Control Technology at Upper KS2

The control technology units of the QCA Scheme of Work for ICT present two particular challenges to the ICT coordinator:

Resourcing. To teach the units adequately it is necessary to have a computer which is connected to a control box which is in turn connected to output devices, such as bulbs and buzzers, and input devices (at Y6) such as switches. All this gear can get expensive!
Organisation. Because of the likely scarcity of the hardware, it is unlikely that schools with computer suites will have enough equipment to go round a whole class. In such cases alternatives to whole class teaching may need to be sought.

Despite the above, it should be recognised that control technology can provide our children with extremely stimulating and rewarding learning experiences, particularly when applied to Design and Technology.

Flowol and FlowGo	Flowol is an innovative piece of software with which control programming is achieved through the use of flow charts. Whilst Flowol can be used purely on-screen with simulations called 'Mimics', it is best used in conjunction with the FlowGo box which enables connection to external devices. Full details are available from http://www.data-harvest.co.uk/
SenSci Control	SenSci Control is Valiant Technology's control box. It enables the QCA Scheme of work to be taught without modification because it employs a programming language where instructions are complied from text. SenSci can be used with standard electrical components which are very readily and cheaply available (from County Supplies etc.). It is therefore possible to build models from scratch as part of DT projects and then control them from a computer. SenSci is much cheaper to purchase than its competitors. Unfortunately There is no version available for Windows 2000 or XP operating systems. Details are available from http://www.valiant-technology.com
Robolab	Robolab uses a very attractive icon based programming language to control devices made from Lego components. Unfortunately it is necessary to modify the Scheme of Work slightly if it is to be used. The suggested Robolab kit for KS2 is the "Amusement Park Set" which is in itself quite a lot of money but be warned, individual Lego components are very expensive indeed. Details are available from http://www.lego.com/dacta/robolab/default.htm
Lasy Control	Whilst Lasy Control could be used to teach the Y5 and Y6 Control Technology units of the Scheme of Work, it is very expensive and is no better than SenSci.

Control Technology at Upper KS2

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