Year 8 Digital Technologies
Students use computational thinking and information systems to define, design and implement digital solutions. Students will develop their knowledge and understanding of digital systems and the representation of data. There is a major focus on process and production skills which are incorporated into projects. These projects will follow design process: Investigating and defining, Designing, Producing and implementing, Evaluating and Collaborating and managing. The course is built around the 4 C’s (The 21st century skills of Communication, Collaboration, Critical thinking and Creativity.)
In Year 8, learning in Digital Technologies focuses on developing understanding of data transmission, network security and binary systems. Students develop their skills in data handling and they design, implement and modify digital solutions through the following projects:
Pixelhack
The Pixelhack project sees the students learn to code through the creation of pixel art found in many video games, such as Minecraft. They begin block coding and then work with the programming language coffee script (a type of java script). By the end of the project the students create their own artwork from code! Pixel hack is an excellent project developed by Kano for the Hour of Code. Visit their site by clicking the image above!
Kodu
Kodu is a worldwide coding phenomenon develop by Microsoft. This excellent resource allows students to create their own characters, worlds and games. The games in the clip above were developed by Year 8 students. To visit the Kodu page click the image above.
Microbits
The BBC microbit allows the students to test their visual and text coding skills with the addition of physical computing. The students use block coding and python (coding language to that used at Google and You Tube) to program the microbit. They can connect the microbit to recieve inputs or to ouput so they can visibly see their programming in action.
Assessment
Students will be expected to complete a number of projects where they will produce digital solutions following the design process.
Students will be expected to perform in accordance with the College Assessment Procedure.
Pathway
This subject leads to Year 9 Digital Technologies