06/11/12 - Control and Monitoring Technology

This weeks ICT workshop revolved around control and monitoring technology. What is meant by computer control is when a set of instructions have been programmed in to a machine to produce a predetermined action e.g programming your alarm clock to alert you at a specified time. There are devices which are programmable in the class room such as Roamers in particular Pixies and Pips.

The roamers allow you to put in simple instructions to make it move forward, back and turn left or right.These device can be useful when teaching a number of subjects such a geography and Maths as you can teach the children how to use co-ordinates in relation to a map and also put in some angle knowledge into it as well  There is also the scope to teach shapes to children as with some of these devices, you can insert a pencil and get the device to draw an image in relation to your co-ordinates. This may also be beneficial in art by drawing interesting shapes and patterns.

Computer Monitoring is when you use a scientific measuring tool to record information about environmental changes over a period of time. We experimented with a tool called a Data Logger. The data logger was a nifty bit of equipment as it recorded sound levels, temperature and light. A couple of my class mates and myself took the Data Logger around the university testing different surfaces and areas for temperature and sound level. We found that the water by the fountains near the Grove building had the coolest temperature and was the quietest place that we walked (everywhere else had noisy students). We then took the device back to the class room and connected it to a computer which provided a lot of data about our journey.

 

We also used a Flexiscope which is a digital microscope which works through USB on a computer. You can take various pictures of the objects that you put under the lens. Have a look at the pictures below and tell me what you think they are?

The image in the top left is blonde hair, top right is cardboard, bottom left is bubble wrap and the bottom right is metal. Did you get any of them right? As you can see from this small activity, the flexiscope can be a fun, interactive and learning tool for all to enjoy. Not only is this a useful tool for science by looking at small organisms and cells, it can be used in DT to show natural patterns, structures, etc. All schools should have this device in their schools so use it as often as you can.