This week we looked into coding in Education. I have done some basic coding at an elementary level for a previous course and found it really interesting. When attending McGill, and doing my practicum there, I was able to witness the dedication that the school system had to implement coding from grade 2 up. It seems to be that coding is a great, interactive, activity to gain problem-solving skills. Coding is interesting because, although it is math based, students can learn social studies and language arts through story-based coding.
Story-based coding is when students may follow along a story, choosing their own path with a given character. I think that if it is possible with funds and equipment, integrating coding into the curriculum for grades 3 to 5 would be very beneficial. That way students may build off of the basic skills of coding.
Using online based games in general is a great way to break up the command style learning within the classroom. I know that for myself, the website coolmathgames was something that I really looked forward to if we had computer lab time. When learning is fun, students forget that they are using their brain with a certain intention!
For the hands-on portion, I chose to do the Elsa and Anna coding game. It was quite long, but felt very rewarding when I got my certificate! I am a certified coder! I showed my achievement to my two housemates who are Computer Science majors.
