Computing across the Classroom!?

This half term, we have been looking at communication through computing. We discovered that IP addresses, a code that strangely has three dots but somehow manages to look far more complicated than it needs to, allow routers to find webpages so that we can access information, watch videos and do all the other things we enjoy online.

We also looked at data packets and how information sometimes needs to be shared in smaller instalments due to the size of files. For example, on Class Dojo, we can only upload a maximum of 20 photos at a time. Even the internet has its limits!

We then discussed the many different ways we communicate online, including video calls, mobile phones, messages and much more. This led us nicely onto the children’s main challenge.

Working with a partner, the children were tasked with creating a Google Slideshow about a country. Sounds straightforward enough, right? Well, there was a catch. They were not allowed to sit next to each other or communicate by talking! Instead, partners were placed at opposite ends of the classroom and had to use the chat feature to plan, discuss and co-construct their slideshow. For some, not being able to talk to their partner may well have been the hardest computing challenge of the half term!

Before they began, we talked about how anything written online can be tracked and evaluated, linking our learning to online safety and the importance of thinking carefully before pressing ‘send’. We also explored a few tricks of the trade on Google Slides, including inserting images, finding information, adding videos and hyperlinks and using transitions between slides. There was great excitement when they realised slides could swoosh, fade and fly onto the screen. Sometimes it’s the little things!

Then they were off!

Some children found it very challenging not to communicate in person and there was plenty of tongue-holding, lip-biting and desperate eye contact across the classroom. A few looked as though remaining silent for an entire lesson might be the greatest test they had ever faced!

By the end, however, the children had really developed their ability to communicate effectively online in order to achieve a shared goal. They listened to each other’s ideas, solved problems together and became much more confident using Google Slides along the way.

Best of all, some of their finished projects are looking AMAZING!

Communicating across the Classroom!?