This section contains professional learning materials and supporting resources which can be used to support teachers of Computer Science.
Overview:
NW1 Day 1
Introduction to Leaving Certificate Computer Science (LCCS)
NW1 Day 2
LCCS Learning Outcomes and Applied Learning Tasks (ALTs)
Computational Thinking 1
Teaching and Learning Programming
Overview:
NW2 Day 1
Computer Systems 1
Computational Thinking 2
PRIMM and Curriculum Planning
NW2 Day 2
Introduction to ALT4
ALT4 Investigate and Plan
ALT4 Design and Create
Overview:
NW3 Day 1
Computational Thinking 3
Algorithms 1
Computer Systems 2
NW3 Day 2
Introduction to Data Analytics and ALT2 Investigate
ALT2 – Plan and Design
ALT2 – Python Libraries and Curriculum Planning
Overview:
NW4 Day 1
Computers in Society 1
Algorithms 2
Computer Systems 3
NW5 Day 2
Introduction to ALT3: Modelling and Simulation
ALT3 – Investigation and Planning
ALT3 – Design and Create
Overview:
NW5 Day 1
Computers in Society 2
Databases
Inclusion and Planning in LCCS classroom
NW5 Day 2
Introduction to ALT1
ALT1 – Investigation and Planning
ALT1 – Design and Create
Overview:
NW7 Day1
Computational Thinking 4
Formative Assessment for LCCS
Computer systems 4
NW7 Day2
Algorithms 4
Computers in Society: Turing Machines
Curriculum Planning
Overview:
The Introductory micro:bit workshop introduces teachers to micro:bit essentials—events, variables, sensors, LEDs—while exploring PRIMM pedagogy. The workshop embraces problem solving and group work.
Introduction to the BBC micro:bit:
Overview:
The workshop builds upon the introductory micro:bit workshop, focusing on advanced topics such as radio and serial communication, basic circuitry and expanding the micro:bit capabilities with sensors and peripherals.
Participants engage in a wind power challenge to apply and showcase the skills developed. The use of arrays in programming will be explored, including their application in micro:bit projects.
Overview:
The Arduino elective workshop provides a valuable alternative for students and teachers in the LCCS classroom. It introduces new challenges and learning opportunities due to its unique connectivity requirements and development environment, which differ from both the micro:bit and the Raspberry Pi. The Arduino platform occupies a middle ground in terms of complexity, flexibility, and cost, making it an appealing option for educational purposes.
This workshop:
• introduces the Arduino (hardware and software) as a platform to support the teaching, learning and assessment of LCCS (no prior Arduino knowledge assumed)
• provides teachers with the option to use external sensors with the Arduino for both ALT4 Embedded Systems and ALT2 Data Analytics
• introduces an additional programming language through the Arduino coding environment
• expands the LCCS teacher’s toolbox, enabling them to guide their students in designing for and choosing the most suitable technologies for their chosen projects
• introduces the ESERO/ESA project ‘CanSat’