Engaging Tech
IKCA May Tech Newsletter
5 Reasons Students Should Learn to Code
Is coding the new literacy? Research by the Consortium for School Networking predicts coding will drive K-12 ed-tech adoption for at least the next two years. Why is it so critical for students to learn basic coding skills at a young age?
Children attending K-12 were born into a digital world. Some say that computer literacy is as foundational as reading, writing and math. Teaching code not only prepares students for STEM careers, but gives them a better understanding of machines they will interact with the rest of their lives.
2. Programming exercises multiple areas of the brain
A 2014 study found that when people work with source-code, five brain regions are activated related to language processing, working memory and attention. While more research is needed, this indicates early computational thinking can mold multiple regions of the brain.
3. Diversity in STEM begins in PreK-6
In a study conducted by Bayer, more than 77 percent of female and underrepresented minority chemists said gender and race disparity in STEM is caused by lack of encouragement to pursue STEM at an early age. By targeting basic STEM skills like coding, schools can facilitate early interest in STEM careers.
4. The world needs computer scientists
While 71 percent of all new jobs in STEM are in computing according to Code.org, only eight percent of STEM graduates studied computer science. Today’s students could fill those gaps in the job market more easily if they learn coding at an early age.
5. Coding is creative
More than just a science, coding enables students to develop important personal abilities like their sense of creativity and self-expression. When developing code, students impact the world around them while fostering problem-solving skills. Engagement soars when they see real-world connections to lessons they’re learning.
The Future of Work is Already Here
Below you will find articles from many industries that are already being impacted by automation and digital innovation.
- Banks lay off 2,792 staff on automation and profit fall
- Some parking workers to be laid off at John Glenn airport as a result of automation
- Automation could thin Citigroup's investment banking unit jobs
- Automation Comes To McDonald's
- Amazon began automating warehouses a while ago. Now its machines get desk jobs too
- What GM’s Layoffs Reveal About the Digitalization of the Auto Industry
- Amazon's warehouse worker tracking system can automatically fire people without a human supervisor's involvement
- Walmart unveils an AI-powered store of the future, now open to the public
TECH SPOTLIGHTS
Nelson's Class
Hernandez's Class
Zorn's Class
TECH TRAINING & RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
Code.org
Code.org® is a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities. Our vision is that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science, just like biology, chemistry or algebra. Code.org provides the leading curriculum for K-12 computer science in the largest school districts in the United States and Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged 15% of all students in the world.
Code.org Offers
Scratch
With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community.
Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.
Made With Code
Made with Code is an initiative launched by Google on 19 July 2014. Google's aim is to empower young women in middle and high school with computer programming skills.
SOCIAL LEARNING OF THE MONTH
Podcast
Code Breaker - Reimagine Schools Podcast - Achieve more in the classroom using modern teaching tools and technology.
Hashtag
IDEA OF THE MONTH
Coding.org offers many hands-on activities to learn coding unplugged. This can be a great way to introduce these skills. Activities
Josh Van Tassel - Student Engagement Coach
Email: Josh.vantassel@imagineschools.org
Website: imaginekca.org
Phone: 1412
Twitter: @TheEngagingVT