Reading, writing, and arithmeticand code?
Learn to code has been a directive given to students and young professionals throughout the country (and the world) for the last several years. It makes senseso many careers today involve at least some basic knowledge of a programming language. On top of that, some programming-dependent fields, like big data, are experiencing a major talent shortage, and people who can code have an easier time finding a high-paying job. This shortage may be partially due to the fact that coding is not taught as a required skill in the classroom. Much like proficient literacy, which opens doors for students in the workforce (60% of people with proficient literacy work in the management, business, financial, or professional sectors), coding can help students make the transition into the workforce, no matter what field they choose. Additionally, learning to code has other benefits, allowing students to develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the all-important grit that gives students the persistence to succeed. Many educators are recognizing these benefits, and are working to incorporate coding curriculum into the classroom, to give their students a head start on their future.
Innovative Methods of Teaching
Its easy to get discouraged when learning a complex skill, which is why so many students struggle with math, reading, and coding. In order to get kids excited about coding, innovative teaching methods and new technology are emerging to make learning to code fun.
Coding games hearken back to the video games of the 90s, which taught typing and math skills. Now, teachers have access to coding programs for all levelsprograms that break coding down to the basics and allow kids to learn at their own pace. Games like Code with Anna & Elsa and Minecraft immerse kids in the world of a game while teaching them valuable skills.
For younger children, physical representation of coding basics has seen great success so far. Kubo Robot is a device specifically designed to help very young children build the foundations of coding and critical thinking. Students can program the robot using proprietary TagTile programming language. Kids love engaging with the robot, allowing even children as young as pre-school age gain exposure to the concepts of programming.
Because of the range of resources available to teachers, its easier than ever to bring code into the classroom and prepare students for a valuable career.
Coding and the Achievement Gap
Careers in big data, artificial intelligence, robotics, and other IT fields are in high demand, and command top salaries. However, coding coming into the classroom is often concentrated in wealthier schools: schools with the resources to provide students with the equipment they need to gain these valuable skills. Unfortunately, this disproportionately affects children who come from low-income families, as well as minority children. Without sufficient focus on that gap, children without access to the resources they need will not have the opportunities to fill open jobs in big data and other STEM fields.
Fortunately, some organizations have emerged to help reduce the impact of the achievement gap in code. Hour of Code is an organization that hosts events mostly during Computer Science Education Week in December, but also throughout the year. Hour of Code produces one-hour tutorials that anyone can use to get familiar with the basics of coding. Black Girls Code is another organization working to level the playing field by encouraging African-American girls from ages 7-17 to challenge assumptions and prepare for a career in a STEM field. While these organizations tirelessly work toward the goal of equal access code education, there is still a long way to go before everyone has the opportunity to train for a career in an in-demand field.
Big Data in the Classroom
Aside from learning code in the classroom, big data is now being used in some schools to help analyze and predict student achievement. As more students leave their schools, armed with the knowledge to code, they will provide rich data on how coding in the classroom helps determine long-term success, shaping how we educate the next generation. For now, educators are focused on preparing students, and employers are focused on generating new talent. In our world, learning to code may soon become as important as learning to read.
