Sparking Interest in Coding

As educators, we are always looking for new and interesting ways to spark our students interest about learning. More recently, our goal has been to spark interest in learning while also utilizing technology in many of our lessons. As mentioned in my previous blog posts, technology is an ever evolving tool we can utilize in the classroom. One of the main topics buzzing around today is the aspect of coding in the classroom. Like myself, many of you are probably wondering "What is coding?". Dalling (2020) defined coding as "computer programming... the process of creating software". For many teachers and students, coding is a new concept. Therefore, it can develop feelings of fear or anxiety in many teachers and students who are learning the coding process. Brookhouser and Megnin (2016) explain, "Whether they are total code beginners or amateur hackers, all students feel some sort of performance anxiety" (p.62). As with many other new concepts, students may be apprehensive to participate in the coding process simply because it is something they are not familiar with. When we are not familiar with something, we put ourselves at risk of embarrassment and failure. Both of which can be very uncomfortable feelings, especially for our students. However, when learning the coding process, students must realize "all computer programmers-from preteen amateurs to full-time professionals-experience bugs, errors, and frustrations all of the time" (p.66). 

So why teach something that our children are uncomfortable with? Well because coding offers many learning opportunities, such as problem solving, for students and allows them to explore their own creative minds. For example, coding requires problem solving strategies and even mathematical knowledge. As educators, we often run into the phrase from students "I'm not good at math" or "I can't solve the problems". Coding is a great way to break those math barriers that students create for themselves. Brookhauser and Megnin (2016) state, "...the whole 'bad at math' myth is patently untrue. Research conclusively shows math performance is determined by attitude" (p.63). 

Therefore, how well a student will perform in math reflects directly on their attitude toward math. It is our job as educators to expose students to math related activities that will boost their morale and hopefully make their attitude for math more pleasant. We can do this by introducing the concept of coding to our students and allowing them to work together to problem solve. "As your students grow their skills...they'll naturally start using computer programs to solve real-life problems in school, at home, and in their community" (p.67). Coding gives students the tools they will need to help them work through real life problems of their own. This process allows students to experience the types of situations they may encounter as they get older, not just in the school setting, but also in the work setting as well.

I know many of you are probably wondering "when is the best time to start teaching coding". According to Dr. Kewalramani (2019), "Early childhood is the best time to introduce STEM based play". Beginning in kindergarten, we try to teach our children problem solving skills. What better way to do so then by learning these skills through coding! Even in the early childhood classroom, students can activate their scientific inquiry through the creating and programming of something as simple as a robot.

Now your probably wondering how we can teach such concepts as algorithms (which coding requires) to someone so young. Bonfiglio (2018) states, "As it turns out, we all use coding concepts on a regular basis without even thinking about it!" Something as simple brushing your teeth, baking a cake, and even cooking breakfast require algorithms in order to complete the task effectively. Whether you realize it or not, all of the above mentioned activities require a list of steps in order to achieve the task. Teachers can take everyday activities and help students understand coding through those activities.

It is important that we find coding activities that appeal to their interest. For example, my kindergarteners really love Minecraft (especially my boys). I could use a software that involves Minecraft and coding to get them interested in coding. However, this is not the only way to get spark younger students interest in coding. Brookhouser and Megnin (2016) mention incorporating activities such as guest speakers, field trips to see computer programming in action, visiting a local computer repair shop, visiting medical facilities, and even connecting fellow learners across their region and around the world into coding lessons (p. 68). I believe these activities are especially important for younger learners. Allowing students to connect with or even watch videos of students their age or near their age coding effectively could be a real game changer on their outlook of  the coding process. 

When we see others are able to complete something, we are more apt to believe that we too can complete that same task. It is our job to make our help our students become more comfortable with progressive struggle in order for them to not only be successful learners while they are in school, but to also equip them with strategies they can apply in real life as they get older. As with many other subjects we teach, confidence and motivation are imperative for our students to become more successful digital learners.

References

Brookhouser, K., & Megnin, R. (2016). Code in every class: How all educators can teach 

        programming. EdTechTeam Press, CA: Irvine.

Bonfiglio, C. (2018). Coding for kindergarten: 5 basic coding concepts 5 year olds can understand.

        Retrieved from https://teachyourkidscode.com/coding-for-kindergarten-5-basic-coding-  

        concepts-5-year-olds-can-understand/

Dalling, T.(2020). What is programming/coding. Retrieved from http://www.programming

        forbeginngersbook.com/blog/what_is_programming_coding/

Halleux, P. (2017). MakeCode for minecraft makes learning code super fun. Retrieved from

        https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/code-minecraft/

Kewalramani, S. (2019). Why preschool is the best time to spark an interest in STEM. Retrieved from

        https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/why-preschool-is-the-best-time-to-spark-

        an-interest-in-stem

TedxTalks. (2017). Coding: By a kid, for kids: Krish Mehra at TedxKentState. [Video]

        Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOsdfRbrNdk