Coding Boot Camps
For Year 2 to Year 6 students
Coding is becoming an increasingly important skill in 21st Century life as technology becomes more integrated into our everyday activities. By learning to code, you build skills in mathematical and computational thinking, problem solving, systematic reasoning, project design and the communication of ideas.
Teachers from any NSW school can book these full day excursions to MacICT. Our boot camps give students the opportunity to have the time, space and purpose to tinker. They provide a context for inquiry and discovery, leading students to become active problem solvers and engage in their own learning. These are critical practices for learning and discovery that have application across all curriculum areas.
No longer simply the realm of Science or Technology classes, coding is increasingly finding a place across a wide range of syllabuses, such as Mathematics, HSIE and even the Creative Arts. By understanding how to code, students do not just learn how to make software – they begin to explore how the world around them works.
MacICT is offering student Boot Camps (excursions) on coding for the classroom. Through this introductory boot camp, students will explore coding through a range of activities involving both “unplugged” (off-computer) activities and the use of a small range of mobile and web apps. All apps introduce students to visual programming languages.
During the day, students will:
- develop an understanding of why learning to code is important.
- practice computational thinking skills, strategies for problem solving, systematic reasoning, project design and the communication of ideas.
- experiment with visual programming languages through fun activities involving mobile and web (Internet-based) apps.
- create interactive projects such as games, animations, and artworks.
- use coding to complete projects through project-based, cross-curricular activities.
Keywords: Creative & Critical Thinking, STEM, STEAM, Coding, Engineering Design, Science & Maths K-10, Programming
Book now
Contact us now to enquire about booking in your class.
Term 4 2016 is now fully booked. Unfortunately, we are unable to take bookings for 2017. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Tuesdays, Wednesday & Thursdays during NSW school terms, subject to facilitator and room availability.
Our workshops are delivered at our Centre in Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW.
There is a maximum of 30 students per class. We can take a maximum of two classes per day.
Boot Camp excursions usually run from 9am-2:30pm. If you need to adjust this because of travel time please let us know.
Flat rate of $528 inclGST per class of up to 23 students. An extra $22 will be charged per additional student up to the max number per class.
DoE schools will be direct debited by the NSW DoE. Non-DoE schools will be invoiced after the event based on final student numbers.
Note: cancellations made within 2 days of the event will incur a $200 cancellation fee.
Facilitators
Evan Bonser
Developer & Facilitator
Evan is one of our game design facilitators and is working as an ICT Integrator in Sydney. He began his university training in robotics before changing to complete a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of Western Sydney. Evan has taught in a variety of educational environments ranging from mainstream settings in both the public and private sectors to Special Needs and Hospital Schools where he taught K-12 across the curriculum. He has found that where ever he teaches he sees the same enthusiasm for learning through making and uses that to inspire his students. He has a passion for developing a ‘growth mindset’ in his students to help them see failure as an integral part of the learning process; and sees it as the beginning of deep personal development that will last a lifetime.
Kylie Stanley
Facilitator
Kylie began working for MacICT 2013, in a hands-on teaching role running day-long Boot Camps in Robotics. Kylie has a passion for technology and innovation, and enjoys working with students to explore and problem-solve using new and engaging technologies. Kylie holds a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Education) and a Bachelor of Education (Primary). She is also Early Childhood trained and holds a Diploma in Children’s Services. In addition to MacICT, Kylie has 10 years experience working in areas of curriculum and teaching and learning in the higher education sector.
Sarah Boyd
Developer & Facilitator
Dr Sarah Boyd is a LEGO® Robotics facilitator and part-time high school teacher of Computing and Mathematics. She has recently retrained as a teacher having had a long career as a software programmer and Electrical Engineer. She began facilitating at MacICT in 2014 where she combines her engineering and programming background with her love of teaching. She completed her PhD in Computer Science at Macquarie University in 1999.
