When a child codes they are using algorithmic thinking, breaking problems down into smaller workable parts, and becoming adept at developing sequences of detailed steps to create and test their work
This is a skill that is transferable to many different areas of study and can help create more well rounded learners.
evelop strategies to “debug” or find mistakes in their program
This is one of the biggest skills taught through code as you are constantly problem solving to create a better functioning code.
It is not a language like ours, with vocabularies or alphabets, but special commands and abbreviations that are used to write computer software.
Coding language is very structured with specific commands greatly altering the outcome of the code. One single missed letter can cause the whole code to crash.
Coding involves problem-solving, perseverance, collaboration, mathematical logic, and reasoning skills.
As a computer science teacher I completely agree with these skills that can be learned through coding. Code is a logical structure that needs strong problem solving skills.
If students (particularly K-8) are posting in a public location, they should never be posting personally identifiable information that could allow a stranger online to find out who they are.
This is something that must always be considered as an educator because unfortunately on the internet sometimes people are not who they say they are.
At the beginning of the year, sharing a survey with students or having them write about themselves on paper, without writing their name, and then having classmates guess, can also be a fun way to foster classroom relationships.
This is great idea as this can be a quality way to learn about your students while avoiding the typical ice breakers.
Blogging is a great way to encourage students to express their ideas, be creative, develop confidence in writing, to communicate and collaborate with peers and the teacher.
I think this collaboration metioned is one of the biggest benefits as it allows students to freely express themselves throughout the learning journey
Sharing your resources with othersReflecting on your lessons, classroom, school, etc.Staying on top of trends in your subject areaSharing student workDirecting your own professional development
I have utilized blogging in my classroom and have see many of these same benefits.
bringing blogging into your classroom can bring unique challenges in regard to student safety and digital citizenship.
This is an important challenge to acknowledge as this is something something I face often as a middle school computer teacher. Student safety must always be accounted for when thinking about using new technolgy.
How can we continue to stay current in a rapidly evolving information ecology?
I think this is a question we will always be asking ourselves as it we attempt to stay up with new developments. I personally do not know if it is truly possible but we must attempt to stay as up to date as possible.
Constructivism suggests that learners create knowledge as they attempt to understand their experiences
I think this is an interesting way to think of knowledge. As it explains how each individual learns differently because each expierence is different.
Technology is altering (rewiring) our brains. The tools we use define and shape our thinking.
This provides an interesting point as I also feel our use of technology has changed the way we think about learning. Technology sourronds us in every part of our life so we must adapt.
teachers and principals might not always see eye-to-eye
This is relatable because I have expierenced this first hand where an administrater is pushing us to use a program that is not working for our students individual needs.
define learning and what constitutes evidence of learning.
I think this is an important point as each educator may define learning differently. This makes it difficult to determine what technology is truly effective towards ehancing learning.
By treating humans as thinking machines
I think this is a great way of thinking of cognitivism. As it breaks it down to it's simplest form.