Coding in the Classroom: Student Perspectives

As the LwICT Teacher Leader, something that I have supported in classrooms this year is coding.  Many PWSD students have had the opportunity to learn basic programming skills using student-friendly tools.   One such class is Mrs. Fransila's Grade 7/8 class in Inglis.   During my monthly school visits, the grade 7/8s have been learning to code using Wonder Workshop Dash robots.   We have done some "unplugged" coding activities with no technology and some mini-lessons on different topics.   The students are working their way through the Wonder Workshop challenge cards, which include a variety of programming tasks. 

The students recently reflected on their experiences with learning to code and I noticed their reflections posted in the classroom last time I visited their class.   I think it is really important to seek student feedback about teaching and learning, so I was eager to read what these students had to say!   I think the students shared some valuable insight, so (with their permission) I am sharing their ideas below:

Ready, Set, Go!
"Meet Dash, our classroom robot!  Dash has been with us since December.  We have had lots of fun programming and coding its instructions.  We had cards with steps and instructions so that we could give Dash specific commands.  We learned how to safely operate and care for Dash.  Sometimes, before we had a completed outcome, we had to practice getting the measurements and the steps just right.  In the introduction to coding, we learned how to sequence the steps in the order that it said on the cards.   After leveling up, we started learning about loops and conditions where we needed different materials, like obstacles, cups and bulldozer attachments.   After learning more and more about coding, more practice and adjustments were needed.  My group got to level C.  I like coding.  It is fun, sometimes a bit frustrating, but it is mostly enjoyable.  All I had to do was input different blocks into the iPad and press "go" when I was ready.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to code the Blockly app!  I think that coding is fun, I can't wait to finish the cards!"

The Adventures of Coding
"In December 2017, Mrs. Obach came to our classroom with robots to introduce us to coding.  Mrs. Obach taught us how to care for our robots.  We did some practice cards where we had to follow all the steps in proper sequence to get the desired outcome, but sometimes we had to adjust the conditions to get it right.  We learned that some cards needed materials like tape, cups, or the bulldozer blade.  We learned about loops and if/then [statements] and we had lots of fun."

Coding Dash

"In December, Mrs. Obach came and did an introduction on coding robots.  We learned how to take care of Dash (Dash is the robot).  We couldn't pick it up by its head when moving it and [we] also learned how to use the cards we were given to help it execute conditions and loops.  When using the cards, you would use the steps that are given to code Dash.  Sometimes we have to adjust the course so that Dash wouldn't hit anything.  The materials we used were tape, cups and bulldozer clips.  When we used the tape, it marked where Dash started and where to place the cups if they moved.  Dash sometimes went around the cups and sometimes pushed them into the tape that was a square.  The bulldozer clips are used to push the cups around.  In order to get a good sequence, you have to follow the cards step by step.  If you don't follow the order, then everything will be a big flop and would have to restart and go through the steps again.  To get a positive outcome, you have to have lots of practice.  When I was doing my last card, I had to keep redoing it because the cups weren't in the right spot or Dash wasn't in the right starting position.  It was an amazing experience.  I am thankful that I was able to learn about coding with Dash."

Crazy Coding
"In December, Mrs. Obach brought 2 robots into our classroom so we could learn coding.  There were instructions on cards that showed the steps you needed.  The introduction was learning how to sequence and adjust the commands when something wasn't working with the card outcome.  There were different materials you could use under different conditions.  There were different blocks you could use like go forward, go left __ degrees, loop and others.  We had practice and learned rules on how to care for the robots." 

While reading and re-reading the student reflections, a couple of key points stood out to me:

Try, Try Again:  The students refer to making multiple attempts at completing a given coding challenge/task.  One student mentions that they encountered some frustration.   The important thing I noticed is that, despite setbacks, all of these students persisted in their work.   I have shared my opinion that developing tenacity is one of the reasons that I think learning to code is valuable and this student feedback validated that for me.   Students learning to code often have to work through complex tasks and make multiple attempts to succeed.

How Technology Works:  Students mentioned learning to sequence commands, program loops and use conditions.   One student even comments on the relative simplicity of block coding versus the actual programming that might be required to build the Blockly app they've been using.   Although not all students will need to know how to program a computer, it is likely that most students will use technology in school and in their future.   Teaching students basic programming gives students an understanding of how technology works.   I think it is beneficial to develop this understanding of the basics since we so often rely on technology!

If you are interested in coding, check out my post on getting started with coding in the classroom.