creativity

Beyond Copy/Paste

Introduction One of my major concerns is helping my students improve at research: facile as it seems, they need to be able to not only find and copy/paste information: they need to be able to filter and apply information to synthesise their own work. I have tried to engage students with research work in variousContinue reading “Beyond Copy/Paste”

Using Padlet

Introduction Some months ago, I decided to use a Padlet-based discussion for a Year 11 topic tackling the effects of computers on society. I expected this to be a topic on which all students had points to share and focussed on creating a discussion where all students had the possibility of sharing their points. PadletContinue reading “Using Padlet”

You made it!

One awesome thing about having internet-enabled devices at hand is that it is so easy (and affordable!) to implement a ‘take your own route to making it’ approach to assessment, allowing students to work their way towards correct answers without being penalised for their mistakes on the way. Of course the element of trial-and-error necessitatesContinue reading “You made it!”

Blog 4 Coding

Teaching coding to a mixed-ability group can be very challenging. However our blog allowed me increased flexibility as outlined here. Providing resources for self-learning Self-learning is not only a 21st century skill but a particularly key skill for any programming. This lesson structure allowed me to encourage self-learning in my students, started from the veryContinue reading “Blog 4 Coding”

Trivial Pursuit

In ‘A New Culture of Learning‘ the authors highlight how play is not only key to childhood but can be central to adults thriving in the twenty first century: and this is just one of a myriad arguments for a gamified approach to learning. A sense of continuity and purpose to students’ work is aContinue reading “Trivial Pursuit”

Who dreamt my tech?

Introduction In 2017, as Malta was hosting the CHOGM, our school chose the Commonwealth and CHOGM as the theme for its annual exhibition. The Computing department focussed on one of the major themes of this meeting, namely: human rights, diversity and migration. Phase 1: Researching ‘Major Inventions’ Students were asked to list things they considerContinue reading “Who dreamt my tech?”

Verduino @ Verdala

Introduction In a project that was loosely structured around the jigsaw technique, the Year 10 Computing Team used robotics and programming to explore the school’s annual exhibition theme of ‘The Verdala Experience’. We developed a timeline that invited visitors to a hands-on experience of our school’s rich history. The team therefore created a robotic system thatContinue reading “Verduino @ Verdala”

Open a Window 4 Peace

Open a Window for Peace is a game created by the Students’ Council and members of the Gaming Club. Its aim was to animate the school’s Annual Exhibition with the theme of ‘Peace and Harmony’ in March 2017. The game was conceived with, produced and rehearsed mainly during midday break Gaming Club and Students’ Council meetings. Continue reading “Open a Window 4 Peace”