Artefact Four - Algorithmic & Computational Thinking
Definitions of Key Terms
Algorithm - A set of rules for solving problems that are to be followed in a sequence (Dictionary.com, 2017)
Computational Thinking - The thought processes involved in formulating problems and their solutions so that the solutions are represented in a form that can be effectively carried out by an information-processing agent (Wing, 2017)
Branching - Making decisions between one of two or more actions depending on sets of conditions and the data provided (ACARA, 2017)
Iteration - Repetition of a process or sets of instructions in computer programming where each repeated cycle builds on from previous steps (ACARA, 2017)
Part A - Unplugged Activity
Brainstorming Activity Ideas
Chosen Activity -Steps to Complete Daily Activities
Outline and Reflection The chosen activity has been designed to include algorithms, computational thinking, branching or decision making, and iteration or repetition in a way that helps students in the years 2 and 3 to develop their thinking skills. The two activity sheets created (attached below) build on from each other in a way that allows students to build on from their previous knowledge. The first activity sheet was designed for students to build an understanding of finding the steps to complete a simple daily task and then putting them in the correct order. This allows students to put an algorithm together in the correct order in order to solve a problem. The second activity sheets encourages students to select their own task that they complete daily, and write out the steps that they take to complete the task. Once the steps have been written out, they will cut out each step and swap them with another student in their classroom, where they will have to put the steps of the other persons task in the correct order. This task encourages students to create their own algorithm based on a daily task they participate in, and then finding another student put the steps in order to solve the problem.
These activities will support students in the development of algorithmic thinking as they will be putting together the steps that are needed complete a task. The first activity allows students to put together the steps of a given task while the second activity encourages students to construct their own algorithm that fits the steps they need to take when they complete a daily activity such as; getting ready for school, packing your lunchbox, getting ready for bed and making your bed. Linking a classroom activity back to real life situations encourages the students to consolidate their classroom learning to the activities they complete at home. Therefore, students begin to realise that they interact with algorithms daily, without even realising it.
Digital Technologies Curriculum Content Description Year 5 and 6 - Design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching, and iteration (repetition) (ACTDI019)
Code Studio Activity Link to Course 3 - https://studio.code.org/s/course3 Link to Lesson 2 (Maze Activity) - https://studio.code.org/s/course3/stage/2/puzzle/1
Exploration After deciding on an activity from the Code Studio - Fundamentals of Computer Science, I decided that it was necessary to test the activities to ensure that students completing these activities would gain a higher understanding of algorithmic thinking at increasing levels of complexity. In the screen shots below, you can see how the activity increases in complexity as you move on from each level. Once each level has been successfully completed, students are able to view the code that has been created. These have been added under each levels screenshot below.
Maze One - Simple Code
Maze Four - Increased Complexity
Maze Nine - Increased Complexity
Maze Eleven - Highest Complexity
Final Level - Multiple Choice Coding
Reflection This activity found on Code Studios can be use to engage a classroom of Grade 5 or 6 learning in algorithmic thinking. As students work through this activity, they begin putting actions and steps together in a certain order so that the 'zombie' is able to get to the sunflower as quickly as possible. The first maze is simple and only requires a few simple steps to reach the sunflower, but as students progress through the different mazes, the difficulty increases. In the later mazes, students are required to solve more difficult puzzles and are introduced to more options that they can choose to use when solving the maze. In the Year 5 and 6 curriculum area for Digital Technology, it states that children will 'design, modify and follow simple algorithms involving sequences of steps, branching and iteration or repetition. This activity gives students the opportunity to create and alter algorithms in order to complete each level. Each time a level is passed, the difficulty increases, allowing students to build there ability in terms of algorithmic thinking. Ultimately, this activity not only engages the Year 5 and 6 learners, but encourages them to develop their skills and ability levels in algorithmic thinking.