CODING THE NEW LANGUAGE

Scratch

Scratch is a free kids programming language developed by MIT’s Lifelong Kindergarten Lab that allows students to code their own interactive stories, animations and games.

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WINDOWS MAC LINUX Blockly

Blockly is Google’s refinement of Scratch using the same interlocking building blocks metaphore, but it can output code in several different programming languages.

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WINDOWS MAC iOS ANDROID Alice

Alice is an innovate blockbased programming environment that makes it easy to create animations, build interactive narratives, or program simple games in 3D.

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/*THE NEW LANGUAGE*/

BY ASHLEIGH HARVEY

Computers are amazing, but they can’t think for themselves…yet. They require people to give them instructions. Essentially, coding is a list of step-by-step instructions that get computers to do what you want them to do. Coding makes it possible for us to create computer software, games, apps and websites.

Coding is no longer just for adults or the technologically savvy…in today’s digital world, coding is a fundamental skill alongside math and reading. Learning to code is similar to learning a second language. The earlier that children are exposed to fundamental topics like sequencing, loops and conditionals, the more deeply they absorb these concepts.

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, basic coding skills are introduced to students as early as Prep. These skills are then built upon in Years 1, 2 and 3 before formal coding lessons begin in Year 4. Teachers utilise various programs in their classrooms where students learn to code their own interactive stories, animations and games and in the process learn to think creatively, reason systematically and work collaboratively.

During the first year of high school at RGS, all students will study Digital Technology, where they will have the opportunity to explore a range of computer software packages with a focus on developing computer programs. From there, students can choose to delve deeper into the world of coding by selecting Digital Technology as an elective in Years 8 and 9, which advances to Digital Solutions in Years 10-12. RGS teacher, Mrs Alana Mikkelsen, supports the formal introduction of coding to the syllabus. “Coding is the digital literacy of the 21st century and a vital language-set for our students to have in preparation for their future,” remarks Mrs Mikkelsen.

The benefits of coding

Unlike more traditional mediums such as television and radio, which have been almost universally consumed passively, the web encourages active participation. Likewise, learning to code encourages children to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology they use.

Computing coding is the universal language of the planet. People who know how to code will be able to communicate across countries and cultures, and will possess the necessary skills to be competitive in today’s, and tomorrow’s, job market. Coding specialists are well-paid and highly-sought

Swift Playgrounds

Swift is a programming language used to build iOS apps. Swift Playgrounds is an iPad game designed to teach kids how to program in Swift.

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iOS iPAD ONLY Twine

Twine is for children who are interested in creating games and telling stories, and who get frustrated with the technical details of programming.

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WINDOWS MAC LINUX LEGO Mindstorm Robotics

Another approach to learning to program is to look at robotics. Many kids respond to the idea of programming things that work in the real world.

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WINDOWS MAC iOS ANDROID Kodu

Kodu lets kids create games on the PC via a simple visual programming language. Kodu can be used to teach creativity, problem solving, storytelling, as well as programming.

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after in the market, however teaching children to code is not about equipping the next generation to work as software engineers, it is about promoting computational thinking. Computational thinking is how software engineers solve problems. It combines mathematics, logic and algorithms, and teaches you a new way to think about the world.

When children learn to code, it helps them to develop essential skills such as problem solving, logic and critical thinking. Computational thinking teaches you how to tackle large problems by breaking them down into a sequence of smaller, more manageable problems. Through coding, children can learn that there is often more than one way to solve a problem, and that simpler and more efficient solutions are often better. Learning to code

While students will learn the basics of coding in primary school, there are several apps and programs you can download that will help your children reinforce the concepts they are learning in school (see above).

Motivated middle and senior schoolers may want to try their hand at making Minecraft mods. The Unity 3D game interface is another great way to jump into programming 3D games with many online resources available.

Just remember that programming is inherently frustrating. It involves a lot of troubleshooting and trial and error. The best tool parents can provide their budding programmers is a sense of persistence and determination.

As with all new programs, games and apps your child engages with, you should plan on being involved in the coding and programming lessons with your child so you can learn and better understand how and where they are progressing. This should be viewed as the beginning of a lifetime of learning for the both of you.