How to Teach Computer Science

Enrichment Ideas

Rebecca Franks and I talk about Enrichment, but as Rebecca is co-founder of Flip Computing, we can't resist going back to the subject of the last episode: inclusion. Flip Computing and Quality First Teaching get a mention, then I hear all about Flock XR, the new, free, 3D creation tool that bridges the gap between Scratch and products like Blender. Also Alan waits while you donate to keep the podcast alive. A short episode because it's nearly Easter and Alan is going on holiday tomorrow! Flip Computing: flipcomputing.com [https://flipcomputing.com/] Flock XR: flockxr.com [https://flockxr.com/] Transcript and all other information about HTTCS at httcs.online [https://httcs.online] Buy me a coffee at ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs [https://ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs]

What does inclusion look like in computing?

I chat with the co-editor of "Inclusive Computing Education in the Secondary School", Ellie Overland. We discuss the moral imperative for inclusion, how all teachers want to include everyone, the limitations of seating plans, coloured paper and fidget spinners. How it's all about curriculum, role models and language - looking at you, Paxman. We critique one-size-fits-all lesson planning templates and wonder if pair programming is working or masking the problem. 50 minutes of expert chat with an EdD and former HMI. What more can you want?  Transcript on my blog httcs.online/blog [https://httcs.online/blog] where you can gift me a Wordpress subscription Or buy me a coffee at ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs [https://ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs]

Will AI revive the art of tinkering?

The brilliant Miles Berry and Becci Peters and I chat all things AI in education. Becci gives us practical tips for lesson planning and engagement. Alan explains why students still need to know stuff. Do they need to code though? Alan writes an app with AI, Miles names it "six impossible things". We discuss the "Barefoot" poster [https://www.barefootcomputing.org/resources/computational-thinking-poster] and ask "Is CT 2.0 just tinkering in fancy clothes?" Miles favours a " knowledge based. thinking rich" curriculum but ironically knows nothing about K-pop.  Subtitles included on most platforms, also transcript on my blog httcs.online/blog [https://httcs.online/blog] Book me for training in your school aka "HTTCS LIVE", find out more at httcs.online [https://httcs.online/]  Thank me with a WordPress subscription on my website, or with a coffee at ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs [https://ko-fi.com/mraharrisoncs]

Bumper Workload Special!

Almost an hour of cracking bantz from Dave Cross, Becci Peters, Andy Colley and myself covering ways to reduce workload in the Computing department. Centralised curriculum, beg-steal-borrowing resources including from CAS, co-planning, feedback NOT marking, and getting behaviour right. And how to use dictionary coding for your feedback if you really MUST mark everything that moves! Daily retrieval using SmartRevise or Quizziz and immediate re-teaching, and basics like markbooks, continuous data collection and calling home with positive news! 55 minutes of pure gold.

What are the Issues and Impacts of Computing?

I discuss Issues and Impacts of computing with the wonderful Beverly Clarke MBE. We discuss AI (of course), and the impact of automation on jobs and the economy, The value of Tik Tok (and the danger). Digital wellbeing and how you can plant trees while regaining control over your doomscrolling! Universal basic income, digital wellbeing, and involving young people in decisions about tech. And helicopter parents versus the wisdom of George Michael! Transcript available at https://httcs.online/2025/01/27/podcast-s2e02-what-are-the-issues-and-impacts-of-computing/ [https://httcs.online/2025/01/27/podcast-s2e02-what-are-the-issues-and-impacts-of-computing/] Book purchase links available from my website: httcs.online [https://httcs.online]