This week in EdTech we learnt about the importance of teaching students about coding. Initially, I was confused at what coding referred to. When I think about coding I picture random letters, numbers and symbols thrown together in sentences to fix a technology problem. However, I realized that coding can be enjoyable and is a good lesson to teach students.

As Mike Bernier, Former B.C. minister of education points out, “coding is a hands-on way of teaching students how to analyze a problem [and] determine the steps to fix it” and that coding is “an approach and a way of problem solving” (Lecture Slides, Week 11). I agree with this statement, because I believe that there are several diverse ways to teach students problem-solving methods, and that coding is a very beneficial way.

This below attached website provides several resources such as worksheets, diagrams, visual images and videos that provide background information on coding and how it can assist students when it comes to problem solving with technology. In addition, we learnt about a series of different games and problem solving techniques that utilize coding. I was most interested in the Scratch and Scratch junior games, but unfortunately I do not own an iPad or an Android. However, I was able to FaceTime a friend of mine in the program after class and she was able to show me her iPad screen so I could see what it was all about. I believe that students require diversity in their learning and instruction, and the more diverse ways that we, as educators, change up our lessons, it will consequently increase engagement and motivation levels. To the students, using a computer or playing a game is enjoyable to them and gets them excited, while they are simultaneously learning and benefitting from the assignment.