Computing used to be taught by simply teaching the pupils how to switch on their computer and how to use simple office applications. However, from September 2014, this is now required to be embedded across the curriculum to make room for the teaching of Computer Science and Digital Literacy in dedicated Computing sessions.
A lot of different opinions about what should be taught as part of the new Computing curriculum are being discussed throughout the education community and to wade through all of this is a massive undertaking. Therefore we are delighted to share some top tips on the computing curriculum from Rob Whitehouse, Samsung Digital Academy e-Learning Specialist. Here are his top tips to help you with the new computing curriculum.
- Start Simple
To read through all of the different forums, resource banks and schemes for everyone’s opinion on how to teach this new curriculum would be a load of work and would take up so much time and would probably only confuse you further. Start simple by reading the Quick Start Computing ‘Computing at Schools guides’ for primary and secondary school teachers. - Just teach the basics
Teachers can sometimes feel pressured to teach pupils everything in their lessons, when it just isn’t practical. Your task is to help them learn the basics and, if they choose to do so, they can then choose Computing for further study. - You don’t need to be a professional programmer!
There are many things to help you and your students, for example there are many different online platforms and apps for learning to program. These platforms and apps will guide your learners step-by-step. Let your stronger learners lead the way and utilise them in your classroom. - It’s not all about computers
Learning about computing can be done even with exercises that don’t necessarily involve a computer. There are many ‘unplugged’ activities that you can use to teach the subject. Check out csunplugged.org for loads of free activities. - Be prepared for teething problems
Changing the nation’s understanding of Computing will not happen overnight, so be prepared for a huge disparity in skills and knowledge for the next year or two. Until the new computing is embedded into the curriculum, there are going to be some teething problems when it comes to learning. Some of the pupils won’t know anything about computing so you will need to be prepared for every level of learner.
If you would be interested in attending one of our future computing workshops for free then please register your interest here.
