Bringing Coding into the Classroom
Coding is fun!
Coding allows children to explore both logic and creativity to solve a problem. While many problem solving approaches tend to focus more on logic, coding gives children flexibility to be creative with imagining their solution, and then seeing it in action. Coding gives children the tools not only to problem solve, but also to create games, applications, and websites according to their interests. When children can create something that they can manipulate on a computer, it builds confidence through reinforcement of small goals and learning, providing them with concrete progress.
Classroom Examples
- Create a game using Scratch
- Try to solve coding problems… without a computer
Coding teaches a new way of thinking
Computer languages are just that: languages. They give children a new way to express what they are thinking with different terminology, verbs, and structures than spoken language. Similarly to learning a new language, coding can be frustrating and at times confusing to learn. This helps build resilience and determination in children, especially when they can see physical examples of their progress. As children come across something they do not understand, they can experiment to see what works and what doesn’t, increasing their ability to look at a problem from multiple angles.
Classroom Examples:
- Keep a progress journal, so students can look back at what they have learned.
- Do not focus learning purely on the computer. Have students keep paper notes of what they are learning to reinforce retention.
Coding develops collaboration and communication
Coding is something that is rarely ever done completely solo. Having students work on projects of shared interest together builds their ability to work in groups. Many times, solving something as a group provides far better results than working alone, as many different views are involved. Students will learn how to express their ideas with clarity and how to decide amongst multiple options for the most efficient one. Not only are they communicating amongst themselves, but they are also communicating with the computer. Together they learn how to break down complex ideas and directions into something basic that a computer can understand.
Classroom Examples:
- Have students create a game and then teach the rest of the class how to play it.
- Students keep a log of different ideas and ways to solve a problem. Later, they can go back and update their work depending on future iterations of the game/program.
Coding is the language of the future (and present)
As more and more companies are turning to digital solutions, it is important that today’s children are able to navigate not only the online word, but are able to understand what is happening behind the screen. The world of coding is no longer a niche field, but is so ingrained in daily life that many of us see chores such as grocery shopping as something that is done through a computer. We need the future generation to provide ideas to propel the field in ways that current professionals have not yet imagined.
