Week 5 - Control and Modelling

What do we want? Programmers! 

When do we want them? Now!

From washing machines and microwave ovens to Sat-Navs and traffic lights - our lives are now completely dominated by computer programs.

It is no surprise therefore to learn that educating children in programming is now at the forefront of the Computing curriculum.

As early as Key Stage 1 children are now taught to:

• understand what algorithms are; how they are implemented as programs on digital devices; and that programs execute by following precise and unambiguous instructions
• create and debug simple programs
• use logical reasoning to predict the behaviour of simple programs
• use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, manipulate and retrieve digital content

(DfE 2013)

This may sound awfully complicated and many might assume that 5-year-old children will not be able to achieve such ambitious targets. 
However, with the use of programmable toys such as Bee Bots, Roamer and Pippin, young children can begin to understand the very basics of how computer programs work.

All of the programmable toys have very simple interface made up of directional arrows, distance input and button to make it move. By using these buttons children can 'program' their toy to follow a simple set of instructions. This will show an understanding of how there must be a procedure to make things work. In computing terms this involves giving a set of instructions or commands which are then stored by the computers CPU and can be repeatedly implemented upon the users command.

Children should be encouraged to investigate and solve simple problems with the toys and through this they begin to experience how to 'debug'.

Using Bee Bots and other programmable toys in this way offers rich opportunities for inclusion in other areas of the curriculum. 

In English, programmable robots are an excellent tool for promoting speaking and listening skills and when used effectively, can be invaluable in developing spoken language.

Valuing the shape and space 
curriculum is an important start to developing 
children’s spatial mathematical ability. Thinking visually is an important and often 
neglected dimension of intellectual activity.  The 
ability to visualise can be practiced and developed using Bee Bots and other programmable toys.  
As the spatial aspect of mental mathematics, it is 
increasingly being seen as of central importance to 
children’s learning.

Click here to see an example of how Bee Bots are used for numeracy.

The control technology of programmable toys also offers the opportunity to increase a child's problem solving skills which are vital in developing a scientific approach. Investigating the best ways to give and modify instructions improves critical and complex thinking.

There are many ways to motivate children with fun and exciting Bee Bot activities but one of the best is for them to decorate the Bee Bot and to give it a 'map' to follow.
This can be done as an airplane, a treasure hunt or even as their favourite footballer.

Crystal Palace Legend Marouane Chamakh as a Bee Bot

A Treasure Map designed for use with Bee Bots

Here are some useful links to creating exciting and stimulating activities that use programmable toys:

http://www.scoop.it/t/bee-bot-lessons-and-ideas

http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/ict/ict4.htm

http://www.earlylearninghq.org.uk/themes/themed-bee-bot-mats/

http://www.primarytreasurechest.com/bee-bot-resources/bee-bot-jackets.html