Part 1: – 26th April 2024 (face to face at SSERC)

Part 2: – 31st May 2024 (MS Teams – afternoon online session)

This course will provide an introduction to Sphero indi and how this fantastic and engaging resource can be used in the Primary setting (targeted at Early/First level) to enhance engagement in Computing Science principles and concepts.   

We will encourage hands on practical experience with indi via a full day face to face session, self-study elements and a final afternoon live remote session, using the Sphero indi resources provided to you via the Enthuse funding (see Cost Tab below). There will also be a focus on developing an understanding of different pedagogical approaches, whilst considering the impact of play-based and cross-curricular learning, along with unplugged activities.  

To find out more about Sphero indi, click here to watch a UK Case Study: indi in the classroom! 

When you have completed this course, you will also be eligible to apply for Sphero indi loan kits as part of our SSERC Lending Library service, in order to expand the use of this resource in your setting.

Dates: 26th April and 31st May 2024

Closing Date for application: 22nd March 2024

Booking for this course is no longer possible as the closing date has passed.

Audience

For Educators working in and around Early and First level CfE, although this resource could be used to introduce Computing Science concepts across the entire primary setting.

Rationale

This exciting professional learning practical course provides the opportunity for you to try out engaging STEM activities, inclusive of Computing Science elements, and to consider how they can be transferred to your own setting.

Course Leader

Kevin Reid

Kevin.Reid@sserc.scot

Cost

The course fees are subsidised by ENTHUSE funding from STEM Learning. This fee covers the PL and the Sphero Indi resources provided for you to keep as part of the course. SSERC will support you to complete the application process.   

Your setting pays for the course in advance, and once the course activities and evaluations are completed, you will be eligible for an ENTHUSE subsidy.  This subsidy is normally paid by STEM Learning 8 weeks after the course has been completed. 

Course cost:  £320

ENTHUSE subsidy:  £320 

Core outcomes covered:

Organiser:   Designing, building and testing computing solutions

I can develop a sequence of instructions and run them using programmable devices or equivalent. – TCH 0-15a

I can demonstrate a range of basic problem solving skills by building simple programs to carry out a given task, using an appropriate language. – TCH 1-15a

Aim and objectives 

On completion of this training, you should be able to:

  • Integrate the teaching of Computing Science concepts within your setting
  • Use Sphero indi to develop pupil knowledge and understanding of computational thinking
  • Plan, implement and evaluate play based learning opportunities for your learners using Sphero indi

Face to face full day session at SSERC – 26th April 2024

Live remote session on MS Teams – afternoon of and 31st May 2024

There will also be a Gap Task to complete via MS Teams.

Each successful applicant will receive an invite to a SSERC Ltd guest teams account.