Testing out a Crowd Beamer unit lent to us by the parent of a pupil. It transmits the video signal (though not the audio) via a dedicated WiFi channel which pupils can then view, zoom in to and capture on their own devices.
Thanks to Andy Andy Andrew Mark and Paul for a great welcome to their Raspberry Jam, hosted at the Waterworth building of the University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham campus.
We demonstrated the Cigar Box Computer in action and enjoyed trying out the Raspberry Pi creations that were on display.
Space Invaders, using three micro-switches
Paul has built the most amazing assortment of security equipment that can even face-track and monitor overflying aircraft.
Two children are now showing great interest in Scratch, which is a very happy outcome!
One week to go until the first large scale TG gathering of teachers and Computing Coordinators at LPA to hatch our plans to improve the experience for pupils as they move from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 3. That vital interface point would benefit from a new dialogue – and we hope to provide it!
Everyone is invited, we will remain open to all and free of charge.
Thanks to Beverly, Shirley and the team for a fascinating series of lectures and workshops in the beautiful surrounds of Plymouth University.
I came away feeling ever more inspired to take Computing further, and to broaden what we can offer in schools
A first play with Code Bug..
Code Bug, it transpires, is capable of producing 9 data sets and will soon feature WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity.
It has huge potential for Connected Technologies , Maker Education and the promotion of real world applications / data-driven decision making skills.
My grasp of core networking theories deepened thanks to Duncan Maidens and his simple-but-brilliant hands on approach to unravelling what data transmission is actually all about.
The whole faculty reverberated with exciting applications of tech.
from dawn to dusk, Plymouth is a beautiful spot.
..and a relay unit..
Beginning to run out of room in the box now! Amazingly the Rav power block continues to provide sufficient mw and voltage level.
Had to dissassemble the Pi 3B to reach the camera connector. Added a double height pin rack for the GPIO to allow access to the pins even with the Astro Pi / Sense Hat reattached.
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Now that the Year 11s are beginning to unpack what is possible with connectivity kit that is new to them, it is fascinating to see how quickly they can comprehend the potential applications – cue notebooks out for initial design diagrams..
Having enjoyed sharing this with Primary School pupils quite a few times, now it is time to see what Secondary School pupils make of it: answer they mastered the Kodu When / Do system at lightening pace then proceeded to apply the Microbit control to make a first-person jet flying game in an impressively quick jump – the sky is no limit to Year 11 Computer Science students!
With some of the new circuitry that I have extracted form old toys being in need of higher current switching than I would like to strain a Pi GPIO with, tis time for a relay or two..
Take on Pi 3B+ and add an Adafruit GPIO header then solder wires for plugging into newly attached breadboard..
