Real Journeys ICT
Real Journeys Curriculum Grade R - Grade 7
The Real Journeys Curriculum is used by over 3 million students worldwide and has been translated in over 40 languages.
Real Journeys curriculum has been nominated by the Software and information Industry Association as a ginalist in the Prestigious “CODiE Awards for 2008. Real Journeys consist of a series of theme-based units, each of which blend technology education with learning areas. The goal is to use the technology as part of the traditional learning effort while also equipping students with lifelong high-tech skills. There is a progression of ICT skills from lesson to lesson, form year to year. Real Journey Curriculum is linked to ACE Learning programme documents per grade
Active Student Learning
Using projects that are linked with Language, Social studies, Math and Science content, Real Journeys in Technology promotes active student learning in the following technology areas:
- Operating Environments
- Databases
- Wordprocessing
- Spreadsheets
- Graphics
- Internet
- Multimedia
- Programming
- Desktop Publishing
- List Item
- Applied Technology
Focus Content Areas
The Coding and Robotics Foundation Phase subject consist of the following Knowledge
Strands:
- Pattern Recognition and Problem Solving
Learning to identify abstract and geometric patterns as an integral part of the Design and
Computational Thinking process which will assist learners in solving problems. The following
skills and concepts are taught in Pattern Recognition and Problem solving strand:
✔ Identification and analysis of regularities, repetitions and change in patterns that
increases in size and number consisting of physical objects, drawings and
symbolic forms to make predictions and solve problems.
✔Description of patterns and relationships using symbolic expressions and grids.
✔ The identification of code patterns through the sequences of lines, shapes and
objects in the world.
- Algorithms and Coding
Fundamental programming principles and constructs in Foundation Phase are introduced for Grade R learners through physical Coding activities which progress from Grade 1 to digital platforms that are easy-to-learn and fun for learners to engage with. The Programming Platforms introduce learners to important computational skills and concepts:
✔ Identifying and analyse solutions for specific basic problems.
✔ Converting simple algorithms to block based code
- Robotic Skills
Robotics consist of two merging fields that including Coding and Engineering. Learners are introduced to the fundamental Mechanical and Electrical engineering systems and circuits that are used in Robotics. The Robotics strand primarily uses the Engineering Design Process and infuses the Concepts of Computational Thinking into the process. The Concepts and Skills taught are as follows:
✔ Creating logical steps that robots can follow.
✔ Basic Mechanical systems including pulleys, gears and linkages.
✔ Basic Electrical Circuits
- Internet and E-Communication skills
The strand of Internet and e-Communications skills prepares learners to interact safely in a
digital online and offline world. The following Concepts and skills are taught in the strand:
✔Their Digital Identity and Security.
✔ Safety around the use of Digital platforms.
✔ Various types of basic e-communication technologies or platforms.
✔ The basic networks and the Internet.
✔ The safe use of Web browsers to search for information.
- Application Skills
Application Skills comprises of end-user skills that are used on different digital platforms.
Learners in Foundation Phase are introduced to different digital platforms and taught about
the various user interfaces and functions of application on the devices. The Application skills
strand teaches the following skills and content:
✔The use of Digital Devices.
✔ The use of Applications and User Interfaces.
✔ Text Editing Applications.
✔ Spreadsheet Applications.
Topics links and overlap
Throughout the Subject of Coding and Robotics it is important to note that there will always be a degree of overlap between topics. The fundamentals of each Topic are taught in its strand but is also reinforced in other strands. Pattern recognition and Problem solving is a skill set that needs to be developed, but forms the foundation for Algorithms and Coding.
Algorithms and Coding are used to program the logic sequence that Robotics uses and the Application skills teach learners how to interact with different digital devices. Internet and ecommunications relies on the use of Digital Devices that are taught in Application skills and uses the same skills to send and create messages
- Software Requirements
• Antivirus and Internet Security (free – choice of Home School)
• Parent control Software (NetNanny – Free)
• Operating System (MS Windows)
• Office Suite (MS not free)
• Free Application Software for Coding and Robotics
o ScratchJr (Tablet and Smartphone) / ScratchJr Jellybean (for Computer)
o MS Paint (included in Microsoft Package)
o Python
o Notepad ++ (for HTML5)
o MakeCode
o Visual Studio Code
o DroidCam Client (for Windows) and DroidCam App (for Cell phone)
o FreeMIND
o FreeCAD