This week’s presentation on integrating coding and maker spaces into the classroom emphasizes on preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. These tools are not limited to use by “techies” but foster skills like problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration among students.
Coding and maker spaces provide hands-on learning experiences to students. As discussed in the article, An Overview of STEM, Robotics, Coding, and Makerspaces, these activities encourage computational thinking, creativity, and student teamwork. For instance, when students build a robot or code a simple program, abstract concepts become clear, helping students connect theory to real-world applications. They learn perseverance, critical thinking, and the importance of collaboration which can be transferred to their life and career.
It’s important to consider accessibility when it comes to potential benefits of coding and maker spaces. Due to disparities in access to resources and internet connectivity, all students may not benefit equally from it. Moreover, students with less expertise in technology may struggle to use these tools initially. This gap can be addressed by schools ensuring that coding and marker spaces become inclusive, supporting all learners irrespective of their background or prior experience.
The obstacles faced by educators for implementing coding or marker spaces can be lack of funding, limited access to equipment or insufficient training for teachers. The article Teaching Programming in Schools: A Review of Approaches and Strategies, mentions that one of the challenges in teaching coding is making educators feel confident and supported in delivering these lessons. These barriers can be overcome by providing professional development opportunities and affordable resources.
I disagree with the notion that only “techies” can teach coding or maker spaces. Educators can facilitate these tools by focusing on guiding the learning process rather than being experts in the field. Teachers can work on encouraging exploration, curiosity and problem-solving in students as a part of incorporating these novel tools. As highlighted in this week’s discussion, the collaborative nature of coding and maker spaces creates opportunities for educators to model lifelong learning alongside their students.
To sum up, including coding and maker spaces into education is not just about teaching technical skills, in fact, it’s about empowering students to think critically, solve problems and work creatively.The potential benefits of these far outweigh the challenges to implementation. These tools if implemented with the right support and mindset can transform classrooms into spaces of innovation and inclusivity for students.
Hi Aysha Hassan
The idea that you presented that coding and Maker Spaces promote creativity, critical thinking is an excellent concept.
I particularly liked that you linked these tools to real-world applications like programming in education setting and building robots and your point is that not all types of students have equal access to different resources. It is also very important to facilitate their access to them and a good example could be working in partnership with community organizations related to schools to provide different types of Maker Room coding workshops at a low cost to all types of students from all backgrounds. I also like that you agreed with the notion that only technology experts can learn coding, but teachers can encourage teamwork and curiosity and exploration to promote learning, which can make it easier for students to teach. For example, teachers could create a group challenge for students to create an animated story using a block-based programming tool like Scratch, even if they don’t have coding knowledge. This would also promote peer learning and problem-solving skills. All things considered, your reflection demonstrates how maker spaces and coding provide students abilities beyond technology, establishing opportunities for creativity and participation.
Hello Aysha,
I really like your blog and the pictures you have added in your blog are very creative. Your blog about integrating coding in education acts as a transformative tool for children. You have shared balanced perspective about the benefits and challenges of using these tools and even your suggestions are great.
Thanks for sharing your unique thoughts !
Hi Aysha, you raised a good point that a potential barrier to teaching coding in the classroom is funding. I think that many schools (at least ones I have taught in) are lacking access to enough devices. I also think that PD would be valuable for teachers to attend regarding coding but also that would be influenced by the amount of money available for PD.