image<\/span><\/div>\n \n I have been developing an interest in learning about coding.\u00a0 <\/span>Coding is the language of computers.\u00a0 <\/span>It is how we tell a computer what we want it to do.\u00a0 <\/span>The same way we learn to read and write the English language, coding is another literacy that is gaining main stream popularity.\u00a0 <\/span>In Ontario we do not yet have a provincial approach for addressing computer programming in schools.\u00a0 <\/span>Although many schools are starting to recognize coding as being a valuable activity.\u00a0 <\/span>According Mitch Resnick (as cited in Pierce, 2013), \u201cThe ability to program, the ability to code, is an important part of being fluent today.\u00a0 <\/span>In the same way that learning to read opens up opportunities for many thing, and learning to write gives you a way to express yourself and see the world, we see coding as the same (p.21).\u00a0 <\/span>Being able to code allows students to move beyond being consumers of technology toward learning how to create technology.\u00a0 <\/span>Coding also allows students to learn how to break down big problems into smaller chunks. <\/span><\/p>\n There are several different friendly programming tools that provide easy to use interfaces for learning how to code.\u00a0 <\/span>One such site is Scratch<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/span>Scratch allows users to create animated computer games, stories and graphic artwork.\u00a0 <\/span>It is equipped with paint applications, sound editing capabilities, and a wide selection of sound files, all of which can be used to create projects.\u00a0 <\/span>Creating a Scratch project involves connecting blocks in stacks to create a script. <\/span><\/p>\n The Scratch website also provides opportunities for users to network with one another.\u00a0 <\/span>Users can post their creations on the website, view and comment on the projects created by others and also remix the projects that have been posted in the gallery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I think there are many educational opportunities for teachers and students interested in learning more about coding.\u00a0 <\/span>It is something that can be used across the curriculum, nurtures creativity, and also allows for collaboration.\u00a0 <\/span>I am at the very beginning stages of learning how to code.\u00a0 <\/span>I have included some pics of a project I recently created.\u00a0 <\/span>Alternatively you can access progress in work by<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Screen](\"https:\/\/blogs.ubc.ca\/etec540w2015\/files\/2015\/12\/Screen-Shot-2015-12-02-at-10.11.39-PM.png\")
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