DCAL Evaluation Report Raspberry Pi Project

8/10/2019 DCAL Evaluation Report Raspberry Pi Project

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Raspberry Pi

Pilot Project2013

20 December 2013 Evaluation Report

Following recent changes to the school curriculum W5 STEMNETnoted a significant increase in the number of requests beingsubmitted by teachers requiring support and advice from localSTEM Ambassadors to help them bring the curriculum to life andteach young people in our schools how to code.

With Raspberry Pis being heralded as the potential saviour of

computer science education, W5 decided to use this device forthis teacher CPD project as it offers a wealth of opportunitywith which to inspire students through an accessible andaffordable platform.
http://www.sec-ed.co.uk/article-search/tags/computer-sciencehttp://www.sec-ed.co.uk/article-search/tags/computer-science


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DCAL Raspberry Pi Pilot Project Evaluation ReportDecember 2013

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Final Evaluation Report

C O N T E N T S

1. Introduction

2.

Pilot Programme Participants

3.

Teacher Feedback

4.

STEM Ambassador Feedback

5. Participant Comments

6.

What went well?

7.

Areas for Improvement?

8.

Conclusion

P H O T O S


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1.

Introduction

Following a significant increase in the number of ICT requests being received for STEM Ambassadorsupport for teacher CPD, W5 STEMNET worked in partnership with Farset Labs and Digital Circle ona 4 month pilot project.

For the pilot project, we decided to use Raspberry Pi computers. Due to its size and cost, theRaspberry Pi computer is ideal for learning to write computer code. The low cost and flexibleconnectivity options make it an ideal teaching resource without the expense of a computer monitor.

Whilst the original launch of the Raspberry Pi was met with feverish excitement, once the initialscramble for stock was over and people had a precious Pi cradled in hand, many turned to thequestion of what to do with all its potential, including teachers. Months after delivery to local schools,many devices remained in their cardboard cartons, unboxed and unused.

This teacher training programme was designed to offer 9 x ICT teachers from schools within theGreater Belfast area the opportunity to be linked with a local IT STEM Ambassador. Both teachers

and their link STEM Ambassadors agreed to attend a free 12 hour Raspberry Pi training course inW5 in autumn term 2013, with all programme participants availing of a free Raspberry Pi StarterKit worth 60.00. These starter kits were funded by DCAL (total value 1,200).

The materials for this pilot project included online lesson plans, classroom resources and practicaladvice written by Matt Johnston - Digital Circle, Andrew Bolster & Andrew Mulholland Farset Labs.

This project aimed to encourage teachers to learn together and teach each other, whilst receivingadditional expert support and advice from their nominated IT STEM Ambassador.

This programme aimed to equip teachers with crucial information and new learning resources to help

them engage their pupils and deliver key stage three of the science curriculum to ensure businessesare equipped with both a higher quantity and quality of STEM graduates in the future.

The main aim of the programme was to provide teachers with an opportunity to avail of 12 hoursfree training and access to a free Raspberry Pi Starter Kit which would assist teachers from localschools:

Forge links with local ICT employers to support future STEM activities in their school

Source high quality training materials and resources to complement ICT teaching and learningin the classroom

Inspire and enthuse young people about ICT subjects and increase the uptake of thesesubjects by students within their schools

Develop an understanding of the range of career and employment opportunities that exist forstudents that pursue these subjectsbringing careers to life in the classroom


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2. Pilot Programme Participants

Teacher School STEM Ambassador Employer

Pauline Cordner Steiner School Paul Hanna Cisco

John DonovanGlengormley High

SchoolChris Mayne CME Group

Janine Heron Glenola Collegiate Stuart Christy Tyco

Jennie WharryBloomfield

Collegiate SchoolFrances Morgan QUB

Karen StuartAshfield Girls'

SchoolLavanya Gopolan Citi

Margaret Debbadi Campbell College Jann Mueller SAP

Patrica Boyd Girls' Model Alan McGregor NYSE

Lorna CunninghamSt Mark's High

School -Warrenpoint

Colin Masters NYSE

Tim GambleDalriada -

BallymoneyPaul Ramm New CMI


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3. Teacher Feedback & Scores

