Using the Hopscotch App to develop thinking processes
Students learn the language of code, developing a range of thinking skills.
Lesson Plan
Introduce learning intention:
To expose students to the language (vocabulary) of Code. To create a simple digital application (Game) for others to enjoy.
Special note for teachers:
For students to discover they can learn through experimentation and trial and error.
The Habit of risk taking is vital in learning new things and we can learn in a number of ways.
Create video tutorials online that allow student to view and learn at their own rate. This could be through tutorials for Hopscotch that you find online, tutorials that you create or your students create.
The Habit of risk taking is vital in learning new things and we can learn in a number of ways.
Create video tutorials online that allow student to view and learn at their own rate. This could be through tutorials for Hopscotch that you find online, tutorials that you create or your students create.
Teacher instruction:
Introduce Hopscotch App.
Demonstrate App and how you save your projects.
Discuss with students the functions of the iPad e.g tilt, shake........
Make clear with students we want to focus on learning new things and in different ways. The teacher doesn’t have all the knowledge.
Introduce the “3 before me” concept where student must ask 3 others before the teacher.
Teacher creates a basic tilt game where the character moves up, down, left and right by titling the iPad.
Demonstrate App and how you save your projects.
Discuss with students the functions of the iPad e.g tilt, shake........
Make clear with students we want to focus on learning new things and in different ways. The teacher doesn’t have all the knowledge.
Introduce the “3 before me” concept where student must ask 3 others before the teacher.
Teacher creates a basic tilt game where the character moves up, down, left and right by titling the iPad.
Student Steps:
1. Allow discovery time (approx 4 lessons). This promotes risk taking with no set project in minds to discover all the functions. Students can trial, relearn, make mistakes and discover that they are in control of their learning.
2. Plan the game through pictures and a storyboard.
3. Game development.
4. Students review initial plan. It is it achievable/realistic? Should I scale back? Should I expand my game?
5. Partner students with others. Partner offers feedback. What works? Doesn’t work from a players perspective?
6. Students create games and have a gaming expo where they invite other classes, teachers and parents to play games.
Reflection:
What did I like about my game?
What would I change next time?
What did the players think of my game?
Did I enjoy making the game? Where could I go to learn more about coding”
Excerpt From: Hamilton, Paul. “10 amazing lessons for the iPad Classroom.” v1.1. Paul Hamilton, 2013. iBooks.
This material may be protected by copyright.
Check out this book on the iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/10-amazing-lessons-for-ipad/id668251958?mt=11
