Computer programming
skills open students up to more opportunities.
They are not just learning programming; there are strong connections to
math, reading, science, and the arts.
Students are learning a skill that could awaken new career possibilities,
like in the case of Arnold: “This particular youth would now like to be
a professional videogame designer, to attend college at M.I.T., and perhaps
someday design a program like Scratch.” Before
Arnold was introduced to the Scratch program he probably never considered
computer programming as a career option for him. Now, this program has opened his eyes to a
whole new world. It has inspired him to
go to college; which, because of his low economic status, he might not have
thought he could do before. Computer
programming should be a part of the school curriculum because it gives students
a better rounded education. Technology
is a big part of our daily lives and that is only going to increase in the
future. In order to adequately prepare
our students for the work force we need to provide them with every opportunity.
What are the barriers to implementing
programming in schools?
“In our current era of increased accountability,
pedagogy is strictly monitored in today’s schools via national and state standards,
while CTCs are usually left to their own devices to determine their respective
learning approaches.” I believe this quote highlights the biggest
barrier in implementing programming into our schools; there is no flexibility
in curriculum like you would find in a program such as the Computer
Clubhouse. Everything revolves around
the standards; if it isn’t in the standard for the grade we are teaching, then
we don’t teach it. I have seen this in
planning meetings I have been in. No one
wants to go above and beyond the standards because they are so concerned with
getting all the standards in and teaching what is going to be assessed on the
WESTEST. I think this is really sad because
it is limiting our students and they are missing out on learning valuable
education, like computer programming.
How can barriers to implementing programming in
schools be overcome?
I believe barriers can
be overcome by getting the word out and educating people on the benefits of
computer programming for our students. The
Computer Clubhouse has these three approaches: “Presenting workshops at training events for coordinators across the
network, presenting workshops and showcase events for Clubhouse members across
the network, and establishing a presence on the network’s intranet project
website.” We can break down barriers
by showing schools what a positive result comes from including computer
programming in the curriculum. This can
be done through workshops that teachers and administrators can attend so they
can get all the information they need to successfully implement computer programming
into their schools. There also needs to
be support for the program through mentoring.
Mentors are needed to guide and encourage the students as they learn the
process of computer programming.
Additional Resource
Here is a video of President
Obama responding to a high school girl’s question about having computer
programming as part of the high school curriculum. He talks about the benefits and how it can
engage and prepare our students for the future.
Source
AllWorldNews1.
(Feb. 2013). President Obama on
Computer Programming in High School in a Google Hangout. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laFZo2heSsk
Abigail -
ReplyDeleteAs always you get me thinking in a new direction. I think in someways the different views we see in these discussions are indicative of the challenges faced by students today. For instance we are all bringing different backgrounds into the discussion, thus resulting in a blend of outlooks and opinions. It is what we, as individuals, choose to focus on that evolves the conversations and ultimately the direction of this course. Thank you for your positive outlook. I do sometimes wonder if my lack of teaching experience affects my outlook on these discussions.
I agree with your stance that "no one goes above and beyond". Currently, I'm not a teacher, but I work in a school and am constantly hearing teachers complain about "teaching to the test." As someone with a Business Education degree, I'm constantly trying to point out how valuable "core subject" skills can be reinforced through alternative types of curriculum, such as computer programming.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that it is all about the standards and teaching to the tests. If our kids don't make the grades, then we get in trouble for it. The system is completely messed up. We need a reform from the bottom-up instead of this top-down approach where people (who aren't in education, nor have they ever been in a classroom more than 48 hours) are making the laws and procedures for teachers. No one goes above and beyond because we are limited ourselves.
ReplyDeleteYou really got me thinking: Current curriculum often restricts flexibility; We need flexibility because the 21st century does not have a one track mind.
ReplyDeleteGreat discussion about computer program, standardized testing and the need for flexibility in the 21st century!
ReplyDelete