There
has been a movement recently to teaching computer programming/coding in the
classroom. Many believe that it should be part of the curriculum along with the
other core subjects of mathematics and reading. Learning to code has many
aspects to it other than the skill to write computer programs, it also teaches
logic skills and problem solving. Adding coding classes into the
curriculum is not a simple task. There are several issues that arise from this
task. One issue is that introducing coding into classrooms has is the lack of
teachers in this field. There are many online sites and programs that teach
children how to code using internet sites but they are not for every learner.
Many students still need a hands on teacher to teach them the lessons and
programs. An issue with this is that a lot of teachers do not have coding
skills currently. Through professional development they can start to learn with
the students and their enthusiasm for learning it can rub off on their
students, but it is still a difficult process. Another issue with teaching code
as part of the curriculum is that there is already a lot of information and
content that teachers need to teach students such as reading, science, and
math. There is not always a lot of time to add in a coding curriculum.
A
final issue with adding coding into the schools is the debate on how necessary
coding is for students to learn. On the pro end of the debate is that it is a
needed skill along the same lines as reading and math. The argument states that
it will help students get interested in technical trades and STEM programs. The
needed for computer programmers are great and having some basic coding skills
in earlier education can jump start them into a career after secondary
education. They also stress how these skills are not only to program computers
but it helps students to get a basic understanding on how technology works,
even if they are not able to write new programs, they are able to get more out
of the technologies that they use. A final pro to this argument is that
learning the basics of coding helps to teach students learn logic and problem
solving skills. The New York Times has an article on their website that
discusses the pros of starting to learn code early: http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/05/12/teaching-code-in-the-classroom/teach-coding-as-early-as-possible
On
the con side of the debate are several issues. One argument is that computer
coding is not a necessary skill to have. While knowing how to read, write, and
do basic mathematics will be needed in virtually any profession, only those who
become computer programmers need to know how to write code. Knowing how to
write code is a difficult process to learn and it can become frustrating to
students who struggle with it and turn them off to any computer or science
related subject in the future. Teaching code will also need to take the time
and place of teaching other more needed subjects that already do not get the
amount of time devoted to it as it deserves. Finally many people believe that
it is an asset to teach student logic and problem solving skills. If that is
the result, lessons can be written to teach logic and problem solving to
students that incorporates subjects like math and language arts.
Coding
in the classroom might be where all modern classes are heading but there are still
a lot of issues that arise from introducing this new movement. Matt Coaty
writes in his blog the pros and cons that he has found while using “Coding Hour”
in his own classroom. http://mattcoaty.com/2013/12/10/coding/
I am not sure if writing code has reached the level of math and reading. However I can see the value of it in a math class based on the blackboard articles. If you are going to teach something you should do it right. My question is what types of schools are offering professional development and what types? My worries is that this is going to increase the digital divide. Then training teachers do get will be superficial.
ReplyDeleteSo what exactly is coding? I am mot familiar with this term, could you explain it a bit more? I think that since most technology is growing at such a rapid rate that most technology based things will grow as well.
ReplyDeleteSara: I agree that coding might have some value in math classes but I still feel that it is too technical to do much good. It isn't necessary to learn how to code until high school/ college where it is more of a professional skill. As to professional development, from what I saw there are teaching conferences and seminars that offer coding/teaching coding sessions.
ReplyDeleteBrittany: coding is what computer programmers do. They use programs like JavaScript to make computer programs and software. It is like having a completely blank computer screen and writing the processes to make a computer program like any of the ones we use on computers/tablets/smartphones. It is a very technical skill. While I agree that technology is growing at a rapid rate I think it would be more beneficial if we learn how to use technology to the fullest instead of trying to teach students to write programs.
Think about it this way. Coding is both a problem solving and creative endeavor, both skills needed as an adult. Teaching the basics at an early age prepares them for these thought processes.
DeleteUsing your logic, we shouldn't teach any computer skills, because we discuss many of them as required for professional work (presentation, calculation, etc.).
I agree that the math in coding can be superficial. It would useful for a unit on geometry. Beyond that I'm not sure. Do you think that coding has any value being taught in elementary, middle, and/or high school? Would it be good as an elective or a club after school?
ReplyDeleteThe only math I can see useful in coding would be logic/problem solving. I don't see how it can be applied to geometry, could you explain how you see that? I don't think it really has value in the younger grades but as an elective/club in high school could be good for students who have an interest in the field just like they have photography/drafting/video editing. Those aren't things that everyone needs to know but it could be useful for those who are interested or what to go further in those areas. I think computer programming and coding could fit into that category.
Deletehttp://mattcoaty.com/2013/12/10/coding/
DeleteIn this article they were talking about a lesson that included geometry terms like x and y axis, rotation, and angle. So I could see doing a lesson about translation, rotations, and reflection.
I have a hard time seeing any other type of math. In all the articles I see they say that it helps with math because it teaches logic. Logic is important to math, but it is usually taught using formulas. I probably need to do some more research because I can’t see how it will help me teach math.
Oh I understand better now! It's harder for my mind to wrap itself around it in math and problem solving and such. I agree that it would not have as much value in younger grades as with older students. I also like the example you mentioned about photography and video editing and such, it put this into better focus for me.
ReplyDeleteSo overall I think that we agree that it is an interesting concept that might have a few positive qualities to it. I think that it is still too much of a specialized tool that is not a necessity and there can be other lessons and things taught to students that are more useful.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do feel that coding is a bit hyped right now, programming is THE way to make things in the 21st century (as opposed to manufacturing physical items drove the economy in the 20th century). Thus, it shouldn't be ignored. It may (stress the word may) be as important as reading or learning another language; that is, if you have the skills, you have the ability to be a productive citizen who can communicate and market your abilities/skills. Simply put: what DON'T we use that doesn't involve programming on some level? If you can't program, you may not be able to participate in the economy other than as a consumer.
ReplyDelete