Category: Coding

Firstly, I would like to thank Noelle Peppin, @beaded_tweets on ‘X’, for coming to our classroom to teach us how to code via her ‘Beaded Tweets'(1). Unfortunately, I was not on my game that day due to a bad cold, but I did really enjoy learning to code and making secret-coded necklaces! I was able to make two necklaces with Noelle’s codes. The first was made in silver and black beads and spells out the Greek word σαγανάκι (Saganaki), which is a pan-fried sheep’s cheese with lemon. Why did I choose this word? Noelle told us to bead a code that was special to us or something that we love. On that day I was really missing home, and Greek food, specifically Saganaki from Mythos Taverna! My second necklace was made of yellow and black beads, and spells out the word ‘Capilano’. I chose these colours and this word as Capilano is my family’s rugby club and their colours are gold and black.

What’s it all about?

Beaded tweets are all about “how binary coding language and loom beading can be combined to honour both Western and Indigenous traditions”(2). 

The project’s applicability in the classroom will give instructors a tangible opportunity to connect with coding while also focusing on Indigenous themes through beading (3). By practicing a traditional creative practice of many Indigenous communities, beading allows students to learn more about Indigenous cultures and ways of being, while also learning materials and concepts that are required by the curriculum.

Sources:

1)Peppin, Noelle, @beaded_tweets on ‘X’

2)https://www.pgpl.ca/events/master-minds-beaded-tweets

3) Peppin, Noelle. Beaded Tweet. July, 16th 2018. <blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>Here’s more detail on my Masters Project. The abstract for Beaded Tweets: Bringing the Digital back to the Physical through Culture (beading) <a href=”https://t.co/QBvcbQJuPn”>pic.twitter.com/QBvcbQJuPn</a></p>&mdash; Noelle Pepin (@Beaded_Tweets) <a href=”https://twitter.com/Beaded_Tweets/status/1019104959004995584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>July 17, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Ozobots are a wonderful way to learn to code, all you need is patience, your bot, 4 coloured markers and paper to create your code map!

As a student in the K-12 system, I cannot recall a time in which my teachers took the time to teach students coding (it probably wasn’t a mandatory curricular task back then)! In the current BC curriculum, coding is something that all students should learn at various times across their academic careers, and what better way to learn than through the creation of circuits for adorable little mobile robots? It may be that students have done some prior unplugged algorithms (simply following and providing instructions), but with the use of Ozobots, this experience becomes more interesting as this fun tool will create lasting coding memories for students of all ages(1).

How to Code?

Prior to obtaining their robots, students will be introduced to the code charts and instructed on how drawing lines and colour codes will allow them to experiment and create unique algorithms for their Ozobots to follow.

Ozobots use sensors to determine what codes you or your students have created in their circuit sequences. Posted below is a chart of codes which the Ozobots are programmed to identify, such as a tornado, nitro boost and snail dose(2)!

Once they are introduced and made somewhat familiar with the codes, they will be tasked to create a circuit/map for the Ozobots to maneuver. Maps and circuits can look complex or simple, what’s important is that a variety of codes are utilised.

What if it doesn’t work?

There were some complications in my experience with the Ozobots, our bot appeared to have tantrums! Multiple factors may result in the disruption of your circuit route. Robots may not be able to read your code due to drawings being too skinny or too wide, or the colours not being distinct enough to read. Other variables include the battery power of your bot. It is my belief that our initial bot was either a low battery or had a loose wire somewhere (perhaps a loose screw?), as it began to ignore all codes and just spin in circles.

The Importance of Coding:

It is important to teach coding as it “enables children to use digital technology to develop their creativity”(3). In our technology-based society, coding teaches our students to move from the ‘consumer’ role to the ‘creator rule (ibid). In conclusion, learning to code helps students to develop an understanding of one aspect of the technological world and helps them to be better prepared for when they enter it as young adults.

Sources:

1. Ozobot. “Ozobot | Robots to Code and Create With,” November 15, 2023. https://ozobot.com.
2. Hub, Digital Technologies. “Introduction to Ozobot and Colour Codes.” Digital Technologies Hub, n.d. https://www.digitaltechnologieshub.edu.au/teach-and-assess/classroom-resources/lesson-ideas/introduction-to-ozobot-and-colour-codes/.
3. https://www.desjardins.com/ressources/pdf/d25-12-reasons-learn-coding-school-e.pdf?resVer=1568637206000