This school year, I was given a new teaching assignment in the middle school department – I will be teaching DESIGN TECHNOLOGY. Well! I did not hesitate to accept it as I am interested in arts, designing and technology myself. After I did some researches and studies, I decided to teach “CODING” to my Grade 9 and 10 class.
However, we do not have Computer Science course in the school and I, myself, do not have an in-depth knowledge about it – I am a newbie in this field. But I was intrigued by the tag, “No previous coding experience required.” which most of online courses in coding commit. So yeah, I gave it a try. After some trials, I introduced coding to my Design students and did some cool activities through code.org and Scratch.
But what makes “CODING” important? Should ALL students really need to learn to code? What if the student is not interested? Will it make him or her less likely to go to a good university or have a better job in the future?
Well, we do not need students to be geniuses and masters of coding, but here are some reasons why they should at least learn the basics of coding:
C-reate better job opportunities. The 21st century and future labor market is highly-competitive. Due to rapid technological advancement, a digital know-how in coding and/or programming gives each a greater chance of landing a better position in the global market.
O-ffers an advantage for university application. Students applying in top colleges and universities have a competitive advantage with coding. Considering selecting you and your peers who lacks the skill in coding, an advance skill and knowledge keeps you ahead than the other candidates vying for that spot in the university.
D-evelops creativity. In coding, creative possibilities are endless. You can code for games, applications, or you can code a robot to move and even make your own devices, such as traffic or soil moisture sensors. You can just simply create things and widen your imagination. Plain and simple.
E-nhance essential skills to thrive and survive the ever-changing society. According to computer experts, coding does not restrict you to a career in tech: it enhances the career, skills, or interests you already have. It develops 21st Century skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
As an advocate of technology integration in education, I wanted to keep my students informed and equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies in this rapidly digitizing society. Coding is one of the skills and a new language that I am using to this end.
Last December 5, during the Computer Science Week, club leaders of TechnoHub (Manila Xiamen International School’s Technology Club), organized their first Hour of Code session. Seeing students teaching students is just awe-inspiring and commendable. I love how students share their knowledge to younger kids.
START CODING and UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIALS.
References:
Singapore News Center. (2016). 5 reasons why everyone should learn to code. Microsoft.com. Retrieved from https://news.microsoft.com/en-sg/2016/09/11/5-reasons-why-everyone-should-learn-to-code/
Dan Crow. (2014). Why every child should learn to code. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/07/year-of-code-dan-crow-songkick
Photos during the Hour of Code by Sean Hu, Grade 10
Hour of Code Posters by Ray Hung, Grade 9
MITCHEL AFRICA 