1. One of my Windows in the Classroom stories:
PART 1: Introduction to Computer Programming with Touch Develop
To kick start an enthusiasm for computer programming my Year 9 Build Your Own App Elective student’s write their first line of code using Microsoft’s Touch Develop (online/mobile platform) and quickly become confident touch game developers.
Students work through a series of online modules to introduce them to computer programing terms and functions. Using the web based programing software Microsoft Touch Develop the objective is for students to design a web based game for an authentic audience – a group of Grade 5 Primary School kids. Whilst we connect via Skype students are also required to think about the needs of their audience and consider appropriate communication techniques when publishing a blog about their game for the game testers.
Through the self paced tutorial walk-through’s, student learn about code execution, creating loops and defining and modifying variables. They learn how to include physics, sprites and touch in their apps and games through easy to follow tutorial and inbuilt templates.
Their learning is facilitated through a sequences of learning in OneNote where students also build a portfolio of digital evidence with opportunities for self-reflection and peer/teacher feedback. + +

2. PART 2: Assessment Task

3. Students self-regulate through a series of 5 phases recording evidence in their OneNote Portfolio
1. Set a goal
2. Create a design
3. Build Game
4. Self & Peer Feedback
5. Publish & Share

4. Learning through tutorial videos at Microsoft.com Course Launcher
Developing new skills on Touch Develop.com
Connecting with our Game Testers from LPS using Skype
Recording evidence of learning in OneNote

5. Student Sample: Fling the Footy
Play the game live:

6. We even got a retweet from @SkypeClassroom

7. Dimension/Decision Tree
Based on the 21st Century Curriculum Design Program this Unit of work scores well in areas of Knowledge Construction, Self-Regulation, ICT for Learning and Skilful Communication.
 Dimension/Decision Tree 1 2 3 4
Justification
Collaboration
As this was an independent tasks students really only collaborated informally by provided peer feedback
Knowledge Construction
The learning intentions are for student
Knowledge & skill is scaffolded throughout the assessment task
Real-World Problem-Solving and Innovation
Whilst student are problem solving as they apply understanding to new content for a ‘real’ audience there I no ‘real world’ problem a such
Self-Regulation
Throughout the process student set goal, regulate their time, reflect on their performance, record changes and give/received feedback for further improvement
ICT for Learning
The main purpose of this task is to develop ICT skills – learning intentions like to ICT AuVELS. Student have an authentic audience and are required to use ethically source elements (i.e backgrounds, sprites, obstacles)
Skilful Communication
Student create a blog post with an authentic audience in mind and is multi-model via online post including images, texts and links.