21st-century classrooms are changing the way
teachers teach and how students learn. Coding is something, which in the
past, has been limited to specialized classes and enrichment activities. In the
modern classroom of today coding is a skill that students can use to expand
their critical thinking and creativity (Brookhouser & Megnin, 2016).
Coding should not be limited to students who are
"computer nerds" but be available to all students. Teachers have
the task of integrating technology into their daily lessons; adding
coding is just another step in the process. When looking at coding, educators
should understand that it doesn't only mean computers and keyboards but
actually is the foundation of almost everything we do and use on a daily basis.
Traffic lights, television, baby monitors, and airport terminals are only a
fraction of things for which coding is responsible (Brookhouser & Megnin,
2016).
The first step for a teacher or school to
include coding in general education classrooms is getting permission from the
administration. Technology is still a new concept for some administrators.
Coming to the realization that it is here to stay and a necessary component in
the classroom is a significant challenge. Administrators need to be reassured
that what a teacher is doing benefits the students' success.
Administrators must be sure that coding and
technology meet the educational standards. Computer science does not mean just
teaching typing skills or even word processing. Computer science teaches
critical thinking skills, problem-solving techniques, and making connections with
everyday functions (Brookhouser & Megnin, 2016). It is important to include
these skills in every classroom; not just in a computer lab. Each teacher has
the opportunity to include a coding element in his or her lessons.
School administrators must also consider the
financial impact. How much money will the addition of coding to the classroom
cost the school? The answer to this question can be surprisingly low. There are
multiple options that do not include spending any money. Teachers can teach
coding with simple chalk and a sidewalk; high tech devices are not necessarily needed.
When one has addressed all the concerns of
administration and still experience resistance, one may have to just "do
it" and ask for forgiveness after the fact. Sometimes taking the
calculated risk is worth it when all of the due diligence on the subject of
coding is complete. One does not want to
disobey administration but there are times where planning for classroom coding
education significantly reduces the risk of failure in the classroom. Some
administrators need to see things in action to fully understand the impact (Brookhouser
& Megnin, 2016).
Reading, writing, arithmetic, and coding are the
subjects of the 21st century classroom. To assure that our students
are properly equipped for their future in a world of technology they need
coding to understand how things work (Berdik, 2015). Everyone isn't a computer
programmer but everyone needs to learn the skills that coding provides. Moreover,
adding coding to the classroom can benefit students in other areas of study.
25, 2018, from http://hechingerreport.org/should-every-school-class-be-a-computer-coding-
class/
BROOKHOUSER, K. (2017). CODE IN EVERY CLASS. S.l.: EDTECH TEAM.
Tracy, we are seeing coding working its way into the general education classroom. In my school we still predominately see coding in our enrichment classes and in our STEAM lab, but teachers are beginning to see the benefits coding offers. In regards to leadership buy-in, administrators want to make sure teachers are teaching the standards. Whereas computer science and coding might not be a specific standard right now, coding can be integrated into all subjects to teach students how to discover problems, persevere through their failures, and how to create solutions. These learned traits will definitely prepare students for the workforce.
ReplyDeleteTracy, administrator's buy-in is extremely important for coding to be effectively integrated in the classroom. Teachers must feel that they have support if they are going to reach out for additional assistance and PD. Because coding is problem-based, teachers can easily integrate it in mathematics as well as writing. I think many teachers have not taken the first leap because they don't understand that coding is not just for computer programmers. Additionally, administrators have not bought into the idea of coding because they do not fully understand what coding is and the impact it has on students.
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