United Lisbon International School
What an amazing year this has been

What an amazing year this has been

Looking back, it is amazing to see how many things we have achieved and how many new frontiers we have explored through the Computational Thinking classes. Even with two lock downs taking effect to control the pandemic, we were still able to discover and learn about new and emerging technologies, interesting trends and topics, as well as participate in several local and international programs that promote computer science. We started the year by participating in the Hour of Code, the world’s biggest coding event, and continued working on our programming skills during some weeks after the event. This was followed by the European Cyber-security Month, where we explored topics of cyber-security, digital citizenship and “netiquete” through a variety of activities. Tinkercad came next, an online 3D design platform, where we learnt how to create and manipulate 3D objects, as well as export them and prepare them for 3D printing.

MakeCode and Minecraft were the focus right after, where we explored game development and coding, as well as creativity and collaboration using Minecraft: Education Edition. Next, we took a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning simulations, to better understand these technologies and how they are applied in today’s world. Finally, we got a chance to get hands-on with the BBC micro:bit, a pocket-sized computer system that we got to learn how to create programs for and run them on the spot. Even more exciting and amazing things are coming next year, so stay tuned.

Kyriakos Koursaris
Learning Innovation & Technology Integration Specialist