I am enjoying discovering new ways to use our recently acquired iPads in the classroom.  This caught my interest – creating learning zones with iBeacon technology http://youtu.be/S04viOYnSg4  #cserTask1

Last year, I was sent the link to this TED Talks…I liked the concept of ensuring Technology does not lose the Dreaming.  Sometime digital technologies are presented as impersonal, progressive….but we need to remember the importance of creativity.  https://www.ted.com/talks/shilo_shiv_suleman_using_tech_to_enable_dreaming

Towards the end of last year at uni, we got to trial participating in an online lesson, where you were represented on the computer through an avatar. It was an fascinating experience wandering through a online environment, and moving around to access the relevant materials needed for the lesson. It was very similar to being in the class as we were all connected and able to talk to the fellow participants as well. #cserTask1  

First, a recent article which delves into the life of a young entrepreneur. It's quite daunting and exciting to think how we might prepare students for such radically different experiences so early on in their lives. Then, to make sure we remember to include a little fun… here's a clip to encourage some smiles http://youtu.be/KdxEAt91D7k   

http://milesberry.net/2014/03/computational-thinking-in-primary-schools/?utm_content=bufferfe742&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Thought it was worth an insight into a view on the UK experience from @mberry

Not sure if shared already or not useful – a useful site put together by some UK teachers primaryictitt #cse
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We have started using a new Mathematics Program for our Early Years (Prep – Year 1) students.  Bee Bots are part of this program.  I have never used them before and I am looking forward to learning all about them.  I am sure the students are going to love them! #cserTask1

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We are exploring a number of options with students for computational thinking.  From the early days of the Tasman Turtle that first excited us in the early 1980's to the Bee Bots and the BeeBot app for iPads.  
To using iPads for thinking about how to program a task in Hopscotch or Scratch for iPads and desktop computers.

I have been inspired by is QR (Quick Response) Codes.  I have used them in Kindergarten as a self correcting activity.  I am looking at creating book reviews with my year 3's this year.  I also use them in class newsletters.  The options are endless.  I just need more hours in the day to do what I want to do!!
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'How Search Works' a short clip that overviews what happens when you do a web search. Covers terminology including index and spiders, most importantly it clearly shows how the words in your search are searched within the Google index. Also provides a summary of results and how to read them. I have used this with Year 5 and 6 students and they find it fascinating, a great introduction to savvy search techniques.
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This TED-Ed video demonstrates that if we, as teachers, can give students opportunities to move from being digital technology users to creators, then we can alter the perception of social media and its use. For instance in this video, Jer Thorp created a program that used the data from Twitter to study the travel patterns of people which Scientists and Doctors can use to analyze the spread of disease. #cserTask1 

Amazing to use Google as a tool to engage students in the classroom. #cserTask1  

I love the idea of he Raspberry Pi. It is versatile and a hands on way to involve students in programming. I would love to give it ago, it has been a long time since I last did any programming and would love to be able to use it in class. I have included a short video about Dave Ackerman and his release of Babbage, the bionic teddy,  from high altitude using the Raspberry Pi.  #csertask1  

Really interested to start looking over the MOOC.  As someone who has supported secondary and priamry sectors in the UK with the new curriculum I am looking at this as a really positive step towards PD for schools in Aus.  It looks great and I cant wait to go through it

After being inspired by blogging teachers, I am keen to experiment with QR codes in my Year 6 classroom. The kids are noticing QR codes in their community now that they are aware of what they are and how they can enhance their learning.

Found another online site to explore with my students. It is Thinglink. An interesting way of aggregating links, videos and other information about a topic. #cserTask1 

Bee Bots are a great open-ended hands-on resource for introducing young children to simple sequential programming steps. I have used them for the past 5 years in the classroom with children aged 4 – 8 years old. They provide a solid foundation for using Lego robotics kits in later year levels. #csertask1  

I have recently discovered this app on my iPad. Basically, you can create a powerpoint that can be shared with your students when they link into it on their computers. You can have all your students at a computer during computer lessons and they can access the powerpoint as you go through it. They enter their name and answer questions (you receive the score they get in a list), the can draw pictures and you will receive these in a list as well and SOOO much more! I am very excited to try this out! 

I have been using the hour of code materials as part of a junior secondary programme. Getting students to understand algorithms and how the affect what we do. The hour of code material I include here is a simple task that is done through paper. A great activity to get things started. #cserTask1