Introducing Coding in the Classroom

KEY POINTS

• Introduce computer programming with block coding.
• Conduct classroom activities that build coding skills.
• Highlight the importance of coding skills.

As advanced technology becomes more ubiquitous in the world around us, the importance of teaching the STEM subjects has grown drastically. In recent years, perhaps no other particular STEM subject has taken center stage more than computer programming. When it comes to job skills, many industries are placing a top priority on coding skills, in the present and even more so for the future workforce.

START AT THE ROOTS OF PROGRAMMING

Coding can be a difficult subject to teach, for both students and instructors alike. When it comes to learning an advanced, text-based programming language like Python or JavaScript, the keywords, formatting, and other forms of syntax that must be memorized can lead to a steep learning curve for beginners. Luckily, we have block coding on our side.

Block coding is a simplified form of coding with a de-emphasis on programming syntax and an emphasis on intuitive, visual learning. Instead of students typing out their code in the form of text and symbols, block coding uses stackable, colored blocks as its most basic units of coding. This approach takes away the obstacle of memorizing syntax so students can get straight to the core principles behind computer programming, like variables, logic, loops, and functions. There are many free block coding applications available online, like Scratch and Blockly. Using these resources, you can help students lay out a foundation for future computer science learning.

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LEARNING

When it comes to coding, providing your students with fun and engaging activities is the best way to build their programming skills. Start off by introducing your students to a block coding application or text-based programming language. Give them time to become familiar with their coding environment. Then, challenge students to complete simple tasks with their code, slowly incorporating concepts like variables, logic, loops, and functions into your activities.

To really take your students’ learning to the next level, try to incorporate physical technologies into your coding lessons. Using a microcontroller like the micro:bit in tandem with its online coding platform, MakeCode, is a terrific way to bring your students’ code to life. Incorporating a robotic arm into your coding lessons is another option that can be used to take your students’ code on a screen and translate it into the physical world. These fun, physical, interactive coding activities are a great way to bring hands-on, project-based learning into your STEM classroom.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CODING SKILLS

When it comes to computer programming, having the ability to write an effective, efficient piece of code is certainly a valuable skill both in terms of a student’s success in the classroom and in terms of potential future careers. Coding also helps students to develop many other secondary skills. Coding teaches students how to thoroughly plan out a solution, how to implement a solution, and how to critically analyze their solution when things go wrong. Plus, it encourages students to develop vital mathematical skills, communication skills, and organizational skills. All of these sorts of skills are applicable to a student’s future no matter what career they pursue.

— Dr. Jake Roark