Busting some myths about coding

Do these myths prevent you from learning to code?

1. I have to be an engineer after I learn to code.

No, learning coding is all about inspiring creativity, developing critical thinking, training logic, and building up your skills for the future.

2. I have to be good at math to learn coding.

If you want to specialize in programming, then you have to be good at math. If you just want to build something cool for yourself or learn how computers work, even basic coding will already get the ball rolling for you.

3. I have to spend a lot of money to learn coding.

There are tons of free tutorials online for you to learn coding anytime, anywhere.

4. Okay, learning coding is important. Does it mean that a kid has an inherent disadvantage by not learning to code?

If you don’t learn now, it doesn’t mean that your kid can no longer keep up in the future. If you have extra time, then you can let your kid try.  If your kids like playing computer games, transform that into a passion for making computer games on their own. Isn’t that more interesting?

5. I can’t find any resources to get my kid started.

These days, there are already a ton of resources to get started with coding even for the youngest learners.

For more advanced young learners:
– Google – Blockly Games
– Code.org
– Scratch: Developed by MIT. Free. Only need a browser to learn coding. From ages 8-16, but suitable for all ages. Used by many schools.

scratch
Scratch

For younger kids and coding newbies:
– ScratchJr: For 2-5 year-olds. Blocks are even more simplified. Storybook-style page flipping. Can be used to tell bedtime stories to kids. They released an iPad version in 2014 to encourage parents to accompany kids to play while learning code.

scratchjr
Scratch Jr.

You can learn coding even without a computer. You can also learn coding through picture books! You can also use board games, mazes, and books. The point is to train kids’ logical thinking.

 

picturebooks
Picture books

Plobot is an educational toy robot designed around these principles – making coding fun and accessible to everyone. Check it out here.

How will technology impact young learners in the classroom?

DSC00830 copy

“If I introduce technology to the classroom, I’m afraid that it could just be a distraction.”

“Why do we need technology in the classroom in the first place?”

“Teaching tech skills is important, but I’m not sure how to approach young learners.”

These were just some of the concerns from teachers who attended the “Educational technology for Children” workshop at the International Schools Conference last week. We all know that proficiency in tech is no longer negotiable and that computer literacy is now as important as math or reading.

The question is how to do it effectively.

Most teachers are afraid that technology diverts the attention of kids. It’s challenging enough to sustain a six year-old’s attention in a traditional classroom environment, what more if they have screens and projectors to play with?

Open to learn, free to play

What we’ve learned from our experience in running after-school classes for international schools is that physical learning tools like robots and building blocks can deliver the best of both worlds, giving students more freedom while at the same time building a stronger connection with the teacher.

Instead of hiding behind a screen, a student is fully engaged and open to learn, with the physical learning tool opening up the kid to the teacher’s discussions and the activities of the other kids.

The teacher can then act more as a facilitator, providing the kids with general directions and hands-on guidance when they need it.

Teachers we talk to are often surprised at what the kids come up with at the end of a class, given that they’re learning at their own pace in their own way.

DSC00541 copy

Principles, not mechanics

During the workshop, one teacher raised a very important point. By the time the kids are working-age, all the tools they learn now will have long been obsolete. How does technological education stay relevant?

Another teacher responded that we have to go beyond the mechanics and teach students the principles, the logic, and the way to think. It’s not about the exact syntax of a code, but rather the way learners sequence steps to solve problems.

With this broader scope, teachers find that there are more fitting tools at their disposal to enhance kids’ logical thinking and problem solving skills.

Technological education and coding literacy has a huge impact on math, logic, and even visual-spatial skills. By introducing malleable minds to these skills through the means of technology, children will be better prepared to tackle future problems in their chosen field of interest.

Want to learn more about our teaching tools for young learners ? Get an early look here.

 

 

 

 

Shanghai Competitive Intelligence Forum 2015

1

We are happy to announce that our CEO, Rodolfo Cossovich (Rudi), participated as a speaker at the “Shanghai Competitive Intelligence Forum“, SCIF 2015, this past October 22 in Shanghai Library.

This is one of the most influential international events of its kind in China and Asia. “Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Maker & Competitive Intelligence” was the theme of this year, to encourage entrepreneurship and innovation in the region.

We are so proud that Plobot and Rudi were participants of this.

So, Let’s play!

3

2Untitled design (4)