% Scores ICT Teachers Excellent VeryGood

Good Average

1 How would you rate this activity? 14% 43% 43% 0%

Yes No

2

Would you recommend this type of activity to other

teachers?100%

StronglyAgree

Agree DisagreeStronglyDisagree

3The objectives of the training were clearly defined fromthe outset

14% 86% 0% 0%

4 The trainers were knowledgeable about the topic 100%

5Linking ICT teachers and industry experts for thisprogramme was beneficial

57% 29% 0% 14%

6Participation and interaction between teachers and STEMAmbassadors was encouraged

57% 43% 0% 0%

7I received regular communication and support from mylink STEM Ambassador in between training sessions

14% 14% 29% 43%

8 The topics covered were relevant to me 14% 43% 43% 0%

9 The content was organized and easy to follow 29% 71% 0% 0%

10The training materials and tutorials distributed werehelpful

29% 71% 0% 0%

11 The trainers were well prepared 43% 57% 0% 0%

12 This training supports the IT curriculum 29% 14% 29% 29%

13 My training and learning objectives were met 14% 71% 14% 0%

14 The time allocated for the training was sufficient 43% 14% 43% 0%

15The training room and facilities were adequate and

comfortable71% 29% 0% 0%


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4. STEM Ambassador Feedback & Scores

% Scores STEM Ambassadors ExcellentVeryGood

Good Average

1 How would you rate this activity? 29% 43% 29% 0%

2 Please rate the level of support provided by W5STEMNET during this project

71% 29% 0% 0%

Yes No

3 Would you recommend this type of activity to other ITindustry STEM Ambassadors?

100%

Strongly

AgreeAgree Disagree

Strongly

Disagree

4The objectives of the training were clearly defined from

the outset

14% 86% 0% 0%

5 The trainers were knowledgeable about the topic 86% 14% 0% 0%

6Linking ICT teachers and industry experts for thisprogramme was beneficial

43% 43% 14% 0%

7Participation and interaction between teachers and STEM

Ambassadors was encouraged43% 14% 43% 0%

8I received regular communication and requests for

support from my link ICT teacher in between training

sessions

14% 14% 57% 14%

9 The content was organised and easy to follow 43% 43% 14% 0%

10The training materials and tutorials distributed werehelpful

43% 29% 29% 0%

11 The trainers were well prepared 57% 29% 14% 0%

12 The time allocated for the training was sufficient 57% 29% 14% 0%

13 The training room and facilities were adequate andcomfortable

71% 29% 0% 0%


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5. Participant Comments

TEACHERSAs this was a new experience for me I found that the friendly relaxed atmosphere made it a very

stress-free and enjoyable environment. The trainers were of an excellent standard and always

available to help out. My partner from industry was an invaluable source of information who tooktime to ensure that I could successfully carry out all of the tasks.Pauline CordnerSteiner School, Holywood

The programme provided a good opportunity for practical programming. I would have liked to

have learned about how schools are currently using the Raspberry Pi in other schools in the UK /

USA.

Tim GambleDalriada, Ballymoney

Personally, I would have liked to have worked with my STEM Ambassador to develop my own needs

in school. Great concept to link teachers and industry experts together. Unfortunately, this did not

happen in reality for many different reasons, for example work schedules etc.Janine HeronGlenola Collegiate

The course has given me the confidence to run the new Sytems Software Development A-level next

year. I will use the Pi to introduce hardware components and show the boot-up sequence, command

line interface etc. The course allowed me to talk to other schools and local companies and see that

there is a demand that schools should be meeting. A worthwhile course that helped me get back in

touch with technology.

