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Quick links: Go Berserk book for Windows (by teachers, schools, reviewers, academics)
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reviews by: teachers | business and government | schools | reviewers
Patrice Gans, teacher and CSTA K-8 representative, who used our book in classes of 8, 9 and 10 year olds.
I was amazed at their enthusiasm. The fact that they could create a website and then share the information with their families, friends, and even virtual strangers via the Internet, was a very powerful motivator. They couldn't wait to get started. And even when they encountered challenges along the way, their sense of accomplishment never wavered.
Computer Science Teachers Association newsletter, April 2013.
Tracey Regan, B.Ed. student, Stranmillis College, Belfast
The Go-Berserk Programming Course was extremely interactive, informative, fun and surprisingly easy (from a novice programmer point of view) to follow and use. I have already planned how I would teach this in a classroom! One of the best and worthwhile courses I have attended.
John Hughes, B.Ed. student, Stranmillis College, Belfast
It was with no previous experience of computer programming or web design that I came to the Go Berserk training day.
Starting from the very beginning, we were introduced to key technical terms ..by using the excellent book produced by the guys at Go Berserk, we were able to build a website from scratch.
...I know that what I learned will be put to good use in the classroom!
Judith Cochrane, MLA, Stormont Parliament, Belfast
The book aims to teach children as young as 8 years old how to use computer code to write computer programmes... a book which would not only teach primary school children how to use code and reinforce the power of programming, but do so in a fun and understandable way, capturing the imagination and interest of our children at an early age
Stephen Farry, MLA, Minister for Department of Education and Learning, Stormont Parliament, Belfast
[This is a] very useful addition... to encourage more people to consider Computer Science.. as a career. Interaction with young people is critical. This book will go a long way to encourage more and more people to consider [Computer Science as a career].
(speaking at Go Berserk's launch in May 2012)
Peter Robinson, MLA, First Minister, Northern Ireland
This is the best form of education...something fun.
It isn't just primary and secondary school teachers we need to get this book to, but those who have decided that there is no future for them..to encourage them that they have a second chance.
To young people here, you have excellent opportunities...if I hadn't been a politician this is definitely the kind of job I would have been looking for, somehting in Computer Science.
I really do hope [Go Berserk] gets the response, not just from the children because the children will respond, but from the educators.
(speaking at Go Berserk's launch in May 2012)
see more comments from business leaders here.
Laurelhill Community College, Northern Ireland
9 pupils from Laurelhill Community College took part in an ICT training course at Stranmillis University College, Belfast that taught them how to program websites using 'Go Berserk!'.
The course was run by Ian Simons, who wrote the book called "Go Berserk!" and he was very pleased at the speed with which the pupils, who ranged from Year 8 to Year 11, were able to work.
As a reward for their hard work throughout the day, each pupil received a copy of the "Go Berserk!" handbook so that they may continue to develop these programming skills further.
By the end of the day, all 9 pupils indicated they would consider computer programming as a future career path.
Markethill High School, Northern Ireland
Pupils will be learning about and then using HTML coding to create their own web pages.
We will be using a children's educational book called "Go Berserk...making websites with HTML and CSS." This book will be used to teach pupils the coding needed to create web pages about History, Maths, Literature or any other topic they want.
Our teachers feel that it is important that pupils not only use new technologies, but are also given the opportunity to create new technologies. It is even hoped the project will help to develop creative projects which will inspire some of our pupils to think about a future in the IT industry.
citation: Bell, I. and Simons, I. (2013) Teaching Coding to KS2 and KS3 Pupils, Stranmillis University College, Belfast.
Irene Bell and Ian Simons from Stranmillis University College authored an academic report on the effect of Go Berserk in primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland. 6 primary schools, 3 secondary schools and 1 Learning Centre (which were chosen to be representative of all socio-economic groups in Northern Ireland) were given copies of the Go Berserk book to teach to classes.
The report concludes:
School managers and teaching staff involved unanimously agreed that the project was effective. It provided them with a unique and successful experience across a range of areas and delivered the school with a boost and a different perspective on thinking in developing ICT within their school planning....Frequently staff were amazed at the achievements of the pupils, their creativity and level of engagement. The web pages produced by the pupils demonstrated not only comprehension of the work undertaken at a surface level but at a level sufficiently deep that pupils applied transferrable skills and knowledge. The majority of pupils were able to understand the learning within the resources and apply it to their own chosen theme. This research has demonstrated that learning to code unlocks creativity and builds confidence in pupils regardless of age, gender or background.
Other findings from the report included:
Pupil responses to participating in the project were overwhelmingly positive, expressing difficulties in coding that demonstrated understanding and learning. They recounted an experience that raised their confidence and opened new avenues of knowledge and career exploration. This generation that cherishes instant feedback and affirmation of their actions responded positively to a coding system that gave an instant response when the 'refresh' button was hit.
Responses from the staff indicated that 'relatively speaking', the attainment of the lower ability pupils was particularly strong. Work from the pupils in this category clearly demonstrated that coding is feasible for all academic levels. Pleasing results were also achieved in an 'Education other than school' setting with staff there expressing support for the outcomes of the project very positively.
Findings indicate that the pilot study not only raised career aspirations for the children but in bringing their work home also engaged the parents and triggered their own aspirations for a career in IT ...Schools fully understood how this work was integral to the CCEA (2012) UICT, Desirable Features element within the curriculum. They reported their intentions to re-evaluate their planning with a view to incorporating this aspect of coding and more.
Olly (aged 11), from theollybookblog.com
This is makes HTML Website Coding really simple, if you don't get what HTML is then please click here.
The book is really light to go through and not difficult at all and any person who is 8+ should easily understand this. There are also other books in the series such as Go Berserk making websites with Javascript etc.
The one thing I will say is that even though it works with any windows version, the authors use Windows XP in the book while the newest ones are obviously 7 and 8. The code used is HTML 4 and CSS 2, The newest out however is HTML 5 and CSS 3. So apart from a few program updates this book is great!
8/10
See the review online here.
Mrs. Mommy Booknerd, from mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.co.uk gave us this review of the Go Berserk making websites with HTML and CSS book:
OK, so I kinda have been using this book myself!
I love to see all the tips and explanations for building a website! As my boys get older they are going to love creating a website on their own. They want to have a blog like Mommy, so this book will prove to be very valuable!
For kids 8 and older this book breaks down the know how into an easy to follow and easy to read format. It helps how many pictures accompany the instructions because we know that we learn so much faster with visual cues!
I cannot wait to create a website with my boys!!!
4/5 stars
and on Amazon.com:
Awesome
See the reviews online at mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.co.uk, Amazon.com, and Facebook, and other reviews for the book here.
Inkpellet.co.uk said this in their review
Coding is the language of computers and will put students who understand it in the driving seat; able to programme, create software, and speak the same language.
Step forward Ian Simons, Will Moore and Gareth McAleese, the co-authors of Go Berserk, a colourful step-by-step guide to making websites using code.
By the end of the book, they promise, users will be able to make their own websites...To get coding, visit www.go-berserk.com, where you can order the book
You can read the full review here.
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