5 Hard to teach areas: sequencing
‘They [pupils] create sequences of instructions and understand the need to be precise when framing and sequencing instructions.’
Sequencing, formerly referred to as ‘programming’ in the National Curriculum, is an area which tends to be avoided because it seems difficult. How can the concept of computer programming be brought to life at Key Stage 3?
Read Computer programming in Key Stage 3 [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)] . This has been written by several members of the Computing at School group and argues the case for teaching computer programming as another aspect of digital literacy. It also includes useful theoretical material and practical activities.
Watch the video Programming example. This shows a building’s lights changing in various artistic ways.
Read the article called Understanding keyboard macros.
Reflection
- What are the key concepts in programming or sequencing?
- How might they be introduced to students in a way that sparks their interest?
- What resources are there in school that you can use to teach students about sequencing in an interesting way?
- How could you use the video referred to above to start a discussion with students about the nature of, and possible applications for, computer programming?
- How could you use the article on keyboard macros, referred to above, to introduce to students the idea of programming?
- Why is sequencing often perceived as being difficult to teach?
Further reading
Look at the Scratch programming language website. Scratch is a free programming language, with a community of users. The website shows examples of how it has been used.
Look at the Alice programming language website. Alice is a free programming language, and the website shows examples of how it has been used.
Control from the KS3 ICT National Strategy. Contains useful advice, but note that this site may disappear in time as it no longer represents Government policy.
Control systems from the KS3 ICT National Strategy. Contains useful advice, but note that this site may disappear in time as it no longer represents Government policy.
Other applications you may wish to explore, although some will need to be purchased, include:
- Lego world builder
- Kodu (visual programming language made specifically for creating games – requires X-box environment)
- Little big planet (commercial game-making application)
- Microsoft Dark GDK (professional game-developing environment; free with Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express)
4 Hard to teach areas: presenting information