Week 6: What are the compelling arguments both for and against computer coding in schools?6/25/2017 There are arguments both for and against computer coding in schools. I personally think that the arguments are far more compelling for teaching coding in the schools. One may argue that teaching coding to children isn’t worth the time because they all aren’t going to be computer programmers (Harrell, 2015). However, so many jobs are driven by apps and websites, these students will need to learn how to code to get a job in a wide array of areas (Sehringer, n.d.).
I remember in high school, we had to made animations in Microsoft Powerpoint. I didn’t realize that this was coding until I read these articles and learned that it was exactly that. If you want to animate something, you have to tell it exactly what and when to do it. Coding has been and should continue to be taught in schools. Students not only enjoy coding and want to learn it, but it gives them skills in logical thinking, problem solving, persistence, collaboration, and communication (Harrell, 2015). Noelene Callaghan is quoted in an article by Singh (2015) saying, “Children and teenagers can create apps that adults cannot ... mainly due to the limitations that adults possess in living in a technological world.” Students need to learn skills that will equip them for the future that they will maintain and live in. There are many resources that teach coding to children in a way that is exciting and teaches them the basics of why someone would need to code. Code.org is a website that promotes the “Hour of Code.” It has lesson plans for teachers to follow and fun ways to get children to learn how to code. They maintain that, “Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path” (Hour of Code, n.d.). Like reading, learning to code is a skill that will help children in all areas of life. Their jobs will require them to have basic knowledge of creating commands and order using technology. Harrell, M. (2015, March 17). Add Coding to Your Elementary Curriculum. . . Right Now. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/add-coding-elementary-curriculum-now-matt-harrell Hour of Code: Anybody can learn. (n.d.). Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://hourofcode.com/us Sehringer, G. (n.d.). Should We Really Try to Teach Everyone to Code? Retrieved June 23, 2017, from https://www.wired.com/insights/2015/02/should-we-really-try-to-teach-everyone-to-code/ Singh, L. (2015, June 7). Kids who code: Why the App Store will soon be dominated by young developers. Retrieved June 23, 2017, from http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/digital-life-news/kids-who-code-why-the-app-store-will-soon-be-dominated-by-young-developers-20150602-ghetgt
1 Comment
Dr. F
6/26/2017 12:22:59 pm
There are many reasons coding would be beneficial. Some of them tie directly to math. For example, Standards for Mathematical Practice 6, 7 and 8 are addressed with coding. At least, I think so. Not to mention, problem solving, algorithms, and logic and all the math that is in the actual coding.
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