productivity

Computer Games

A teaching activity designed to give just-in-time knowledge can keep learning relevant to a problem being tackled and the sandbox in the early stages of learning can give students the confidence to experiment…and that is essentially the type of learning games provide. Hence, I like to introduce students to a topic via a game. OftenContinue reading “Computer Games”

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”

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”