Presentation masterthesis, Graz University of Technology, July 2019

1. Teaching Digital Literacy with the BBC
micro:bit in the EFL Classroom
Diploma Thesis Presentation
July 09th 2019
by Daniel Wachmann
Supervisor: Adj.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Martin Ebner
Co-Supervisor: Mag. rer. nat. Maria Grandl
1July 09th 2019

2. 2July 09th 2019
Presentation Overview
 Introducing Thesis and Digital Literacy
 Field Test: First Attempt
 Thesis Reorientation and Development of Materials
 Evaluation of Thesis (Insights from Interviews)
 Outlook

3. 3July 09th 2019
Thesis Introduction
Digital Literacy (“Digitale Grundbildung”) = predefined set of digital
competences pupils need to acquire in Lower Secondary Form
BBC micro:bit = micro computer to learn programming & acquire Digital
Literacy skills ( Computational Thinking)
2 primary goals: teach Computational Thinking and A2+/B1 English skills as a
cross-disciplinary approach

4. Field Test: GIBS Graz
4July 09th 2019
Computational
thinking
English Skills
BBC micro:bit projects

5. EnglishChapter
“NewTechnologies”
5July 09th 2019
Computational
Thinking
English Skills
BBC micro:bit projects
Project-related IT
topics
New Lesson Structure for Thesis

6. 6July 09th 2019
Project-related IT topics:
1. Early Programming: Crash Course
2. The Internet of Things
3. Digital Communication
4. Information Security
5. Green Technology
6. Independent Project
BBC micro:bit project for Digital Communication
“Create a program that uses Bluetooth so two
Micro:bits can communicate with each other”
DeviceADeviceB

7. Developing “New Technologies”
7July 09th 2019
1. Identifying IT Topics and Overall Learning Objectives
2. Researching and Establishing Educational Framework
3. Developing Lesson Plans ( Teacher’s Guide)
4. Creating a Student’s Guide ( accompanying course booklet)
5. Qualitative Evaluation through Interviews

8. Qualitive Evaluation: Interviews
8July 09th 2019
Main Points:
 Evaluation of Students’ Language Skills is Critical
 Independent Learning and Group Work as Prerequisites
 Organisational Issues (Double Lessons, Resources, …)
 Pre-Teaching / Co-Teaching Recommended or Required
 Lots of (Hidden) Preparation Time for Teacher
 More Time Needed for Lessons

9. 9July 09th 2019
Positive Aspects of “New Technologies”
 Overall Coherent Framework
 Carefully Prepared Materials
 High Didactic Value
 Easy to Use and Adapt: OER Resources
Conclusion: ideal and comprehensive teaching concept, but requires lots of
preparation/adaptation of organizational nature

10. 10July 09th 2019
Outlook:
Digital Literacy in the Future

11. 11July 09th 2019