PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Our engaging programme is planned focussing on key concepts that underpin computer technology: digital systems (hardware and software), data representation and management, computational solutions, communication and impact . Lessons align to New Zealand and Australian Digital Technologies Curricula and standards. Our courses explore the study of digital technologies and provide a link with other learning areas- English, Mathematics, Science, Arts, Sports Humanities and Health Education.
Which course is right for my child?
Units 1,2,3 and 4 have been designed for students with varying levels of reading (pre-readers, beginners and advanced) or learning abilities. New courses will be planned for older students too when required. The courses are based on grade levels and designed to be flexible depending on developmental level and prior experience. We assume no prior computer science or coding knowledge and have provided clear, detailed lesson plans that can be customized to different situations. Whether art, science, games, sports or stories, students will have the freedom to work on activities and projects that excite them.
Units Structure and Lesson Outlines
We have adopted a spiralling course structure, in which concepts and skills are revisited in each unit while delving deeper at each level. The course structure can be tailored to meet students’ needs and evolving experience. Students undertake computing lessons with or without a computer ("unplugged"- use of physical manipulatives to model computational concepts). Every unit is organised into a sequence of online and hands-on activities allowing students to gain knowledge and develop key competencies in digital systems, data management, creating digital solutions, cybersafety and protocols. Each unit consists of 10 to 12 lessons, each lasting for 50 -60 minutes. Longer activities and school holiday programmes can be provided on demand.
Instructional Strategies
- Lead learner: the instructor acts as the lead learner and facilitator because we believe that this technique enables instructors to be empathic toward students and guide them in the challenges they face in learning new material. This represents good teaching practice.
- Team work: this increases students' confidence and develop their critical thinking skills. With this system, students share responsibilities writing instructions or planning the design and setup of an activity. Students will learn how to work in a team, ask questions of peers; test, evaluate, and refine solutions collaboratively
- Interest oriented: we believe that students have interests and are most engaged by the things they're already interested in. We meet learners where they are in their learning journey.
- Journaling: students keep a journal to write down ideas and answers to questions. Our young computer scientists are encouraged to take notes on their trials and achievements. Journals are useful for planning, problem solving and strategising. Journals will serve as a great resource for work on ‘my project choice activities’ (projects carried out at the end of a unit).
- Digital citizenship: instructors serve as cybersafety ‘Guides’ and lead students to become safe and successful digital citizens in accordance with NetSafe’s LGP (Learn Guide Protect) framework and policy. CompuTech Club supports digital citizenship for the promotion of responsible and safe use of technology. We provide play-based ,engaging activities and games to enhance students’ understanding of online safety by practising respect, empathy and resilience. Younger learners will explore Kiddle,a visual search engine for kids offering safe kids web, image and videos.
Course Projects and My choice day
Students will undertake projects applying algorithm and design principles to create innovative outcomes and solve problems while taking into account end-user considerations. They will formulate their own questions, plan and develop their own solutions and critique their own work.
Students can work on a chosen topic, idea or activity of interest. They will employ computing principles learned to carry out/develop a project that represents their own creativity. Also, students can be given a project (paired or single) to work on where necessary.
Mini project areas can include audio production, newspaper and article design, photo and graphic design, coding and programming. Different software applications can be used to present data, an idea, process or story of choice. Students will present their projects and receive constructive feedback from peers, parents and instructors.
Students can work on a chosen topic, idea or activity of interest. They will employ computing principles learned to carry out/develop a project that represents their own creativity. Also, students can be given a project (paired or single) to work on where necessary.
Mini project areas can include audio production, newspaper and article design, photo and graphic design, coding and programming. Different software applications can be used to present data, an idea, process or story of choice. Students will present their projects and receive constructive feedback from peers, parents and instructors.
Student progress
At CompuTech Club, we provide tools that allow parents to easily see progress and to identify evidence of learning. We try to identify where a student is succeeding and/or encountering challenges so that their learning experience can be tailored appropriately. Information and updates on class activities, student work/profile are stored in their personal USB flash drives (provided by the club), emailed directly to parents or posted facebook.
Additionals students will get the opportunity to:
Additionals students will get the opportunity to:
- Participate in 123Tech Challenge and other exciting digital technology competitions if desired.
What’s in it for me/how will I benefit?
- We have a specially formulated and adaptive learning programme which supports students to have fun while learning, engage in critical and computational thinking, be creative and innovative, reflective, problem solve, and be effective communicators.
- Students will develop technological knowledge to participate in society as informed digital citizens and have a foundation for computer-related careers.
- Access to free learning materials and tools with the opportunity for students to bring their own device (computer, ipad) if preferred.
- Access to and opportunities to learn/or improve typing skills, code your own computer programme, webpage design, guidance with using computing to do school homework and participate in computing championships.
- Caring and supportive facilitators to guide students every step of the way on their journey to greatness.
Registration
Join us in our passion to train and equip kids to be at the fore front of computing now and in the future. Register today!
CompuTech Kids Club is a great environment for students to collaborate with their peers and provides another strategy for guiding students towards answers and solutions.
CompuTech Kids Club is a great environment for students to collaborate with their peers and provides another strategy for guiding students towards answers and solutions.
