This course will provide the opportunity to understand the benefits to learners of early engagement in computing science principles and concepts, which can be encouraged through play based approaches.
Through completion of the course, delegates will be able to be able to plan, implement and evaluate play based learning experiences for learners focussing on computing science outcomes. We will encourage hands on practical experience with a variety of resources provided, develop understanding of different pedagogical approaches, consider the advantages and impact of unplugged activities and outdoor learning, as well as how we can use apps and websites to further develop skills and understanding.
Through a combination of a day face to face at SSERC, self-study gap tasks and a final live remote session, we will build towards developing the skills and confidence required to plan, facilitate and evaluate computing science experiences within your own setting.
A variety of computing science resources will be provided for delegates to use alongside the course and to keep thereafter for your setting.
Course Start Date: 26th January 2024 and 8th March 2024
Closing Date: 23rd December 2023
Audience
For Educators working in and around Early and First levels of the curriculum.
Rationale
Gain an understanding of approaches to learning and teaching of Computing Science at Early-First Level utilising National advice with hands-on activities to engage and inspire.
Course Leader
Kevin Reid
Cost
The initial cost of the course is £320 which is paid upfront through your setting. This fee covers the PL and the resources provided for you to keep as part of the course.
This course is a STEM Learning ENTHUSE bursary course with each setting receiving £320 upon successful completion of the course including all relevant evaluations.
The core outcomes covered in this course are :-
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
Other Experiences and Outcomes will be covered during the course.
Aim and objectives
On completion of this training, you should be able to:
- Confidently engage with Computing Science concepts and pedagogical approaches, and gain a better understanding of the necessity and benefits of early engagement.
- Plan, implement and evaluate play-based learning experiences, using the resources provided, within your own setting.
- Enhance learner experiences through introducing unplugged and outdoor learning to promote Computing Science experiences and outcomes.
Day one will take place as a face to face, full day session in at SSERC on the 16th September 2022.
The final live remote session will take place on MS Teams on the afternoon of the 25th November 2022.
Each successful applicant will receive an invite to a SSERC Ltd guest Teams account and have access to the Gap Task via MS Teams.
