initiative

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!”

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”

Beyond exam marks

This exercise aims to increase the learning value of Half-Yearly Exams/tests etc, and is generally carried out in the first lesson after the exam/test session or as close to it as possible. Part 1: Paper Review Students are given a blog link with the marking scheme for the exam as well as a hardcopy exam-reviewContinue reading “Beyond exam marks”

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”

Save Silicon Valley

This was an attempt to gamify the year for Computing Year 9 students. The idea is that students view their every effort in the subject as related to their final goal of making it in the field. Introduction At the start of the scholastic year, students were introduced to our scenario: Then each student wasContinue reading “Save Silicon Valley”

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”