Coding in the Classroom Amanda Debattista! eTwinning NSS! Malta
Which are the key terms which our students must know when learning to code ? A PROGRAM – A series of instructions from the beginning to the end of a specific task. For example: go to the shop and buy a jar of marmalade and a loaf of bread.! An ALGORITHM - Step by step instructions, usually to solve a specific problem. For example, unscrew the top of the marmalade jar, and spread the marmalade on the toast delicately, as not to break the bread.! To DEBUG – To find a problem and solve it. For example, remember to use a knife to spread the marmalade, do not use your fingers, they will get all sticky !
Ok, so how do we explain all that stuff to young students ?
This link might help:! http://bit.ly/1sz4X0B!
In real life, how can we present coding to students ? Present a problem and invite students to find a solution! For example...
This is Daisy
Daisy wants to jump into the star...what to do ?
Move the command -a simple verb! - into position and press PLAY
Voila'! Your students have started to code! Integrating Daisy Dino in your lessons:! !
This helpful link has slides and lesson plans-let's visit! !
http://bit.ly/1sz59Nk! ! !
Other interesting Apps to explore...
Hopscotch - Designed for all ages, ! Teacher can make it as easy or as difficult for his/her class.
Start with a story: ask students to choose one of the characters:
Ask your students to write a story with their character: other avatars can be added as needed, too: Students can choose an ability and let their character do it...variables can also be set accordingly
Students can create stories, web pages, games...! According to their ages and abilities.! More information on:! http://www.gethopscotch.com/! !
Food for thought: how would you present Daisy Dino or Hopscotch to your class ? Let us use Padlet to share some ideas - follow this link:! http://padlet.com/amromica/ etwincode!
The previous two coding applications that we mentioned Daisy Dino and Hopscotch - are available ONLY for Apple Devices... But...there are others which are online: Let's start from...
Tynker: Classroom Management System based coding application:! Available as a mobile App and also online:! http:// www.tynker.com/!
Beginner features are free.! Choose a classroom name, and a level:
You also have a classroom management system, where you can keep track of students' progress:
Like Hopscotch, you can look for ready made projects made by students:
Recognize the code blocks ? Students must solve problems by putting the blocks of code into a sequence.
Tynker is also available as an App for those who have access to both Apple and Android Devices
This is another great resource: SCRATCH!! http://scratch.mit.edu/!
“A community of SCRATCHERS !!”
Available online, as well as on Apple Devices
Again we have the use of coding blocks-easy to recognize words and graphics
Let us return to our Padlet and think about the new resources we have seen...and how we can plan our lessons and use them in an eTwinning Project!! !
http://padlet.com/amromica/etwincode
Some project ideas using Scratch... (And other coding applications too) Ask one group of students to first draw or write a story on paper;! Another group checks the story-debugging!! Story is reviewed & different partners will be in charge of 'building' a story using Scratch;! Final story will be presented together.
Skills acquired: Reading/writing/conversation skills! Sequencing of events! Planning! Logic/problem solving skills! And finally....coding skills....! Because it is not ALL about coding, but the other skills that come with it, too!
Other interesting websites...! (please write your feedback on Padlet !!) Code Studio-Hour of Code. Covers everything from simple drag and drop operations to more complex coding exercises-for the Primary classes: http://code.org! Cool Coding Apps and Websites for Kids-A variety of web based and tablet based resources: https:// www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/coding-apps-andwebsites! Top Learning Websites To Introduce Coding: http:// elearningindustry.com/4-elearning-websites-tointroduce-coding-to-students
Thank you for participating !!! For any questions: amanda.debattista@ilearn.edu.mt