Prototype Reflection
My prototype is an Understanding by Design framework for the K-2 computer science curriculum that I am developing. This gives an outline to the direction I would like to take with my curriculum development. In the lesson events section, the framework is not complete. I am continuing to work on each lesson structure and activity. The framework highlights four main categories of teaching including computer operation, algorithm/sequencing, data and technological impact. The vehicle for the content will be a Google Site that I create. My students are familiar with our current classroom site and will model it after this structure. Working through the prototype process, helped develop my ideas and resources for the curriculum framework. It also made me realize the amount of work I have ahead of me to develop a curriculum that I am satisfied with. The areas of my curriculum that I don’t touch on in my UbD is the Spanish resources that will need to be developed. Google Doc Prototype
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Creativity can be found in all different forms. When asking myself, "What is the value of creativity?" The first thing that came to mind is time being part of the issue. If we had more time and had a better way of organizing things that allow us to be creative, then maybe we could be more creative. I took this idea and ran with it, creating a desk organizer/phone holder in TinkerCAD. Here is a step by step Google Slide guide on this project and the link to my TinkerCAD file. Here is what I started with: Using basic shapes and the cutting feature, I was able to create my final product shown below my reflection. Reflection
The process of making an idea into something tangible from an idea was surprisingly difficult. After pondering the thought of taking a very abstract idea, I chose to go the direction of prototyping to make being creative easier. The construction process was a bit different for me. I chose to prototype using software that I use in my classroom. I would not consider myself an expert and provided me with an opportunity to be very intentional about learning more about the software. In all honesty it took me far longer than the suggested one hour, in fact, it was probably closer to three hours. Having recently obtained a 3D printer in my classroom through donations, I have been extremely excited about getting students using it. Up until this point, I have been making small trinkets and did a lesson with 8th graders to create organizational tools for a pegboard in the classroom. While the open ended nature of the prompts was difficult, it inspired me to do this with my students. Giving them a project direction but leaving a prompt open to interpretation will prevent me from unintentionally stifling their creativity. My creation of a desk organizer also lent itself to me learning much more about TinkerCAD and gave me additional ideas about how I can teach with the software. My Problem Developing a computer science curriculum for a younger audience is challenging.
My Problem of Practice Developing a computer science curriculum for a younger audience is challenging. My Idea Notes - Pre-Incubation - Finding more or the right resources because they are limited. Do I have time to create my own? - Constraints around my classroom space. Ideally, I would have a more open area with a space for students to sit on the ground during parts of instruction. I also must consider that my room needs to be accessible for kindergarteners to 8th graders. They have such different needs. - Could my younger students build the curriculum? An out there idea but it would be more student centered. How could I do this? - I have my students for 60 minutes. Their attention span is short. To combat this, I have worked on giving them choice in educational games that have grown with them over the course of this year. It seems to be working and they really enjoy it. I have seen the benefits of gamification on educational skills around math and literacy. - Is there a way to incorporate this gamification into a computer science focused curriculum? My Post-Incubation Addendum I am more convinced that I should create my own resources and curriculum. Focusing on elements that build my students up and empower them to pursue computer science. Some focuses: - Digital citizenship-responsibility - technical digital proficiency-motor skills - Educational technology-reinforce math and literacy Some considerations to keep in mind - ELL-spanish translations My Reflection I found the process to be beneficial in resetting my thoughts. As I was brainstorming my ideas were feeling slightly overwhelming with many more problems arising. After the incubation period, I had a fresh take and was more sure of my initial ideas around developing a younger computer science curriculum. I was also much more concise and confident about the direction I would like to move into. Google Doc |
AuthorMy name is Ryan MacLeod and I live in Seattle, WA. I am currently a K-8 Lab Coordinator. I have a passion for educational technology integration and curriculum design, especially when it comes to the social sciences. Archives
April 2021
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