For the past three years I've been using Isaac Computer Science with my students to scaffold their revision – and found it an excellent revision tool for several reasons. It allows students to revise at their own pace, which is crucial for personalised learning. The student can focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses, spending more time on challenging topics and hopefully breezing through concepts they have already mastered.
Another advantage is the quality of the materials available – all of the resources are written by experienced computer science teachers. These materials cover a wide range of topics, providing comprehensive coverage of the subject and offering students ample opportunities to practice and reinforce their knowledge.
The platform includes a comprehensive tracking system that allows both teacher and students to monitor progress. You assign pre-made gameboards to your students, which are tailored to specific exam boards - ensuring that students are studying relevant content aligned with their curriculum. Alternatively, you can create your own gameboards using the pre-made questions available.
By utilising the game boards and tracking system, you can closely monitor the progress of your students, identify areas of improvement, and provide targeted support where needed. The platform uses the RAG system to show which questions they found most difficult, enabling you to quickly assess their strengths and weaknesses. This data-driven approach empowers you to make informed instructional decisions and adapt your teaching strategies accordingly.
I found it beneficial to set up multiple gameboards in advance, each with a specific deadline. This approach allows for structured and targeted revision. By setting deadlines throughout the weeks, I created a consistent revision schedule for my students, helping them manage their time effectively.
The platform's tracking system plays a crucial role in this revision strategy. During lessons, I can show it on the board and discuss the revision progress as a class. This allows me to analyse the students' performance collectively, identify areas where they may be struggling and address any tricky questions or concepts together. This interactive and collaborative approach fosters a supportive learning environment, where students can benefit from peer discussions and teacher guidance.
Isaac is user friendly and intuitive, making it easy for students to navigate and access the revision materials. It offers a variety of question types and interactive elements that enhance engagement and facilitate active learning.
When students encounter a particularly challenging question, they are provided with three helpful hints to assist them. These hints are designed to gradually provide more guidance and clarity as needed. The first hint may offer a general direction or nudge in the right direction. The second typically includes a paragraph of additional information for the student to read, offering more context or explanation on the subject. Finally, if further support is required, the third hint includes a link to a relevant video clip that provides visual demonstrations or explanations.
These hints are invaluable in supporting students' understanding and problem-solving abilities. By offering step-by-step guidance, the platform helps students build their confidence and gradually overcome challenges. When your students are using the platform effectively, you should observe positive outcomes reflected in the tracking system. Ideally, you'll see a lot of green on the RAG system, indicating that students are successfully answering questions and making progress.
Moreover, being a free platform funded by the Department for Education, Isaac Computer Science eliminates any financial barriers that students may face when seeking additional revision resources. This accessibility ensures that all students, regardless of their background, can benefit from the platform's features and improve their revision.
Check out Isaac’s student revision webinars
Find out more about 'I Belong' which aims to encourage girls into computer science
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