. This was centered around our tamariki taking back control of their own lives and empowering them so they can be confident to interact in a variety of ways (kanohi ki te kanohi, online etc). It has definitley become clear through participating in this DFI course that our devices are not just a tool. Manaiakalani is all about ensuring there is equity by giving everyone an equal opportunity to be connected in the digital age. The aim is to create an educational advantage, rather than disadvantage like there has been in the past. Whanau also develop a sense of empowerment and become partners in their childrens learning as they go through the process of purchasing their devices. It was pretty cool to hear that in paying the devices off whanau can generate a credit rating, which can be a common issue within lower decile communities.  

Thinking about the future and what could be in store in terms of technology, blows my mind a little bit! We already have robots that can teach themselves and apps that can detect cancerous moles, so who knows what advancements there could be in 5....10.....20 years? The moral machine activity was really eye opening and generated some interesting conversation. It highlighted how so many different factors come into play when making moral decisions and how these factors can be vastly different from individual to individual. 

I have been able to gain a better understanding of computational thinking and become a bit more familiar with the digital technologies curriculum. Our school is still at the very early stages of integrating this into our curriculum so it was awesome to hear about other schools' experiences and the progressions they are uisng.

A good portion of today was spent exploring various coding activities and resources. I came across a free website called 'SculptGL' where you can do virtual clay modelling and carving. I really enjoyed exploring this website and am going to try using it as a follow up activity with my reading groups by asking my students to carve a character. This video below explains how it works...

During our breakout session I chose to attend the 'Creating with Scratch' workshop run by Kerry. It was completley new to me and I was way out of my depth! I probably should have chosen the 'Introduction to Scratch' and learnt some of the basics and 'scratch' language first. However, I was still able to pick up a few things and was able to observe what is possible. I would just need to spend a lot more time experimenting to grasp all of the different functions and how to manipulate them. This is the random 'scratch' I managed to create.......not sure what is up with the noises haha

I am feeling pretty nervous about the exam but I am just going to give it my best shot and make sure I spend some time revising the provided materials. I am sad that my time on this DFI course is nearly over but I am also feeling really excited to have more time in class next term to implement all of my new learning!