Issue 22 Teaching & AI

Recent developments in artificial intelligence are changing how the world sees computing and challenging computing educators to rethink their approach to teaching. In this issue of Hello World, we tackle the big questions about AI and computing education, such as what AI literacy is and how we teach it. Our writers explore a range of topics including gender bias in AI and what we can do about it; how to speak to young children about AI; and why anthropomorphism hinders learners' understanding of AI. Our feature articles also include a research digest on AI ethics for children, and of course practical examples of how you can incorporate AI lessons in your classroom.

AI is a topic we’ve addressed before in Hello World, and we'll keep covering this rapidly evolving field in future. Hello World issue 22 is a comprehensive snapshot of the current landscape of AI education.

Also in this issue:

• Vocational training for young people
• Making the most of online educator training
• News about BBC micro:bit

And much, much more.

Tags: digital

How are you preparing young children for a digital world? This is the question this primary-teaching themed issue explores, with inspiration, ideas, and advice for the elementary classroom. It is vital that children have a solid foundation of digital literacy skills and conceptual computing understanding and knowledge upon which to build as they grow. Technology is here to stay and we need to be preparing our youngest learners for jobs and circumstances that don’t yet exist.

We explore cross-curricular project ideas to keep young learners engaged, perfecting typing skills, and using picture books to introduce programming concepts to children. Our writers also offer toolkits for new and experienced computing primary teachers and delve into different approaches to inculcating a sense of belonging from the very start of a child’s educational journey.

Also in this issue:

• The educational benefits of game jams
• Introducing agile methodologies to the classroom
• Exploring the programming strengths of dyslexic learners

And much more!

Tags: digital

“Have you tried switching it off and on again?” “The Wi-Fi must be down!” “How come I can’t see the cloud up in the sky?” Computing systems and networks is one of those computer science topics in which misconceptions abound, and learners can struggle to grasp its abstract concepts. This issue offers ideas and inspiration for unpacking those tricky concepts with your learners.

We discuss the research into different approaches to teaching networking, before seeing some of those methods in action. We explore the merits of inviting a network manager into your classroom, profile a number of different network simulator tools, and delve into ways to make networks concrete for primary learners.

Also in this issue:

• Implementing cross-age peer mentoring to engage nursery-school children with computing
• Classroom teachers’ tips for preventing burnout
• Setting up a Minecraft esports league
• And much more!

Tags: digital

Over the last three years, we’ve seen more than 7 million students around the world put down their schoolwork and take to the streets to demand climate change action. Could technology be the answer? This issue explores the interaction between sustainability and computing, from how we can interact with technology responsibly to its potential to mitigate climate change.

We delve into the research behind device-repair cafés and see repair put into action by a student in Malaysia for his local community, along with a deep dive into the question of technology obsolescence. We also share young people’s ideas for how technology can be used for good, showcasing sustainability-themed student projects and a school-based COP that was inspired by the annual UN conference.

Also in this issue:

• A physical computing challenge inspired by the TV show Baking Impossible
• Supporting a school in The Gambia to develop a computing curriculum
• Top tips for ensuring your primary e-safety curriculum is fit for purpose

Tags: digital

Cybersecurity threats are increasing and changing all the time; teaching students how to protect themselves is vital. This issue spans the ethics and legalities of hacking, advice about teaching cybersecurity to primary-school children, and an introduction to quantum cryptography.

We also share some fantastic ideas for making this topic as hands-on as possible, including through using network robots, using tools and techniques used by real-life penetration testers, and by taking part in a ‘capture the flag’ competition.

Also in this issue:

• Using computational methods to analyse literature
• Developing computational thinking skills through Japanese logic puzzles
• Top tips for representing computing at school open days...

Tags: digital