Catherine Elliott's Avatar

Catherine Elliott

@catherinelliott.bsky.social

Education Consultant with particular interest in SEND in Computing, AI in education, assistive technology and all things edtech. https://sheffieldclc.net/

208 Followers  |  280 Following  |  41 Posts  |  Joined: 06.01.2025  |  2.217

Latest posts by catherinelliott.bsky.social on Bluesky

This is such a beautiful, poignant and important talk.

18.07.2025 08:27 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I'm with you on this - I tend to default to ChatGPT as it gives much better outputs, and generates superior images, but I'm very cautious with what I enter into it. Could you share the Alan Turing quote? - would love to read it

25.06.2025 09:45 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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We're looking forward to delivering a workshop at the Computing At School conference, about how to make coding lessons more engaging.

In our workshop, we’ll discuss some of the best ways we’ve found to make learning to code more engaging, and introduce you to Mission Encodeable.

23.06.2025 07:01 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

"Today’s announcements show this government is laser focused on investing in the futures of young people across Britain, knocking down barriers to opportunities, regardless of where they grow up."

Ooh, lasers 🀩

09.06.2025 11:18 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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LGBTQ+ Computer Science Greats Computing is for all. Anyone can be a Computer Scientist or Electronic Engineer if they love the subject, put their mind to it, and put the work in. Some of the most amazing, the absolute greats, w…

Computing by all, for all - THIS MONTH
June is Pride Month
Read about LGBTQ+ Computer Science Greats and the massive contributions they have made.
cs4fn.blog/lgbtq-comput...
#ComputingByAllForAll

02.06.2025 07:29 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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We did the math on AI’s energy footprint. Here’s the story you haven’t heard. The emissions from individual AI text, image, and video queries seem smallβ€”until you add up what the industry isn’t tracking and consider where it’s heading next.

www.technologyreview.com/2025/05/20/1...

20.05.2025 23:48 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

I always mention it when training staff about AI, and it has to be in there when we teach students about it too - hope you find the space!

16.05.2025 11:54 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Did you know Bluesky has a setting that will remind you to add alt text before posting any images?

Global Accessibility Awareness Day is a great day to help you get that set up.

Go to "Settings," then "Accessibility." Select the checkbox for "Require alt text before posting."

#GAAD #GAAD2025

15.05.2025 19:58 β€” πŸ‘ 162    πŸ” 93    πŸ’¬ 6    πŸ“Œ 9

I'd love it if you listened and share with friends and family

29.04.2025 09:56 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Sheffield AI are running a FREE AI based hackathon in May 2025.

Entries are open to anybody in the region who wants to get hands on and build something with AI.

Find out more and sign up: sheffield.ai/hackathon/

@helpsheffield.bsky.social #SheffEvents

29.04.2025 09:57 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This is a great blog - AI as β€œprobability engines rather than magical friends”.

29.04.2025 08:11 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
The impact of CS4FN over 20 years
β€’ "Contributed to the rebirth of Computer
Science as a school subject”
β€’ given talks to tens of thousands of
students with positive feedback from
students and teachers
β€’ given CPD talks to thousands of
teachers, to help support them teaching
Computing.
β€’ created long-lasting novel educational
resources, including educational
activities and posters.
β€’ Our resources are used globally
β€’ supported wide ranging research
projects
β€’ kickstarted then supported the massive
increase in those taking CS at university
β€’ contributed to policy change in the
school curriculum to include CS
β€’ contributed to the UK government's
policy change to support teachers
β€’ popularised approaches to improve the
teaching of computer science
β€’ supported tech entrepreneurship and
contributed to the foundation of a
successful spinoff company
β€’ supported diverse diversity
β€’ and more…

The impact of CS4FN over 20 years β€’ "Contributed to the rebirth of Computer Science as a school subject” β€’ given talks to tens of thousands of students with positive feedback from students and teachers β€’ given CPD talks to thousands of teachers, to help support them teaching Computing. β€’ created long-lasting novel educational resources, including educational activities and posters. β€’ Our resources are used globally β€’ supported wide ranging research projects β€’ kickstarted then supported the massive increase in those taking CS at university β€’ contributed to policy change in the school curriculum to include CS β€’ contributed to the UK government's policy change to support teachers β€’ popularised approaches to improve the teaching of computer science β€’ supported tech entrepreneurship and contributed to the foundation of a successful spinoff company β€’ supported diverse diversity β€’ and more…

It is the Computer Science for Fun (CS4FN) project's 20th anniversary. I am gradually writing our impact story. Read about it here:
cs4fn.blog/impact/
@qmuleecs.bsky.social
Here are some highlights ...

