Access Computing and ICT
A small discussion took place last week on ICT-related units and courses suitable for pupils working at Access level.
We spoke about the refreshed PC Passport Beginner course, which although at SCQF Level 4, is suitable for some Access pupils. It was felt that the course had been improved; was more up-to-date; and that, within the post-S3 stage of Curriculum for Excellence, it could be embedded across the curriculum. There was a concern, however, that it would not engage some pupils as it didn't cover many of the uses of the internet made by school-age students.
The Digital Literacy course at Access 3 was mentioned as an alternative. This comprises: Digital Communication, Digital Computing, and Digital Numeracy. The course lends itself to using a range of new web tools, and the possibility of greater engagement, though it was felt that limitations on web/network access within schools may limit creativity in developing teaching and learning opportunities.
Access 3 Computing Studies, which although not refreshed for 5 years, still provides some relevant learning opportunities. It is well resourced and has the flexibility to tailor tasks to pupils' interests.
The Small Business Game (formerly The Sports Store Game/Sport4Life) is an educational game where you run your own football franchise store. It was given as an example of an engaging (even competitive) web-based resource which shows the relevance of ICT in providing learning opportunities across the curriculum and in a real-life setting.
Scratch is "a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art; and share your creations on the web." A demonstration on how this free-to-download program offers pupils a 'low-threshhold, high-ceiling' learning opportunity was made at the recent TeachMeet@ScottishBorders event, organised by East Lothian teacher, Stuart Meldrum. Click here to watch a replay of the event, which showcases many inspiring ICT resources, and teaching and learning strategies, shared by ground level educators.
We spoke about the refreshed PC Passport Beginner course, which although at SCQF Level 4, is suitable for some Access pupils. It was felt that the course had been improved; was more up-to-date; and that, within the post-S3 stage of Curriculum for Excellence, it could be embedded across the curriculum. There was a concern, however, that it would not engage some pupils as it didn't cover many of the uses of the internet made by school-age students.
The Digital Literacy course at Access 3 was mentioned as an alternative. This comprises: Digital Communication, Digital Computing, and Digital Numeracy. The course lends itself to using a range of new web tools, and the possibility of greater engagement, though it was felt that limitations on web/network access within schools may limit creativity in developing teaching and learning opportunities.
Access 3 Computing Studies, which although not refreshed for 5 years, still provides some relevant learning opportunities. It is well resourced and has the flexibility to tailor tasks to pupils' interests.
The Small Business Game (formerly The Sports Store Game/Sport4Life) is an educational game where you run your own football franchise store. It was given as an example of an engaging (even competitive) web-based resource which shows the relevance of ICT in providing learning opportunities across the curriculum and in a real-life setting.
Scratch is "a new programming language that makes it easy to create your own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art; and share your creations on the web." A demonstration on how this free-to-download program offers pupils a 'low-threshhold, high-ceiling' learning opportunity was made at the recent TeachMeet@ScottishBorders event, organised by East Lothian teacher, Stuart Meldrum. Click here to watch a replay of the event, which showcases many inspiring ICT resources, and teaching and learning strategies, shared by ground level educators.
posted by David Noble at Monday, March 02, 2009
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