Coding is not only typing on keyboard and writing function and programs simply as it’s a door that opens to the reality of how the technology works and what is the logic behind it which helps in shaping our modern world. Through coding, we as a teacher prepare students for necessary thinking and problem-solving skills at an early age. Coding also fosters creativity; students can create games, apps or animations, watch their ideas being implemented. For example, the Hour of Code activities as in just one hour, students come across such things as loops or conditionals in a very engaging way. It makes them more concrete thus help make learning fun rather than a chore (Puckett, 2021; code.org, n.d.).
Besides, coding projects are usually group efforts, which improves interpersonal skills, group cooperation as students grapple with problems. In the classroom coding develop resistance. When kids learn about error messages in code, they are bound to learn patience, a quality that is unique from other subject areas but is very much essential in life. Students also know that errors are not bad, but rather pit stops in learning so it can be a perspective change to enhance confidence and promote a growth perspective among learner.
Do All Students Benefit?
While not all of students can afford the devices, internet connectivity among other necessities for coding education. Accordingly, the schools that are in the economic disadvantaged regions are unable to avail these necessities. Nevertheless, methods that involve activities such as pair programming where two students sit with a single device makes everybody’s participation is ensured and strengths students learning from each other Further, code activities are needed to be engaging for different types of learners. However, less computer experience might be a reason for students to become less less confident.
Obstacles in Teaching Coding
While incorporating coding into teaching, educators, may be overwhelmed by the challenges that come with the activity. Time management as well as the lack of equipment and other resources besides inadequate or no training time. Another major challenge is the fact that most of the people seem to believe that only teachers who are adept in technology can deal with code. As having prior knowledge of the coding is advantageous but there are new platforms such as Code.org which make instructions easy and a teacher even with little experience in coding can lead the class skilfully. Moreover, use of platforms that offer guided tutorials, lesson plan and support make coding friendly even to teachers.
I have not taught coding in my entire teaching but I think that ideas of coding corroborate the principles of experiential learning. Again, like other forms of project-based learning activities that I have incorporated in my class, coding promotes creativity and group collaboration. For example, children programming together to obtain a problem in computer science could be similar to how students solve a coding challenge as they work in groups on experiments, projects, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7M7_3rZKDo
Are Computers best taught by ‘Techies’?
Earlier, when I didn’t like using computer and learning new technologies, I could have agreed with this statement but when I learned basic coding and one of my colleagues became a coding expert, my narrative got changed as it also made me believe that coding is not about trying to be a programmer but to provide learning environment for the students in which they can learn from their mistakes. Frameworks such as PRIMM (Predict, Run, Investigate, Modify, Make) allow teachers to take students through coding lessons in a clear manner though the teacher does not need to be a technical expert.
I really feel, coding helps in development of logical thinking in students. In this way, by making coding more as a subject about learning, and not a strict science subject, professionals can teach many of the more generic skills needed in the modern world including creativity, critical thinking and the ability to work with others. Coding can be a cross curricular subject where aspects of art, English and history are incorporated into projects or lessons.
However, at the end, I do not think that code can actually ruin the hopes of the education system for students to gain very important skills and to have fun while learning and developing. Though I do not have prior teaching experience in coding, the resources that I have looked at make technology appealing in the classroom to prepare the students for future. In this manner, the basic intent of the codification process when applied to education is to ensure that everyone can be encouraged to become the next generation of innovative coders.
I have read these resources for this blog post-
https://www.trceducation.com/stem-robotics-coding-and-maker-spaces
https://dergipark.org.tr/en/download/article-file/1853378
Hello Prabhdeep kaur,
Your blog is very unique and informative it could serve as a valuable piece of information about coding. You have captured all the benefits of teaching coding to the students and how with the help of coding various skills like problem solving, collaboration are developed.
Excellent work !
Thanks for your feedback Gagandeep Kaur.
This is an excellent blog post, Prabhdeep! I enjoyed reading your explanations on coding, its practicality and important, and also the challenges individuals and schools may face. I agree that it may be a challenge for teachers to learn coding, when you mentioned that lack of equipment or resources can be a barrier. Also, not all teachers may be interested in integrating coding in their classes, unless he or she is technologically adept. Yes, coding is practical for the students and they can learn things beyond technology and computers, such as organizational and problem-solving skills through coding. However, it may take some time for teachers and even schools to adapt to this, for various reasons.
Thanks for your feedback Raul.
Good day Prabhdeep. Like you, I have very little experience when it comes to coding, etc. so I liked many of the points you brought up. I agree with the challenges you discussed, especially the connectivity and staff being overwhelmed by the prospect of teaching with it. Your video and post however, give hope that by focusing on doing a little bit at a time and learning with the students, there can be success for teachers, and, as you talked about as well, it does not have to be the Math or computer teacher teaching it, but it can be cross curricular. A very strong point. Thank you for the information.
Thanks for your feedback Edward.