Jennie Wharry, Bloomfield Collegiate

I thoroughly enjoyed getting the opportunity to work alongside industry specialists and this was key

to the programme. Getting time and space to increase my own knowledge and understanding wasvital to allow ideas and materials to be developed for use within my own classroom. I felt at times it

was difficult to contact my allocated STEM Ambassador, but others were keen and very helpful to

provide support. I have thoroughly enjoyed this courseI have developed so much in knowledge to

allow my pupils to directly gain in their learning environment.

Karen Stuart, Ashfield Girls School

The timing of the training meant it was difficult to attend. A crash course in a one day would

probably benefit teachers more.

Margaret Debaddi, Campbell College

This training could be done on a one day session where all the aspects are combined and would

save on getting out of the same class for 6 weeks. There could have been more Python training or

even more ideas for projects with the Pis. It was however a good programme and the trainers were

very knowledgeable.

Patricia Boyd, Girls Model


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STEM AMBASSADORS

I liked the learning exercises; as an experienced Raspberry Pi user, I hadnt used them in this way

before. Definitely a great experience and good to come closer to teachers to see how they

experience technology. The Raspberry Pi is a fantastic tool (I cantstress that enough!), which can

greatly benefit learning (and playing!) for people of all ages.

Chris Mayne, CME Group

I would prefer to have full days training instead of a few hours at a timeby the time the Pis were

set up and running each day, there was maybe 20 to 30mins lost. Great pilot scheme to learn the

basics of Raspberry Pi safe in the knowledge that the experts were there to guide and advise when

things didnt work as expected (!).

Frances Morgan, QUB

I think there would be more value in training STEM Ambassadors to be product experts and sending

them out into schools to train many teachers. As I worked with my link teacher on-site at their school

(St Marks High School, Warenpoint), it was clear to see the difficulties the teachers might face in

finding the time to pass the knowledge on and I have volunteered to remain working with my school

throughout the remainder of the school year to provide support and mentoring. It has been a great

experience and Im excited to be working with my local high school on both this and further

interesting projects into the future.

Colin Masters, NYSE

The training offered several options to the teachers i.e. Python, Mat Lab etc. Programming is an

essential skills and the Raspberry Pi is a great way to learn it.

Jann Mueller, SAP

Suggested solution may be to train the ambassadors initially first in the six topics and then partner

them with their teachers later. Though leading to a longer course, this would potentially do three

things:

1. Ambassadors could be trained outside office hours initially, improving attendance

2. Ambassadors could establish themselves as mentors with their partner school teachers almost

immediately and assist with developing maps to the curriculum

3. Teacher understanding of ambassador benefits, attendance and engagement may improve

This project was led by pioneering trainers from industry. Participants enjoyed hands on introductions

to varied topics, including networking, programming, electronics and game design. A thoroughly

rewarding, informative and enjoyable course, I cannot wait to use what I have learned in a youth

setting.

Stuart Christy, Tyco


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The idea was great but the objectives for each week were not clear and the objectives for the lesson

were not explained. I think it would have been more beneficial for only ambassadors to attend training

in W5. After each class the ambassadors could visit their link school to repeat the session to ICT

teacher and also their class. Better notes for teachers, lesson plans available in advance and timely

posting of notes on web site.

Paul Hanna, Cisco

This programme was a little rough around the edges but with a bit of time spent on development, it

has good potential. A good start.

Matthew Laughlin, W5

6. What went well?

100% of teachers and STEM Ambassadors would recommend this type of activity to otherteachers / business volunteers

100% of teachers and STEM Ambassadors strongly agreed the trainers were knowledgeableabout the topic

100% of teachers agreed the topics covered were relevant to them and that the trainingmaterials and tutorials distributed were helpful

86% of teachers agreed their training and learning objectives were met

86% of all teachers and STEM Ambassadors agreed that linking ICT teachers and industryexperts for this programme was beneficial

St Marks High School, Warrenpoint approach STEM Ambassador lived locally andfacilitated training sessions on-site, after school for the whole IT Department

Projects worked wellnothing was impossible

Good mix of ability levels in taking part that helped shared learning

Opportunity to identify teacher need and facilitate suitable support


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7. Areas for Improvement?

