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

Not only is health and well-being an engaging context to bring computing to life for your students, it’s also never been more relevant as we emerge from periods of isolation and pay more attention to personal health. This issue spans articles on teacher and student well-being, to computing projects addressing air pollution and health, to real-life research at the intersection of computing and the healthcare industry.

Also in this issue:

• Top tips for managing behaviour in the computing classroom
• The benefits and uses of Discord as a teaching and learning platform
• Everything you need to know about the Raspberry Pi Foundation’s new guide for culturally relevant computing teaching....

Tags: digital

We are living in an increasingly data-driven world. From tracking our fitness data, to analysing coronavirus infection rates, to choosing to watch TV shows ‘selected for you’ by Netflix, data is everywhere. This issue focuses on data science and data literacy; it is full of teaching ideas and inspiration to help you and your students use data to make decisions and to make sense of the world.

Also in this issue:

• Everything you need to know about the launch of the new Hello World podcast
• Top tips and case studies on how to run a successful computing club
• Reflections on decolonising the computing curriculum
• And much more!

Tags: digital

Due to a shortage of teachers with computer science degrees, switching specialisms is a common route to becoming a computing educator. But why do some teachers choose to change subjects? In issue 15 of Hello World, we hear from five people who have made the switch. They tell us about the challenges they have faced, as well as the joys of teaching young people how to create new things with technology.

Also in this issue:

• Stemettes founder Anne-Marie Imafidon tells us about her plans for 2021
• Phil Bagge shares how he implemented PRIMM with his primary pupils
• How to support your pupils to adopt a flow state for learning

Tags: digital

From counting penguins in Antarctica to orienteering with a GPS twist, great things can happen when young people get creative with technology outdoors. In issue 14 of Hello World, available to download today, we have gathered some inspiring stories to help your learners connect with nature.

Also in this issue:

• Researcher and author Shuchi Grover tells us about her new handbook on teaching programming
• Yolanda Payne, a research associate at Georgia Tech, shares highlights from a conference on equity in computer science education
• A recovery curriculum for computing: Catherine Elliott shares ideas for supporting the most vulnerable learners this term

And much more....

Tags: digital

How has computing education changed over the last few months? And how will the coronavirus pandemic affect education in the long term?

For this issue of Hello World, we spoke to educators in the UK, the USA, and India, and we share their experiences of teaching during the pandemic. We have features and opinion pieces on how to manage screen time, safeguarding in online lessons, and how the education landscape is shifting at an unprecedented rate.

We have also collected together some of the best free resources for online learning, as well as some fantastic activities for you to try.

Also in this issue:

• Katharine Birbalsingh: the formidable head teacher tells us why strong behaviour management is more important now than ever
• Debugging in Scratch: find out how to turn common stumbling blocks into learning experiences
• Unplugged activities at preschool: three researchers share their findings from an exciting pilot study
• Boolean algebra: a new app from Swansea University guides learners through a topic that is often considered tricky

And much more....

Tags: digital

In issue 12 of Hello World, we bring you resources and in-depth discussions about how to teach machine learning from preschool (yes, really!) through to university. From neural networks and natural language processing, to ethical dilemmas and widening participation, we’ll show you how and why to introduce this technology to your learners now.

Also in this issue:

• Learning graphs: tools to map learners’ progression
• The case for using pseudocode in the classroom
• How picture books can be used to introduce programming concepts
• Electronics activities from university outreach

And much more...

Tags: digital

In issue 11 of Hello World, we take an in-depth look at inclusion and diversity in computer science, with stories from educators who have created inclusive environments for their learners. We also have lesson plans and activities that you can try with your students today.

• 5 takeaways from Scratch Conference Europe
• Techniques for running CS professional development workshops
• An accessibility guide designed to help make CoderDojo clubs an inclusive environment for all
• Astro Pi Mission Zero in action....

Tags: digital

In Issue 10 of Hello World, we take an in-depth look at maths and computer science, with stories from educators who take advantage of the links between the two topics. We also have lesson plans and features written by educators around the world.

The value of computing for two- to four-year-olds

Using data to keep school plants thriving

Code clubs for teachers: offering extra support to educators

Introducing design journals for Key Stage 2 pupils

In Issue 9 of Hello World, we take an in-depth look at computing and the arts, with stories from educators who have created wonderful cross-curricular projects, as well as activities you can try with your students today. 

• Primary code clubs: educators share how they've made them work
• Is computing in English schools really "in steep decline"?
• The little book of algorithms: an introduction to a fantastic new resource
• How to incorporate video games into your teaching...

Tags: digital

In Hello World 8 we take an in-depth look at what the National Centre for Computing Education means for the future of teaching computing. We also have lesson plans and features written by educators from around the world.

• A day in the life of a primary school computing teacher
• What all teachers can learn from specialist provision
• Artefacts to inspire: an inspiring digital making hack day at museums and libraries
• How to use a Crumble to get started with physical computing...

Tags: digital

With Scratch 3 out now, Hello World issue 7 has been investigating what’s new, and what you can do with it. As always, our collection of experts have ideas, opinions and tips to help you bring Scratch to your students.

• Scratch 3: ideas, implementation, questions, and hands on
• Get students making their own short animated film
• All about the new National Centre For Computing Education
• Teaching programming: a starter guide

Tags: digital

Hello World issue 6 brings together a collection of experts, who address the challenges of ethics, and how that affects and underpins the teaching of computer science. They share ideas, thoughts and experiences, and look at how to inspire students, whilst grounding them in an ethical ethos.

• Bringing Minecraft – and a bicycle! – to the classroom
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to KS3 computing
• Using Escape Rooms to improve problem-solving skills
• What’s turning girls off computer science?...

Tags: digital

Join us as we celebrate the Year of Engineering in Hello World #5. We’ve brought together a wide range of experts to share ideas, thoughts and advice on how to bring engineering to the classroom, and ways to inspire the next generation…

• The bluffers’ guide to putting together a tech-themed school trip
• Inclusion, and coding for the visually impaired
• Getting students interested in databases
• Why copying may not always be a bad thing
• And much more…

Tags: digital

Join our panel of experts in issue 4 of Hello World magazine as they discuss successful approaches to professional development. Elsewhere this issue we take a close look at the new Royal Society report ‘After the Reboot’, and share our usual mix of features, insight, and lesson plans…

• How to become a computing educator
• Run successful events with the public
• Finding the next generation of security experts
• Object Oriented coding with Python

Tags: digital

In issue 3 of of Hello World magazine our international panel of experts discusses innovative approaches and technologies for assessing programming skills. Elsewhere we offer essential tips to help independent learners, and much more…

• Code Club age-range expands to teens
• Open-source resources explored
• Embracing the power of play
• Build Pong in Scratch
• And much more…

Tags: digital