I found the lecture on control technology really interesting and think that it's amazing that all these resources are available for use in schools. Children can really control their own learning while also enjoying themsleves with resources like 'Go Robo' robot.
Unfortunately, I really struggled with the Flowol activity- I just couldn't get my head around it! I probably chose the wrong activity for starters; I attempted the big wheel whereas I should've probably stuck to the traffic lights! I'm obviously not a logical thinker!! I do see the benefits for use in the classroom though as it teaches children about flow charts and processes that make technology work. It also develops logical thinking skills. Anyway, I had a go (got quite frustrated!) but in the end managed to get the big wheel to do something! Basically, it turned round forwards and in reverse, a few lights went on and off and when the gate opened the whole thing stopped!! If I was to use this sort of activity in the classroom I would need a lot more practice, but I think it would be beneficial to do.
Like you, I had problems with what seemed, on the face of it, a straightforward task. It took me several restarts before I got the wheel to do something close to what I wanted, I always seemed to be looking at the wrong thing!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it should help develop logical thinking and ideas of progression, maybe following on from some sessions with the floor robots would be beneficial (I can manage them!).