Computer Programming & Games For Learning

Following on from last week’s session we went on to look at some of the computer programming software used in Primary School.  All the software was easy to use and by the end of the first session our whole class had started to produce some work interesting work! 

Logo

The first piece of software we looked at was called Logo. This program is the most commonly used piece of programming software used in schools. Although fairly basic in look it allows you to create shapes by inputting direction and length. Once I had grasped the idea of how it work I was able to create some fairly complex shapes!

This would be a perfect tool to use as part of as maths lesson as not only does it rely on children using their numbers skills, but also direction and shape skills. 

 Here's a great example of what you can create on logo! Unfortunately not created by me!

Scratch

This program was designed for education with the aim of children learning design and problem-solving skills, learning how to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively.

The manufactures say the program is designed for 8-16 year old's however, it’s so simple to use I think even a reception class could use it given the right amount of teacher guidance.

This program always children to program their own stories, animation, games, music and art and from there you can go on to post this on the internet.

I think this would be a perfect tool for children to create their own stories with pictures English lessons.