Digital Media and Computer Control Across the Curriculum

What is computer control?

A set of instructions programmed into a machine, which causes it to operate in a predetermined manner.

We use computers to control many things around us. A few examples from around our homes are: microwave, TV, central heating, washing machine. Some examples from outside our homes are: traffic lights, oyster cards and CCTV.  

We thought about why we use computers to control things. We could think of a lot of reasons - it's cheaper, they don't make mistakes, they don't need breaks, they are reliable and consistent. It is also important to discuss both advantages and disadvantages of using computers for this purpose with children. We thought that a disadvantage is the loss of jobs through computers now being able to do things better and more efficiently than people can.

Programmable Toys and Robots

A common topic in the media about ICT use in schools is that children do not learn enough about actual computer programming and instead too much about simply using programmes such as Microsoft word (see article here.)

Programmable toys are a great way for children to learn about using and entering simple instructions to carry out a set of actions. They could provide a way into more complex computer programming. We had the chance to play with a variety of these robots.

Bee bot!

We looked at bee bots. Children can enter instructions using the buttons on top. When they are finished they press the green 'go' button and the bee will carry out the instructions. The bee comes with a map so the children can direct it to a particular place on the map. The bee bot is very accessible to younger children as it is approachable and easy to use.

  We looked at a programmable device called a pixie. This can be programmed in the same way as a bee bot. Both of these robots can be used for cross-curricular purposes, for example children could make them move to a particular area on a map by entering coordinates, linking to Geography and Maths. Below is a video of us trying out the pixie.

We used a digital microscope called a flexiscope to take magnified pictures. We really enjoyed using this and thought it would be great to use with children because it is very easy to use and there are unlimited things around us that they could take pictures of! It can be both an individual and a whole class resource and obviously could be an invaluable Science resource. Below are some pictures we took with the flexiscope of a jumper and a hand!