The Year 9 Digital Technologies students access two modules which help them build an understanding of Mathematics, Science and Technology as they manoeuvre and program the Sphero Rover, design projects on the Micro:bit, setup code for the Ozobots, make games on Scratch and get familiar with Vectary and the VR Station. Working in activity groups, students explore the design and computer science concepts as they complete 7 guided activities. Once they are comfortable with using code functions, operators and comparators, they design their projects using software and hardware to present to their whānau. Learning team dynamics and Human Computer Interaction as they algorithmic thinking and design ideas based on x and y coordinates.

The 9D group got an opportunity to present their projects to their whānau during their last session of the 8 week module. From innovative chess variations to Scratch games, the rangatahi were able to incorporate their hardware and software skills to design a project to showcase their learning. It was great to see them step up and talk about the iterative design process and the authentic changes they had made to their project design based on the feedback of their peers, following a rubric. Thank you to the whānau that were able to come in and provide some positive feedback and recommend some possible next steps.