27.04.2025 16:18 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

May need more than 300 characters for this one... mostly no, agreed, hence it's now in PSHE/RSHE not computing - was only put there as PSHE not in NC back then. But as with AI, pupils need a good grounding in how the internet works etc to be able it use it safely & a good place to reinforce messages

24.04.2025 10:42 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Writing effective prompts for AI - maybe, but understanding what AI is and how it works needs to be in computing (& taught 1st), plus plenty to go in online safety/PSHE around misinformation and bias. Use of AI should go across the curric. as should application of tech, to reflect real-world use.

24.04.2025 09:45 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
A book - Ring the Hill by Tom Cox lying on an envelope.

A book - Ring the Hill by Tom Cox lying on an envelope.

Thanks @dj-acid-reflux.bsky.social arrived safely - very much looking forward to getting involved in this

23.04.2025 15:08 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

My first computer - with "Massive RAM" of 16K! Many happy hours playing Horace Goes Skiing and Jumping Jack 😁

23.04.2025 15:05 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Good morning! Nearly 200 people have completed this survey so far. If you work in tech, no matter how loosely, and want to be part of a positive social movement, please take a look and share with your networks

23.04.2025 06:16 β€” πŸ‘ 23    πŸ” 29    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Responsible-ish GenAI dos and don’ts: text edition β€” Careful Industries Seven things to bear in mind and three responsible-ish AI strategies

I like this Careful Industries blog on Reponsible-ish use of GenAI: www.careful.industries/blog/2025-4-... - it can be super useful & save time, but we should all be setting 'conscious boundaries' around the use of this extremely resource-intensive tool.

23.04.2025 07:17 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Apply to take part in the Keyboard Navigation Usability Test | Emma Posey Micro:bit Educational Foundation is recruiting children aged 8 to 18 for MakeCode Keyboard Navigation Usability Test in the USA for mid-April 2025. Please shareΒ this email with anyone you think might...

Basically for a keyboard navigation usability test to use MakeCode to help create amore accessible version. More details here: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...

15.04.2025 12:38 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Sadly I don't have the followers I used to on the *other* platform, but in case there's anyone out there in the US working with young people with disabilities or additional learning needs who love coding, but can't use a mouse - there's a great project from @microbit.org looking for participants 1/2

15.04.2025 12:37 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

Totally agree with you here - and even without AI the thinking and design process can be neglected in primary computing - I've met a lot of pupils who can create amazing things in Scratch but have no idea what selection means, or how to build something from first principles.

15.04.2025 08:20 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Why Computing is STILL AboutΒ Thinking I read a recent blog post about AI in education by Neil Almond, and it has been playing on my mind, not because I disagreed, but because it asked exactly the right questions. What’s the real purpose of technology in education? And what are the risks if we get it wrong? As someone who leads computing in a primary school, I often return to a simple truth when asked what the subject is really about:

Why Computing is STILL AboutΒ Thinking

I read a recent blog post about AI in education by Neil Almond, and it has been playing on my mind, not because I disagreed, but because it asked exactly the right questions. What’s the real purpose of technology in education? And what are the risks if we get…

14.04.2025 16:18 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Hi Amjad, I've not posted much yet as I'm just getting going with BS - but will soon be sharing lots of lovely computing/edTech + SEND stuff 😁

15.04.2025 08:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Generative AI Chatbots Common Sense Media improves the lives of kids and families by providing independent reviews, age ratings, & other information about all types of media.

Common Sense Media have reviewed some AI tools here: www.commonsensemedia.org/ai-ratings/g... as a starting point.

14.04.2025 18:26 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Absolutely, love that idea :)

14.04.2025 14:30 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

This is lovely - great if you have access to a 3D printer!

14.04.2025 14:08 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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STEM Educator Awards Shortlist 2025 Discover the 2025 shortlist for SheCanCode's STEM Educator Awards, celebrating the outstanding educators shaping the future of women in STEM.

I'm very proud to have been shortlisted by SheCanCode as #STEM #Educator of the Year. It is now open to public vote so please can you click bit.ly/4cpaZNm and 'cast your vote' for me in the 'Educator of the Year' category #EduSky

14.04.2025 09:58 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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Revealed: Big tech’s new datacentres will take water from the world’s driest areas Amazon, Google and Microsoft are building datacentres in water-scarce parts of five continents

At least it’s for a good purpose πŸ™„

09.04.2025 12:39 β€” πŸ‘ 69    πŸ” 16    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 4

If you don't already follow Miranda, she posts the loveliest observations on everyday life and makes my timeline so much more joyful. (Oh and she's looking to get to 5,000 followers by 6pm today, so go on give her a follow)

09.04.2025 10:14 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

Really interesting to see the advancements especially around inclusion of text. Great to see a section on the environmental impact of these tools too - many people don't consider the huge energy and water demands of GenAI

09.04.2025 09:52 β€” πŸ‘ 0    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

@catherinelliott is following 20 prominent accounts