Education Today Education Today Magazine
Great news for primary schools! EducationCity’s computing module for Key Stages 1 and 2, packed with interactive multimedia activities, lesson plans and topic tools to help teachers meet the demands of the new curriculum is free until 31st December 2014![1]
The perfect companion for teachers who feel daunted by the new subject’s objectives, EducationCity’s computing module is divided into three distinct areas – computer science, information technology and digital literacy. Key Stage 2 is also split into lower and upper levels to help teachers differentiate the objectives.
For computer science, EducationCity has developed the Code Crunch programming tool which helps children explore and understand how code is structured and the results that can be achieved by writing their own simple lines of instruction. Featured tutorials help teachers get to grips with delivering coding lessons and pupils can follow suggested activity plans targeted at their ability or use their imagination to create their own outcomes.
Information technology looks at the application and uses of technology in terms of how it impacts pupils’ day-to-day lives and the world around them. Multimedia activities include making a newsletter, editing documents and changing fonts and sizes. They are supported by further resources with step-by-step instructions to help pupils explore topics at their own pace.
Finally, digital literacy explores the safe and responsible use of technology and educates young people on the importance of staying safe online. For example, one activity called ‘Safe Surfing’, aimed at Key Stage 1 learners, features characters raising awareness about browsing the internet and explores how pupils could respond to issues such as spam and cyberbullying.
As with all the rich media resources produced by EducationCity, the computing module is designed to engage pupils and teachers alike through the use of colourful images, animation, text, voice over, sounds, music and interactions.
James Lison, Senior Producer at EducationCity, said, “Every job now involves some level of technology and this curriculum will give primary pupils the basic skills and head start they need for the rest of their lives. We are confident that our new computing module will help allay concerns about teaching this new subject, in particular the coding element.”
For further information about EducationCity or for a free trial, please call +44 (0) 844 225 3060, or visit: www.EducationCity.com. Follow @EducationCity on Twitter.