Digital Media and Computer Control

Digital Media and Computer Control

The obstacles have been removed as hardware and software have been developed :

1.    Hardware – It’s become so much easier to use external hardware, therefore we should try to take advantage.

2.    Software – Has been developed to allow a greater level of efficiency. For example downloading pictures has increased in efficiency as the memory for storing them has increased.

Programmable toys / robots / equipment you can use in the classroom: 

    Digital Microscope –  allows children to view magnified objects easily. It

has possible uses beyond an ordinary microscope. Also it extends children’s ICT skills. Not only can you use a microscope in it’s normal stable sense but it is portable and can be used to view most objects. Most importantly the digital microscope can be really good fun and motivating!

This is a useful video on how you might use a microscope in a classroom setting.:

http://www.teachersmedia.co.uk/videos/science-1

Bee Bot - is a great way to introduce control technology to children from as young as three. Many schools have found that Bee-Bot can help children develop skills or reinforce concepts which other resources simply don't capture in the same way. The versatile nature of Bee-Bot also helps to incorporate learning in many areas of the curriculum, embedding ICT into each.

Possible activities :

Bee bot alphabet mat

Bee bot Treasure Island mat

Bee-bot busy street map

Pippin

• PIPPIN adds a simple music capability to the full turtle graphics command set of forwards, backwards, left, right and pause. Commands must be followed by a number to specify how much of that command is required.

• As PIPPIN moves in centimetres and degrees, the numbers that students use for movements and turns are of a similar size. So 90 centimetres is a sensible sort of distance to use alongside 90 degrees. If these movement units are not suitable, movement and turn units can be changed to a desired value.

• PIPPIN can repeat instructions. For example, if PIPPIN is to follow a square path, it needs to move forward and turn 90 degrees four times.

• PIPPIN has built-in rechargeable batteries. There is no hassle of partly dismantling it to replace batteries or raising orders to buy replacement batteries at regular intervals. The charger is included in the price

• PIPPIN is our normal rectangular black box shape. It is easy to "aim" in a particular direction or line up with a course. A range of covers allows it to have many personalities.

 
(http://www.swallow.co.uk/pippin/pippin.htm)