Why should programming be part of school curriculum?
Computer
programming allows all subjects and content to be taught or emphasized to
students. It is a resource that captures and engages students’ creative and imaginative
thinking into a learning experience. ”Youth
report a wide range of connections to traditional subject areas
such as math, reading, science, and foreign language learning in addition to strong connections to the arts.” I believe that
students often miss the opportunity in school to be creative, especially when learning
or expressing content-comprehension.
What are the barriers to implementing programming in schools?
Some barriers to implementing programming in
school are funding, lack of knowledge, and lack of support from teachers. “Within
educational contexts, others have examined classroom practices of teachers to
understand the lack of computer use in schools.” Most teachers don’t use computers in lessons
for lack of resources. Computer labs are often taken for testing or other
classes, such as College Algebra/College Trig, repeater courses, and transition
courses. I believe that the majority of teachers, students, and parents don’t
understand the complexity and mechanics of programming. This leads to a barrier
for integrating such skill within the classroom because of ignorance to the
effects and benefits of programming.
How can barriers to implementing programming in schools be
overcome?
These barriers can be overcome by having Professional Development that allows teachers to learn programming skills and discuss the benefits of integrating it within the classroom. Also, there are free programming tools/websites, such as Scratch, that will allow students to program without cost to the school. Moreover, “projects like these eliminate barriers between high and low pop cultures by taking an urban youth culture theme and reinventing it using high status knowledge, such as software design.” Programming breaks barriers for students. It levels the playing field for all students involved to create something that is meaningful/educational.
I agree with all your comments. I think taking advantage of free software in schools is important to the student as well because they can have access to the program on their home computer. I understand the rationale of teaching students how to use Photoshop, for instance, but I also know that it is too cost-prohibitive for most students to continue using it as a form of expression at home. Teaching students how to use freeware packs a double punch for this reason.
ReplyDeleteI agree that allowing students to be creative is very important but often overlooked. I try to remain conscious of the different types of learners in my classes and try to incorporate something that will get them thinking too.
ReplyDeleteI think you pretty much covered the major barriers to implementing programming in schools. Without those three basic building blocks the barrier cannot be overcome.
I agree that teaching the teachers in one approach to overcoming the barriers. Having the teachers learn will allow them to explore and see the importance of programming for themselves which will hopefully lead to them wanting to teach their students.
Thanks for sharing!
I really like how you made the connections to the fact that computer programming helps focus on content across the curriculum. I teach the computer classes at my school, and so many teachers feel that I only focus on computer content, but I try to incorporate all of the subject to intertwine with the content I am teaching using the computer. I think that it is important that we teach the students using the tools that they are using outside of the classroom. It is also important for us to provide opportunities with that technology to students who are less advantaged.
ReplyDelete