Coding is now being discussed and implemented in STEM education courses and programs throughout the curriculum. It is now common knowledge that coding will be a required skill for employment in the not too distant future. InformEd suggests:
Although computer programming was once seen as a skill reserved for geeks and computer nerds, it's now regarded as an essential ability for 21st century learners and is becoming a key component of many curriculums, even in primary schools.
Coding truly develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills and encourages the development of analytical and logical thinking and literacy. Also, as it is student-driven and outcomes-based, the central characteristics of hands-on learning can develop.
EduTopia provides a helpful overview of the ways in which students of all ages can learn coding and their blog post by Vicki Davis suggests:
In my opinion, parents of every student in every school at every level should demand that all students be taught how to code. They need this skill not because they'll all go into it as a career-that isn't realistic-but because it impacts every career in the 21st-century world. Any country recognizing that will benefit in the long term.
So moving ahead with our exploration of the benefits and uses of coding in instruction, stay with us as we discuss assessment…
TIP: Think "beyond point and click" and create ways in which creative and innovative coding could benefit your students.
Coming up next, "Is there a rubric to help assess hands-on learning?" Stay tuned...