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In this week’s Connected Learning Centre newsletter, extremism in schools, diverse scientist resources, discover Learning Bridges, is China right to limit gaming for under-18s, Earth Cubs, and more...
New research from UCL’s Institute of Education has found a concerning rise in extreme views and conspiracism among pupils, ranging from far-right views to racist language and misogynistic or Islamophobic opinions. The UCL researchers recommended that schools strengthen their anti-discrimination policies; promote opportunities for pupils to openly discuss controversial viewpoints, where these can be challenged; and improve the teaching of critical literacy to help them understand the difference between fact and opinion, and the forces which shape the latter. Critical/media literacy is an area we particularly focus on at the CLC, working with schools on our News Project, exploring the topic in depth in our annual online safety conference, highlighting useful resources, giving a Bett talk in 2019 and suggesting classroom activities. Please do get in touch to find out how we can support your school with this important topic.
Ignore its clunky title, this EU survey (open to respondents from the UK) is worth a few minutes of your time. Following surveys and focus groups with young people, this questionnaire is to gather input from those who care for, educate or can otherwise influence positive online opportunities and experiences for Europe’s children. The feedback will contribute to the development of a set of digital principles for an interinstitutional declaration between the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council to be published in late 2021, and to the new Better Internet for Kids (BIK) Strategy to be adopted in 2022. Find out more
Useful new 4-minute animation from the UK Safer Internet Centre on how people working with children can de-escalate and manage situations around online hoaxes and vital stories. Watch the video
This is a great new resource from the Primary Science Teaching Trust designed to raise awareness of diversity in science-related jobs and to provide illustrated examples of a wide range of science-based careers. It’s a series of short slideshows, each one ‘telling the story’ of a particular scientist or person working in a science-related job – everything from a space scientist and a civil engineer to a marine biologist and a vet. The people included share details of their work and their everyday lives, making their stories relatable to children. At the end of each slideshow, the children are encouraged to imagine and discuss what it might be like to do that job. Explore the resource
Myra Barrs, longtime collaborator with the CLC on projects such as ‘blogging and writing’ and ‘animating literacy’, has just published ‘Vygotsky the Teacher, a companion to his psychology for teachers and other practitioners’. Myra and her expertise on Vygotsky have been a significant influence on the work of the CLC over the years and we think teachers everywhere will be inspired by Myra’s guide to “the interplay of emotion, cognition and art in Vygotsky’s work”. We thought this photo of Myra with children’s literature legend Michale Rosen was especially heartwarming.
Join UNICEF Jordan to discuss the Learning Bridges, a national blended learning programme that links textbooks to technology, school to home, and concepts to practical learning. We worked with UNICEF on Learning Bridges, which has enabled half a million children to continue to learn during the pandemic via a weekly printed and digital activity pack linked to the core subjects. The digital element of Learning Bridges used Padlet as a platform for sharing resources in a range of formats. To learn more about Padlet and how it might support blended learning activities in your school, check out our Padlet tutorial video. Join us on 28 September, 3-4pm. Book now
This event will build upon the Autumn computing conference by inviting subject leaders to reflect on their year in the role, sharing their successes and challenges. It will also introduce new ideas, tools and approaches through talks and practical activities led by members of the CLC team, with opportunities for attendees to share their own expertise and experience. Over the course of the conference activities will touch on the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science, digital literacy and information technology. We will also feature advice and examples illustrating the use of technology to support blended learning.
Connected learning: creative curriculum catchup, digital strategy and extraordinary learning in your school
The new academic year has begun! While many aspects of school have returned to pre-Covid norms there are still areas of uncertainty and a real need to be prepared for more blended learning, whether on an individual, class or school level. We’d love to help you. Read the blog post
Want more? Check out CLC blog and BlendEd blog
The creators of Earth Cubs, a free educational app about saving the planet, will be running a session at our December computing conference and we’d love to know what you think of the app. Aimed at children aged 3-7, it offers games, puzzles, badges and tree planting within environments such as the Amazon rainforest and the Arctic. There are additional free teaching resources with lesson plans and fun activity ideas.
Our support package covers the following:
This event will build upon the Autumn computing conference by inviting subject leaders to reflect on their year in the role, sharing their successes and challenges. It will also introduce new ideas, tools and approaches through talks and practical activities led by members of the CLC team, with opportunities for attendees to share their own expertise and experience. Over the course of the conference activities will touch on the three main areas of the computing curriculum: computer science, digital literacy and information technology. We will also feature advice and examples illustrating the use of technology to support blended learning.
Combining forces for the first time, the Connected Learning Centre and More Than Robots have created a session for teachers, youth organisations, researchers and policymakers interested in the digital provision of creative arts for primary aged pupils.
Presentations
The Play Observatory - Prof. John Potter
“In their own words”: Westminster Abbey & CLC digital projects - Sian Shaw
Building (and maintaining) a city-wide primary arts curriculum to raise attainment - Kate Fellows
More to be added soon
This interactive and inclusive meet up will include inspiring examples of how technology can be used to support learning in music, visual art and drama in person and online at home drawing on our experiences as Tate Exchange associates and our partnership work with a range of cultural institutions.
This informal event is an opportunity to discuss real examples of what does/doesn’t work, meet colleagues from other sectors working on similar challenges and share useful research, news or updates
The morning will include case study presentations (details below) followed by a Q&A. There will also be an opportunity for a rapid sharing round for launches, project updates or requests for help and a short break to avoid zoom brain drain.
Special project in collaboration with First News Education
For a third year, building on two successful previous projects, we are once again partnering with the children’s newspaper First News, fellow member of the national Making Sense of Media and News Literacy networks. This special project with a literacy, PSHE and citizenship, as well as computing focus, highlights our specialist interest in this important aspect of digital and critical literacy.
The News Project will enable participating classes from year 5 to immerse themselves in news and current affairs using First News and the Bett award-winning First News iHUB, which will be provided free of charge during the school-based part of the project over a six week period. Under the guidance of their teacher, pupils will be supported in their development as a community of fully informed news readers. Classes will test their new critical skills and knowledge in the culminating virtual celebration event which will include a news competition and team-based critical literacy and editorial activities. After the event, schools will be able to use the resources from the day in their school.
The project will launch with an introductory CPD session for teachers to set the context, demonstrate resources and to plan for the school-based activities.
Initial CPD session - Thursday 21st October 4pm-5.00pm.
Project work undertaken in school - October and November.
Special event - Thursday 25th November 9.30am-2.45pm.
The CLC is once again partnering with the Garden Museum to offer a partnership project for KS1 pupils (primarily suited to Yr2). Located next to Lambeth Palace on the bank of the Thames, the museum has an inspiring collection that provides the ideal stimulus for young learners to explore the world around them.
Pupils will use technology alongside the museum’s collection to explore the wonderful world of seeds.
The Garden Museum has a large collection of seeds and tools that pupils will engage with.
These half-day sessions will take place at the Garden Museum.
There is a limited number of dates available, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
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