Computational Thinking

 DFI Week 8: Computational Thinking

Connecting with Manaiakalani - Empowered

Empowered teachers and learners.  Research around the world has shown that when children from low decile schools start they have a mean average of 3 years, they have heard 32 million words less than children from a decile 10 school and the turnover in low decile school is a 1/3 higher than high decile schools.  The Manaiakalani kaupapa is around empowerment and the access of knowledge through 1.1 devices.  Principles of equity and access are the same as the Treaty of Waitangi - partnership, protection, participation.

Future of Tech:

I really enjoyed this session by Jacob, although I am very aware of the saying preparing children for jobs that don't exist today this session reminded me of the importance of this and the importance of ensuring our learners are able to access technology as part of their learning.  This also resonated with the empowered kaupapa of Manaiakalani and the importance of equity for all.  I was amazed to learn all the different ways New Zealanders have embraced digital tech and how this has empowered their lives, jobs and opportunities, once again reinforcing the importance and need for our tamariki to be digital citizens so they are able to be active participants within the workforce.

Digital Technologies Curriculum:

Digital Fluency and Digital Technologies - what is the difference?

Fluency is around when and why to use specific digital technologies to achieve a specific task or solve problems.

A digitally capable person can create their own digital technologies solution.   We need out teachers to be digitally fluent.

How this all fits together:

It was great to have an opportunity to explore the digital technology curriculum and reflect on the next steps for Kura.

Exploring Coding:

I spent time exploring different coding sites and activities and I was definitely in the learning pit.  It is a language I am unsure of and required a lot of trial and error to get my Scratch project to work.  I really enjoyed the block coding with Minecraft and found it easy to use.