Sometimes you need to convince colleagues to think about using educational technology in their lessons, or to identify where in their scheme of work they could incorporate it.
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Review: A student’s guide to Python for physical modelling
The book’s primary concern is enabling Python to be used for manipulating and plotting large datasets, dealing with image “noise” and other advanced topics.
Read MoreQuick look: Book Wars
As its subtitle indicates, Book Wars covers the analogue and digital battlefield in the world of books.
Read More"Facilitators" or "guides on the side"? No thanks
When the Computing Programme of Study was introduced in England, some people seriously suggested that the lack of suitably qualified teachers (i.e. not able to understand computing concepts or to do computer programming) was not a problem because classes could have “facilitators” instead.
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On this day: websites to stimulate computing project ideas
Enjoy exploring these websites for ideas for projects for Computing.
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Resources for International Holocaust Day (Holocaust Memorial Day)
Useful links for resources for Holocaust Memorial Day, and a 10% discount off a relevant book.
Read MoreTechnology and Writing: Dealing With Ideas (Updated)
Did Samuel Pepys carry a quill and an inkwell around with him?
Read MoreTwenty things to do with a computer (Forward 50) -- My review for SchoolsWeek
This is hands-down the most interesting edtech book I received for review in 2021, and easily the most inspiring.
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Review: 50 Tech Tuesday Tips
All of the tools mentioned are free of charge, or have a freemium pricing model. This is important because as a school teacher, Richard understands the importance of affordable solutions.
Read MoreReview: Teaching in the Online Classroom
An excellent observation is that even small changes can have profound effects.
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Review: The System: Who Owns the Internet, and How It Owns Us
This book will help teachers to address the parts of the Programme of Study concerned with computer systems, communications and online safety.
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On this day: applying computational thinking in the "real world"
I don’t think I’ve come across any examples of how pupils might use computational thinking in a broader context, or how it applies beyond the relatively narrow confines of computer science.
Read MoreReview: Audio for Authors (Yes, it IS relevant for teachers!)
Many moons ago I started my own podcast. It was called Terry Freedman’s Education Technology podcast, and it consisted of useful hints and tips for teachers of Computing and related subjects. I have to say that I found it hard going.
Read MoreThe value of case studies
Could it be worth compiling case studies of success stories of people who have used education technology or completed a Computing course in your school?
Read MoreReview: A Student's Guide to Python for Physical Modelling
While this book is comprehensive, and gives instructions step by step, it is not what you might call an idiot’s guide.
Read MoreMy experiments with transcribing audio
I was surprised, at first, to discover that dictating articles is very easy. When I thought about it though, I realised that it should not have been surprising at all.
Read More12 ways to prepare for teaching Computing
If you're told you'll be teaching Computing from now on, but don't feel competent to do so, what practical steps can you take in order to get up and running? Here are 12 suggestions.
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4 Ways to come up with innovative ideas for teaching Computing
To borrow from Dr Johnson, I find that most innovative ideas in Computing I read about are both new and exciting. Unfortunately, the ones that are new are not exciting, and the ones that are exciting are not new. It’s all very well “pushing the boundaries”, but all that does is give you more of the same.
Read MoreAnother criterion of IT project success: nothing
You can end up being so focused on measurable criteria that you miss really important stuff.
Read MoreWhy Is The Curriculum Like a bus Timetable (updated)?
I’ve observed lessons in which the teacher feels obliged to race on in order to get through the scheme of work. That results in some, if not all, students being left behind.
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