My students are very interested in coding and have coding apps that they are allowed to utilize when they have finished their work or when we are having a maker space with whole class involvement.
My class uses the coding app “Kodable”. It is a fun way to get the students involved in computer science. The app uses fun characters and gets the students excited about trying something new. The website that accompanies ‘Kodable’ includes a teacher’s learning guide, which I find to be very helpful. While coding is growing and becoming a part of our everyday lives, we were not not taught how to code. By having a guide for teachers, Kodable enables teachers to familiarize themselves with what they are asking their students to do. It also provides lesson plans, unplugged activities, and specific coding vocabulary.
I questioned how to assess students progress with Kodable. I was surprised to find out that each student can create an account and as the teacher, you are able to see students progress as well as who has been working on ‘coding’ more than others. Coding can be used as an extension activity for students who finish early. With that though, there could be students who always finish early and are therefore at a higher level than other or they have completed all of the stages. Conversely, there will be students who never finish early and do not have a chance to work on coding. So while I would like to include coding and computer science in my classroom, I find that I am not yet fully prepared and will continue to explore ways in which I may include it in other subject areas.
When this type of opportunity is used as a ‘free time’ or ‘when you are finished’ activity, these questions emerge. Have you come across ideas for how to effectively and more authentically integrate iPad use and/or coding INTO curriculum and learning activities for students?