Digital PLAYDATE at University for John Hellins Primary School

Year two pupils from John Hellins Primary School in Potterspury spent the day (Tuesday 3 May) at the University of Northampton on a Digital PLAYDATE.

Digital Playdates – People Learning and Asking ‘Y’ Digital Age Teacher Exploration – are practical sessions using technology enhanced learning methods – getting hands on with robots, programmable tools and educational apps.

Helen Caldwell, Senior Lecture in Education said: “The primary computing curriculum places a strong emphasis on digital making, computing in real world scenarios and computational thinking, and through events like this digital PLAYDATE pupils can explore these subjects in a fun and engaging way. Technology in the classroom is continuously evolving and can be used to teach subjects far wider than just computing.

“The pupils today have used spent the day using digital games and technology to explore learning in both indoor and outdoor learning environments, supported by our volunteer digital leaders.”

The University of Northampton’s Digital Leaders scheme sees University students take leadership roles within local schools and at the University, providing advice and practical sessions inspiring the use of technology for education.

Hayley Pyrah, teacher at John Hellins Primary School said: “The activities were brilliant and suited the children’s abilities, but gave them the opportunity to explore new and exciting technologies. The children took away so much from it and the digital leaders were very supportive. They talked to the children at their level but explained everything in lots of detail.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcfuE618M5Q