I think this level of coding is an important skill for students of all ages, including middle and younger years students. Coding encourages students to think critically and solve problems. Programming involves breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, which encourages logical thinking and analytical skills. It can also provide a creative aspect for students to express themselves. In today’s digital age, understanding how software and technology works is a fundamental aspect of digital literacy. Coding is also a valuable skill in many professions, including technology, engineering, science, and mathematics. Introducing coding at a young age helps students develop a foundation for potential future careers in these fields. In the teamwork aspect, coding projects often involve collaboration. Students would need to work together to brainstorm ideas, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to the completion of a project. This fosters teamwork and interpersonal skills. 

While everything I just discussed is great for students and their learning, one of the most important aspects of this coding experience is that it is an element of play and experimentation into learning. Interactive platforms and tools make coding enjoyable, turning education into an engaging and exciting experience for students.

Incorporating coding into the curriculum for middle and younger years students could provide them with a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond traditional subjects, preparing them for a technology-driven future and instilling a love for learning.

Here is some screenshots and descriptions of my coding experience.

  • Started the coding journey with a Minecraft Voyage

  • Had a great introduction video that was engaging

  • Began the coding with simple tasks in the dark grey box near the top of the screen

  • Started to get interesing with the use of “repeat until goal” tabs

  • Really liked the congratulations messages coming up even if I didnt complete the puzzle with the minimum amount of lines

  • The use of different terrain in the pictures was engaging

  • The “repeat until goal” got interesting with different colours of corals

  • Even though there was lots of lines, the repeat (x) amount of times was a cool tool

  • The last level was a creative one and could play around with different things, thought this was a great wat to finish.

  • A certificate at the end is a great visual reward for students