Over 71% of teachers and STEM Ambassadors received no communication or contact fromtheir link STEM Ambassador / teacher in between training sessions at W5

43% of STEM Ambassadors disagreed that participation and interaction between teachers

and STEM Ambassadors was encouraged in between training sessions

57% of teachers disagreed that the training supported the IT curriculum

43% of teachers disagreed that the time allocated for the training was sufficient

Poor attendance at some training sessionsaverage attendance rate for teachers and STEMAmbassadors was 50% over the course of the programme

Challenges with timing of sessions at 3.30pm every other week, with teachers often gettingheld up at school or STEM Ambassadors being called into meetings at work

Communication between teachers and STEM Ambassadors was intermittent in betweentraining sessions

Getting the room in W5 set up for each session was quite time consuming. Having adedicated room where the Pis could be left permanently set up would be useful

Some participants felt the content of the handouts was a little vague

More specific learning objectives needed from the teachers

Some additional hardware was requiredscreen, ledborg

8. Conclusion

The current IT skills shortage in Northern Ireland continues to hamper the ability of companies toexpand, at a time when job creation is desperately needed. As the number of young peopleapplying for computer science courses continues to drop, schools, teachers, parents and businesseshave a crucial role in encouraging young people to study technology.

One of the biggest challenges facing post primary schools across NI, are the recent changes to thecurriculum, coupled with the phenomenal pace of progress and change across all STEM sectors butparticularly the IT sector.

The provision of IT focused CPD opportunities enable local teachers to keep up with the changeswithin their subject area as well as with the newest teaching resources and approaches.

This project came about in direct response to a need identified by W5 STEMNET in spring 2013, whonoted a significant increase in the number of requests being submitted by teachers requiring supportin teaching the new curriculum and showing young people in our schools how to code.

The open, social nature of this pilot programme made for a great learning environment, with teachersand business volunteers swapping knowledge and building lesson plans around the Raspberry Pi.


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Teachers have a pivotal role in highlighting how relevant ICT skills and qualifications are in the

current and future economy and job market. STEM Ambassadors from local businesses must help

them take the lead by promoting themselves as an employer of choice to young people, taking pro-

active steps to address the current and future skills shortage in their sector.

This programme aimed to equip teachers with the skills, confidence and a new IT learning resource to

help them engage their students and ensure that they understand not only how to use technology but

also how to create and make, as the new ICT curriculum has a big focus on coding.

W5 STEMNET has used our database of STEM Ambassadors and school contacts to deliver an

efficient approach to addressing IT teacher CPD, helping participants teach the curriculum in a fresh,

interactive and hands-on way. It is critical that we continue to deliver this unique and partnership

based approach to working together if we are to bring about meaningful change.

It is reasonably cheap and easy to get a pilot up and running to evaluate how successful a new

programme could be. This project would not have been possible without the crucial input of STEM

Ambassadors from Digital Circle and Farset Labs. The estimated total in-kind value of the training

provided to participating teachers and business volunteers is 3,466.88.

Recommendations

This teacher CPD programme can be promoted by W5 STEMNET via school ezine and face toface meetings

The programme can run over the course of the academic year, with an ongoing recruitmentdrive for participant schools and STEM Ambassadors throughout the year

Places available would be limited to 8-12 schools per term to facilitate effective matchingwith suitable STEM Ambassador and to avoid IT Ambassador fatigue

STEM Ambassadors recruited will be linked with a school within their local community tofacilitate the delivery of after school training sessions (3.30-5.00pm)

1 x training day per term could be delivered at W5 for participating STEM Ambassadors

STEM Ambassadors are trained in a day or full day training session at W5

Ambassadors will then deliver a series of 4-6 teacher CPD sessions on-site at their link school,training all members of staff within the schools ICT Department


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PHOTOS

Teaching tech to teachers with the help of STEM Ambassadors! Getting hands on with Raspberry Pi's

The Class of 2013 Raspberry Pi Bakers at their last session on 03 December 2013

DCAL Evaluation Report Raspberry Pi Project

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