2016 March, I have commenced my Masters of Education by Research. My question is How do children learn to code for Ev3 Robotics?

After extensive research, I have come to the conclusion that research into learning and teaching coding in primary schools is non-existent. There is a need for teachers to teach coding in primary schools and yet there are none trained in the discipline of computer programming.

As a primary teacher I can understand how others must feel about the new concepts that need to be taught. It has opened my eyes wide as to the importance coding has for our present and future learners.

I am looking forward to this study. I will refer to my study from time to time as I go along.

2016 August. On the 19th I hosted the 2017 Secondary and Primary Robotics and Coding Challenge at CQUniversity. The theme was Cirque de Carnivale.
https://www.scienceweek.net.au/bundaberg-robotics-and-coding-challenge-2016/
My friend Peter and I created a website for schools to access and download the entry forms:

https://sites.google.com/site/bundabergroboticschallenge/

It was an amazing day and we had all sorts of wonderful ideas flying around.
Students from Secondary and Primary Schools in the Wide Bay area: Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Bundaberg and Moore Park.

2016 August, I traveled to Brisbane to present my proposal at the CQUniversity Symposium. I was unwell but managed to fill up the 20 minute time limit. Wow, I really need to condense what I need to say. I could have spoken for hours! It was a great experience to speak formally to industry professionals. A lady approached me as people were leaving. She said she was from the Health sector and that she believes what I am researching is extremely important. She said that she teaches clinical coding and it would be so much better if students had basic coding experience. She said if they could understand the thinking process, it would become a lot easier for them.

Wow! I was pleased to hear what she said. I believe my study will make a difference for teachers and students.

2016 September. I went to the Maryborough Technology Challenge to be a volunteer judge. Mr Tony Grudinski is the manager of the Robotics events and now a great friend of mine. He was kind enough to volunteer to be a judge at my event and so I was happy to be a volunteer judge at his (although I would have either way!). You can have a look at what Tony has been up to by copying and pasting this link in your browser:
http://steminabox.com.au/
There is some fantastic help here for teachers in primary or secondary contexts.
Please tell Tony that Shontelle sent you! ;-)

October, 2016. Today I presented at the 'IF' conference at the Brisbane Convention Center. Amazing experience! I met some fantastic people and saw some wonderful presenters. The Arduino workshop I attended was really good.
http://conference.acce.edu.au/index.php/acce/acce2016
A secondary teacher made a comment about the Ev3 coding as being ambiguous in that it linked continuously and made it confusing for learners. Whereas, the coding using arduino or the like was set out more like a text which becomes an easier language to pick up.

Some very interesting conversations were had (not to mention the delicious catering! ;-)