Coding Opens a New World for Learning

Teaching children how to code is opening new horizons for young learners. Today, it is not unusual for children to play games, complete math puzzles, read books and articles, interact with their peers, etc., using computerized technology. With coding skills, students can now create their own programs so that the games they are playing are based on their own imagination, the stories they are reading and writing are interactive allowing the students to control the story line, and the puzzles they are solving require them to stretch their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. At Mendham Township Elementary School learning to code starts with kindergarten and continues all the way through fourth grade, with instruction continuing in the Mendham Township Middle School with fifth grade.

According to Mr. Gallo, Technology Teacher at Mendham Township Elementary School, coding brings its own unique dimension to learning. Before a child has mastered reading, writing, adding and subtracting, they are already looking to solve puzzles and can create and recognize images. Coding can build on these interests with easy to use, kid-friendly technology. For example, a kindergartner can analyze and create a solution to help a battery-powered robot mouse navigate a simple pathway to reach a cheese prize. The students create their own maze for the mouse, and then use image-based coding cards to create a step-by-step path for their mouse to follow!

As children learn to read, and then read to learn, so too with coding. Students in second and third grades can continue to build their coding skills by using tools with block-based coding, e.g., Scratch. Students can use their imagination to create interactive stories, animated graphics, puzzle solutions, all while working independently or in collaboration with another student. Students can then transfer their knowledge of coding principles in order to build and control LEGO® robots! One of the advantages of block-based coding is that it gives the student a sense of achievement and success while applying their analytical skills without having to know more complex text-based coding. Then as the children become adept with the capabilities of block-based coding, they can graduate to learn text-based coding using platforms such as Codesters. As the children become more comfortable with coding, they can employ tools that allow them to learn more independently. The advantage of this process is that they begin to solve programming glitches by relying on their own initiative. The tools described provide real-world programming experience for these young students.

The computer lab is a fun and engaging place to learn at Mendham Township Elementary School. Recently, fourth graders participated in a 3D digital design challenge using the design tool, Tinkercad. After finishing a lesson on how to program an original 3-dimensional creation, the students entered into a raffle to have their project become a reality by having it created on the school’s 3D printer! “I have found that technology levels the playing field and allows a teacher to meet the needs of a wide range of learning styles and abilities,” said Mr. Gallo. “These technology classes are designed to act as an extension of their everyday learning experiences. As they build their coding skills, the students develop their critical thinking, build an understanding of sequencing, and gain confidence in problem-solving.”

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