Do you know the code?

   
      A teacher's main purpose, regardless of the subject taught, is to build up the students' confidence so that they will become successful. This statement remain true when teaching programs and technology. Brookhouser (2016) expresses, "Our responsibility it to light within our students a steady flame of interest and confidence in technology and the skills it teaches. With the flame lit, we can step out of the way and let our students lead" (p.68). Technology is growing, everyday, it is vital that we equip our students with the skills needed to succeed in the new technological world.
     Sparking a middle school student's interest can be a challenge. There are several reasons that can validate that statement with the most common reason being students are afraid of failing. As Brookhouser explains, "Kids find out early which subjects they're 'good at' and ' bad at' when it comes to test time" (p.62). In the past, teaching was all about giving information and then giving a test as stated on page 63, "Very often, the goal is simply to teach what's going to be on the test" (Brookhouser, 2016).Failing tests can absolutely crash a student's desire to learn or put forth any more effort in learning something new. We must take our focus off of passing or failing test and explain to the students there is so much more to life than test scores. It is equally important to create an learning environment that shows students that failures are not  bad things but rather an opportunities to learn. Brookhouser agrees by stating, "Help your students understand that everyone is afraid of failure but that failures are how we learn, especially in coding" (p.62).
      In order to spark the interest of students the lesson must have relevance in their life. Brookhouser suggests, "Help your students tell a new story by solving problems together, building on their past successes, and gaining confidence in their math skills along  the way. Make those problems relevant with he help of coding" ( p.64). Another important role of a teacher is being a student's cheerleader. Learning new things can be difficult, teachers come along side of the students and remind them that the task is doable. Brookhouser explains, "When students are slogging through errors, tell them they're doing exactly what coders of their favorite games, films, apps, and devices are doing right now" (p.65).  Failure is a part of learning. We need to teach our students that any failure is not true failure when you learn something through the failure.


      As I was researching how to motivate students and spark their interest, I came across this video. I highly recommend taking the time to listen to the video. While listening or after the video, reflect on yourself as a teacher. Do you consider yourself to be a great teacher?
I also like the video because it ensures that it will be OK that I am learning new technology and programs as I am teaching the material to my students. My classroom will definitely be a place where we are all working together to learn the new technology and programs. Changes are coming and those changes can be scary. I completely identify with his statement of being excited to learn along side of the students. I think it will be the best year of all my years teaching.
     Also while researching, I found a cool website,Code.org, for teaching coding that I would like to share with you. One of the best features of the website is that the site is completely free!
If you would like to read reviews about the website you can visit Commonsense.org.


Image result for computer teacher 
References
Anybody can Learn. (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2018, from https://code.org/

BROOKHOUSER, K. (2017). CODE IN EVERY CLASS. S.l.: EDTECH TEAM.
 
Powers, M. (2018, June 25). Code.org. Retrieved June 25, 2018, from https://www.commonsense.org/education/website/codeorg
 
T. (2017, February 02). What makes a good teacher great? | Azul Terronez | TEDxSantoDomingo. Retrieved June 25, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrU6YJle6Q4
 
Www.cartoonstock.com: CartoonStock - Cartoon Pictures ... (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2018, from https://www.bing.com/cr?IG=31D108553BDF4B45AC7DC223F19BB740&CID=1B2377DB342065802E057BC235FE64A9&rd=1&h=5XqTgiLBWHPAbfpvSBWj9wjTnm2_bTSe0Rm2B4q77PI&v=1&r=https://search-id.com/d/www.cartoonstock.com&p=DevEx.LB.1,5774.1
 

Comments

  1. Ken GleatonJune 26, 2018 at 9:53 AM

    Great post Sonja!
    As teachers we know how some students love to do different activities in the classroom. Brookhouser suggests, "coding gives the student a sense of control over the devices controlling their world" (p. 13). Student need to learn how to solve problems & use creativity in all subject topics. Content is important, but we must teach our students how to apply the content we are providing. We are all creatures of habit & we don't like change, but we must get over this fear. As teachers we must teach how failure is the driving for behind invention. Great problems were never solved on the first attempt.

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    Replies
    1. UnknownJune 26, 2018 at 5:56 PM

      Exactly, I also like to like the students research things that we have today due to a failure. They really enjoy that! Did you know that Milk Duds are a failure? Is the opening question.

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  2. AnonymousJune 26, 2018 at 6:28 PM

    Hi Sonja,

    Interesting post! I agree with you regarding sparking students interest by making content relevant or real life scenario. We students are able to relate to content they tend to grasp information better and it increase conversation. I like it when students debate especially when it relates to content, as you know sometime discussions can get off course. According to Brookhouser & Megnin (2016) for twenty first century careers, knowing tech pays off. The need for students to have computer and coding foundation is beneficial for any career path.

    Reference

    Brookhouser, K,. & Megnin, R,. (2016) Code in Every Class EdTechTeam Press

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 26, 2018 at 9:43 PM

    That comic... Seriously, right?! As we continue to read, it is OUR job to teach them how to use all of this effectively and productively (Hicks, 2013). but it is such a challenge when they truly seem to be the leaders. Motivating them is key. I think one way is for them to realize (and us to let go of the fact) we as teachers don't know everything, and that's ok. We can all learn together. My six year old asked me yesterday if I had a tablet like his when I was his age... there is no concept of time before what we have now, so it really is acceptable for us to learn as we go. Love that you found code.org, by the way!! Great stuff!

    Reference
    Hicks, T. (2013). Crafting Digital Writing: Composing Texts Across Media and Genres. Heinemann Portsmouth, NH.

    ReplyDelete

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