30/01/18

Coding

The ability to code computer programs is an important part of literacy in today’s society. Coding can be used to help develop children’s confidence in areas of the curriculum that they struggle with. Scratch Jr is a child friendly programme that allows children to develop skills such as:

• Creative thinking
• Logical reasoning
• Problem solving
• Collaboration

This is an introductory programme to the language of coding and is an easy and accessible way for children to create their own interactive stories and games. The programme consists of piecing together graphical programming blocks to make the characters move, jump, speak and communicate. “Scratch is designed for exploration and experimentation so it supports any different learning style… Schools can use Scratch to aid teachers in subject like mathematics, English, music, art, design and information technology” (The Lead Project, 2014).

 

By covering a multiple of topics, different areas of the curriculum can be covered and teachers can create many activities from a simple Scratch presentation. I choose to create a simple character and go on an adventure in space and share facts about different planets. This could act as a starting off point for many activities such as the children creating their own story or adventure in space, drawing their own planets and characters and learning about the solar system and about the planet they live on. These different activities and the programme its self can link to many areas of the curriculum and be used in a variety of ways not just by the teacher but by the children.

Learning to use code, can be like learning a new language, its creates a gateway to a new of thinking, looking at things and skills. This can be shown in the different areas of the curriculum for excellence:

• “I can explore and experiment with the features and functions of computer technology and I can use what I learn support and enhance my learning in different contexts”. – TCH 1-04a / TCH 2-04a
• “I am developing problem-solving strategies, navigation and co-ordination skills, as I play and learn with electronic games, remote control or programmable, I can work individually or collaboratively to design and implement a game toys”. – TCH 0-09a / TCH1-09a                                (Scottish Government)

Through coding children “are learning to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively – essential skills for success and happiness in today’s world” (The Lead Project, 2014).

 

Reference List:

The Lead Project (2014) Super Scratch Programming Adventure: Learn to Program by Making Cool Games! No Starch Press.

Scottish Government , Curriculum for Excellence: Technologies experiences and outcomes [Online] https://education.gov.scot/Documents/technologies-eo.pdf [Accessed February 1st 2018]