Tech-Dojo
Ysgol Bryn Elian & the Local Community
What is Tech-Dojo?
Digital Literacy is almost a given in today’s society, however computing is less so. Our sector-leading Tech-Dojo sessions aim to introduce latest technology to the local community including all stakeholders. Be it current students, primary children, home educated children, parents and even other teachers as a means of CPD, we introduce them to the possibilities of computing through a range of fun activities. We use Raspberry Pi’s extensively to introduce visual & text based coding and add electronics into the mix so participants can light up bulbs and code real working circuits.
The Tech-Dojo Concept
When? - They are held on a Saturday. We have run two so far, one in September 2013 and one in February 2014. Our next one is in September 2014 but we plan to take the Tech-Dojo on the road to primary schools during the Summer term!
Who can attend? - We promote the events through local primary schools, Twitter, and the Tech-Dojo App. Children attend from schools across North Wales as well as teachers looking for CPD, we have also had members of the LEA attend to experience our success for themselves.
Why? - These sessions are ultimately aimed at raising awareness of the possibilities of using things like Raspberry Pi's, Scratch, Minecraft, and App building tools, to help children realise the possibilities of being skilled in these areas. In doing so, we begin to raise the aspirations of the young people in our community.
Tech-Dojo September 28th 2013
Tech-Dojo February 8th 2014
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Inclusive nature of the concept
Utilising innovative practice developed here at Ysgol Bryn Elian we aim to deliver first class sessions that inform and educate. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible to raise aspirations across the region, in addition to preparing schools for changes on the educational landscape through sector-leading practice.
To date we have run two highly successful Dojo's, with over 150 children from 20 schools across North Wales taking part. Fun-packed days supercharged with technology ensure all are engaged, having fun, and most of all learning! Impact is of paramount importance to us, as a result of this we seek feedback on every session, the positive comments have been staggering!
Some of the feedback we've received
"I can't believe it's free!" - Kellie Williams - Wales Primary School Teacher of the Year 2013
"Thank you so much, I really enjoyed today!" - Parent
"It was a brilliant day, I had loads of fun." - Year 4 child
"What a fantastic day, my son Mason is 9 years old and in his own words 'Best day of his life', thank you :):):)" - Parent
"How accessible the technology is. Will definitely be trying Scratch and Minecraft at home!" - Parent
"Thank you for a great day. Good to share the experience with my son" - Parent
"This was a good use of my Saturday + FUN!!!" - Year 6 child
"The teachers, helpers, and pupils were very kind, polite, and helpful" - Year 6 child
Take-away resource
Tech-Dojo USB
Prizes!
Download the Tech-Dojo App
What activities take place?
Raspberry Pi
We try to be different at each event, we already have six new activities planned for the next Tech-Dojo (September 2014) where we will create an intruder alarm, use motors to create optical illusions, and create the classic wire-buzz game, all on a Pi that the children will code themselves!
Coding on a Raspberry Pi
Coding music!
Experimenting with GPIO
Coding
Working on the Pi
Digital Leaders
Teamwork
We have a green light!
Dad offering an extra hand
Dad doing some final checks
Concentration
Team share their joy!
Scratch Visual Programming
We have already remixed Flappy Bird in Scratch to use at the next event!
It's all in the code!
Visual coding
Exploring and Learning together!
Coding and testing the movement
Actively engaged
Digital Leaders
Minecraft
In using such a huge hook with children we are able to create deep learning while they seemingly 'play the game' they love.
Building confidence
Mum having a go at Minecraft
Watch and learn Dad!
Building a solution
1st Time Crafter
Craft at home
Image Representation
Making a golden axe from Minecraft
Despicable!
Creeper Heads and TNT
Mario lives on!
Minecraft Pick Axe in the making
Bridging the gap!
Building Apps
Tech-Dojo in the press
Allen Heard - Founder of Ysgol Bryn Elian's Tech-Dojo
As a computer scientist, Allen is keen to use technology to provide deep learning experiences that stretch beyond the norm. Allen was the first teacher in Wales to develop a dedicated Minecraft club to teach topics such as community, respect, collaborative working, problem solving and creativity. He also developed an App (Escape from Byron Bay) to teach Interactive Fiction to KS3 students as a means of improving literacy. Attending a number of teach-meets across North Wales, Allen has shared his work on Cloud based learning, Digital Leaders, and Interactive fiction, to empower teachers across the region in the use of Web 2.0 technologies to engage with students and share his experiences.
More recently, aside from his work on Tech-Dojo sessions, Allen has developed behaviour monitoring and rewards software that is currently in use in Ysgol Bryn Elian. The impact of which has seen behavioural incidents in school reduced by 63% over an 18 month period.
Looking ahead, Allen and the Tech-Dojo team plan to take the concept on tour, delivering quality computing sessions in primary schools, they also aim to provide the vital CPD teachers will need to be ready for the new computing curriculum. They hope to lead a number of schools towards taking their first steps in getting to grips with the latest Computing Progression Pathway.
Email: ahd@brynelian.conwy.sch.uk
Website: www.mrheard.co.uk
Location: LL298HU, United Kingdom
Twitter: @MrAHeard