Digi Tech 

Foundation Robotics and Coding

This term the Foundation students have been discovering the school’s BeeBot robots. These very cute little ‘bee robots’ teach the students about the basic elements of coding where sequencing of instructions is paramount.

Most recently the students have created mazes from blocks and created pathways to follow using command cards. Later this term they will program their BeeBots to draw and write their own sequences (algorithms) for the BeeBots to follow.

Level 3 Lego BOOST Robotics

Part of the Technology curriculum involves the Level 3 students building and coding the school’s Lego Boost robots. With a partner the students are required to use an iPad to follow the assembly instructions and then code the robots to perform certain tasks. Pictured above are 3BK who have another 3 weeks to complete their building and coding missions.

Balancing Technology Time  (eSmart)

Balancing our technology use is important for our health, well being and it looks different for everyone.

Below are two diagrams of children’s brains. Cover the image on the right and explain that this is a scan of a child’s brain while completing an activity. Ask your child what they think they might have been doing. Encourage them to explain why they are thinking this. Uncover the right hand image and repeat the question about what the activity may have been and why. 

Explain that these are scans of children completing an identical multitasking test. Ask your child the reasons why they think the brain activity is different between the two children.

Explain to your child that the key factor to the increased brain activity is regular exercise. Children who consistently run around and play show improved thinking skills [https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2014/09/29/352455278/more-active-play-equals-better-thinking-skills-for-kids].

Playing games and learning new skills generates brain power! A healthy balance of technology supports a range of online and offline skills with lots of new brain connections created.

Ask your child to scrunch a piece of A4 paper then carefully unfold and flatten it. With a felt tip pen ask your child to trace along all the fold lines, noting a positive mind is powered by a balance of time both online and offline. 

Thinking about your learning reflect on the processes by chatting about these questions:

What do I do? Do I have a balance of technology and new skills/games etc?

What did I learn today?

How do I feel? Why do I feel this way?

In what way can I use the information above to help me?