On Wednesday, I had the privilege of delivering a #TouchDevelop workshop at Pedmore Technology College. During the session, staff and students explored how to use the in-built turtle library in #TouchDevelop as well as how to create amazing 8-bit graphics using the Pixel Art library. At the end of the session, students had a go at creating their very first game using the hour of code tutorials on the #TouchDevelop website.

An amazing time was had by all and the students were a credit to both the school and their teacher.

Below is a selection of some of the students creations :

“I would like to thank you for coming to my school and delivering a session on Touch Develop. Students were clearly engaged, produced some super quality work. Thank you leaving some resources which I will be using with my KS3 classes till the end of the term. I will also be using Touch Develop in my Pedmore Jam (Computing Festival) tomorrow. Once again, thanks a lot on by behalf and students for a great session.” – Mr. Hanif, Pedmore Technology College

It gives me great pleasure to be co-hosting #TweachCode next Monday (22nd July) at 8pm. This week's chat will focus on Raspberry Pi accessories. During the session I will be exploring how to get the best out of your Raspberry Pi accessories as well as which are the must have accessories for your Pi!

Questions:

1. What are your top 3 recommended / essential accessories for the Raspberry Pi. You can pick only 3 - no cheating! 

2. Thinking of your answer to Q1, what are the benefits of these accessories & in what way, if any, do they enhance teaching & learning?

3. What are the barriers/implications of using these accessories with a whole class? What tips/advice do you have?

4. With so many accessories on the market, how do you know which ones to buy?

5. What are your favourite projects / tutorials that require accessories for the Raspberry Pi? Shameless plugs welcome!

6. If you could crowd source funding for a new accessory for the Raspberry Pi, something that does not already exist, what would it be?

Please join me (@clcsimon) at 8pm using the hashtag #TweachCode