Hello World: Issue 13 — Learning Under Lockdown

When classrooms moved online, computing teachers often became the people colleagues turned to for help. Hello World: Issue 13 — Learning Under Lockdown captures that moment through educators’ experiences, practical teaching ideas, and a close look at how computing education was adapting.

Teaching through a sudden change

The issue’s cover feature gathers stories from more than twenty teachers about working during lockdown. Their experiences frame a wider discussion of remote learning: what helped, what proved difficult, and how educators supported students while routines changed.

Ideas for lessons, clubs, and learning at home

Practical articles take computing beyond the classroom, with coverage of online coding clubs, Scratch debugging, cybersecurity, and resources for teaching from home. The issue also features activities including creative window-based projects, computing-themed colouring, and unplugged ideas for introducing concepts to young children.

Questions that matter to educators

Alongside classroom techniques, contributors consider student well-being, screen time, safeguarding, accessibility for children with SEND, and the changing demands on teachers. An interview with headteacher Katharine Birbalsingh adds a school-leadership perspective, while other pieces explore moral questions in computer science and the role of digital tools in learning.

From Scratch to broader computing concepts

Readers will also find features on EduBlocks and the transition from Scratch to Python, Boolean algebra, computational thinking, and ways to curate online learning. Together, the articles connect immediate teaching concerns with the subject knowledge and activities educators can bring to their students.

For computing and digital-making educators

This issue is aimed at teachers and others supporting computing education. Its mix of first-hand accounts, teaching resources, and subject-focused articles offers a snapshot of educators finding ways to keep learning going under exceptional circumstances.