Again iPhoto is a paid-for app so we will need to sort out our VPP account as per Unit 1. One of my schools currently uses IrfanView to edit and manipulate photos, so we will need to compare this against Picasa and decide which one to use. This looks at first glance like a relatively straightforward unit which is nice and open-ended so should lend itself well to whatever topic the class is studying. Incidentally, I am wondering how I did not know about the Snipping Tool available in Windows 7. Goodbye to Alt & PrtSc. I think this will be a brilliant tool to get children using so that they can capture elements of their work and put them together in a presentation! The teachers’ books are well written and offer comprehensive, step-by-step instructions and assessment guidance. There are ideas for things to do, prompts to use CD resources, notes about e-safety and useful links to online tutorials, software and tools. But that’s far from everything. There’s also clear guidance for core steps with extensions to consider for home and school, and more. These include suggestions for stretch and challenge, and how content can be adapted for pupils with SEN/D or EAL. The organisation of each unit, and all the help contained within, will make teaching computing an absolute joy. In step 6, it will be easier to use Powerpoint to present the results than SMART notebook (which isn’t readily available on the student devices – but could be. However, with the introduction of tougher SMART Notebook licensing from Version 14 onwards (SMART Notebook Advantage), this may not be a futureproof solution anyway. This fine collection puts creativity and collaboration to the fore. It draws on deep and extensive knowledge of computing, progression and continuity, and is well planned, innovative, cross-curricular, stretching but accessible, and vitally, it has been well-trialled in schools.

Scratch Jr is due to be launched as an iPad app in "Summer 2014" according to http://www.scratchjr.org/and may be another option for this unit. Forged in the crucible of Maths, Computer Science can help make concrete the thinking skills required for success. A special feature explores ways in which Computing can make Maths real and help improve performance. It makes a case for the role our subject can play in developing a fertile soil for sustained educational growth. Do please share it with headteachers. Help your students stay safe online with a whole school online safety provision including lessons and assemblies, teacher guidance, CPD videos and regular guidance on key online safety issues. In the case of the Pro Controller, you can simply plug it into your computer using a USB wired connection, and it will work with no further effort. Alternative Option: Use a Portable Monitor N2 - ‘A high-quality computing education equips pupilsto use computational thinking and creativity tounderstand and change the world.’Computing programme of study, DfE, 2013Switched on Computing has been designed with theabove aims in mind. It covers all the requirements ofthe Computing programme of study in a way thatis intended to develop pupils’ understanding of theconcepts, practices and perspectives that underpinprogramming and other aspects of computer science,while providing ample opportunity for creative,collaborative project work in which pupils can acquirethe information technology skills they will need.Switched on Computing also helps pupils to understandthe implications of technology for individuals andsociety as they become digitally literate.The approach adopted here is one grounded inthe best primary practice. Ideas of learning throughexperiment, discussion and making are woventhrough the scheme. The topic-based approachprovides enough flexibility for you to link theseactivities with work in other subjects.Software required: Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel, Picasa or IrfanView to edit the photos, Google Earth Ensure children become positive digital citizens by teaching them safe and appropriate online behaviour. We continue our exploration of pedagogy in this term’s issue with a special focus on the ideas of Seymour Papert, father of Logo and remarkable educational visionary. The first half of this issue is focused on encouraging developments in primary schools. It teems with stories of teachers and pupils trying things and reflecting on what works. There are even ways of moving your save files to and from your Switch and emulator. However, this isn’t a polished, user-friendly experience. The main problem with the emulator option is that it may be illegal where you live.

We all know the importance computers play in our lives. We all know that computing in schools is a top priority subject. And we all know that teaching it is a hit and miss affair where the kids often know more than the person teaching them. What we really need is one of those handy everything-you-need-to-teach-the-new-programme-of-study resources. You know the sort of thing: something that covers all the bases, promises clear progression from Year 1 to Year 6, and supports all levels of expertise. Well, you might not find anything better than Switched on Computing from Rising Stars. There is a lot of scope for teacher CPD in this unit – investing the time in this though will definitely pay off. Again it is nice and open-ended to link in with a relevant topic. If you just want a big screen to connect your Switch to, but want the portability of a laptop, then another option is to use a portable monitor. These can run off USB power, have built-in speakers, and have HDMI input ports. You can use the USB-C cable bundled with the Switch Pro Controller. You may be trying to connect your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller to your PC rather than your entire Switch. While you’re better off using an Xbox controller or even a Playstation controller with PC games, if all you have is a Nintendo controller (or you’re emulating Nintendo titles), they are easy to hook up to your computer. One year on and it is clear that Computing teachers are rising to the challenge of the new curriculum and a vibrant grassroots community of practice is emerging. This issue reports on developments to support the wonderful work of CAS members.There can be few contexts as motivational for pupils as developing applications for their mobile phones.  Until now, though, developing mobile applications has been the preserve of small numbers of older students.  All that is set to change with a new development from Google.  Google App Inventor is a web based application that has the poptential to allow anyone to create software for Android devices.   We cover this and a whole lot more!ile app development goes visual (Spring 2011) Login or register Important notice for pupils, teachers and parents accessing online resources at Rising Stars Remember that the Switch now supports Bluetooth audio as long as you’ve updated to the right firmware version. You can also use the headphone output on the Switch itself when plugged into a PC monitor. Use a Capture Card

This progression grid shows you how the six strands of the new computing curriculum are developed from Year 1 through to Year 6. CAS local hubs are growing rapidly. As word spreads about their success, more and more people are volunteering to host meetings. They provide an excellent forum to swap teaching tips and keep abreast of developments as ever increasing numbers of teachers dip their toes into teaching computing. But there's also a recurring theme that keeps being raised; what software is best to introduce young children to programming? For time pressed teachers, the array of possibilities can seem daunting.If you want to upgrade to a larger SD card, you can use your PC to copy the contents over, and it will work without issue. Play The PC Version of the Switch Game Instead

If you’re using Joy-Con controllers, your PC will see each controller as a separate device. This is fine if you want to play some retro games in 2-player mode on your PC, but modern games aren’t going to work at all. One option is to manually map controls in the game to each individual Joy-Con, but most titles won’t support this. Author of the Teacher Guide, Miles is principal lecturer in Computing Education at the University of Roehampton. He is a board member of Computing At School, the BCS Academy of Computing, the National Centre for Computing Education and the CSTA. He is a fellow of the BCS, RSA, HEA and Chartered College of Teaching, and a member of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. If you want to copy all of your content to your PC from your Switch, you can simply remove the SD card from its slot and use a USB SD card adapter or integrated SD card slot to view the card’s contents.

Other major features on the EYFS and state diagrams plus the usual raft of news, contributions, ideas and tips from CAS members. Plus a look at the contribution made by Ada Lovelace to our history with the bicentenary of her birth coming later in the term, a host of teaching ideas and some really informative contributions illustrating the pedagogy emerging from reflective practice.