The world is changing and this is especially apparent when it comes to technology. In just 45 years, we’ve progressed from mobile telephones weighing in at 1.1kg to the likes of Apple and Samsung smartphones that can track your steps and pay for goods.
And that’s just one example. With the evolution of the internet, television, smart devices and robotics, it’s safe to say that the technology sector is booming.
And while learning traditionally comes from the top down, with young people picking up knowledge and skills from their elders, when it comes to technology the roles are often reversed. Growing up surrounded by these devices, it’s not uncommon for children and teens to teach their parents, grandparents and even teachers how to use the latest apps and gadgets.
So it should come as no surprise that, since computing was added to the national curriculum in 2014, some teachers have been struggling to present this relatively new subject effectively to a classroom filled with tech-savvy pupils. However, although pupils may be experts in using 21st-century technology, when it comes to what goes on behind the screen it can be a struggle to engage and educate them.
In reality, coding needn’t be complicated or challenging to teach. Think of it simply as another language that gives us the power to communicate with technology. Here are some top tips to help you bring lessons to life.
Learning together
With coding still a relatively new topic in the classroom, this is a great opportunity for teachers to assume more of a supporting role rather than being the “sage on the stage”. This allows everyone in the lesson to work together to find solutions and pick up new skills from one another.
While the curriculum will guide you through the basics of what needs to be covered, getting hands-on and experimenting with coding alongside your pupils is the most fun and effective way to get to grips with the subject.
Sharing ideas with other teachers who are also learning to code is a useful way of finding inspiration and lesson ideas, perhaps through social media and digital forums. A huge number of teachers share their experiences and advice online, so it’s well worth getting involved in these conversations.
Creativity is key
Some pupils might automatically assume that coding is overly technical and formulaic; in reality, the opposite is true.
Getting pupils to build, code and replicate real-life exercises will increase their awareness of how technology can be used to solve problems in the world. Ask your pupils what they would design if they could create a computer program for anything - there’s bound to be a range of creative answers and exciting ideas waiting to be shared.
Perhaps someone will suggest a robot that can be coded to tidy their room when it gets too messy, or a program that helps them decide what TV programme or movie to watch depending on their mood. Getting them to think outside the box and come up with their own ideas will spark enthusiasm, and - who knows? - maybe one day they’ll turn it into a reality.
Connecting the dots
Rather than staring at a screen full of code and trying to determine what it all means, getting hands-on allows pupils to see the outcomes. For example, you could attach a bulb and a sensor to a door and code it to light up when someone opens that door. Allowing pupils to build and program their own models to perform different tasks can be really beneficial, as it allows them to see how things function and what goes on behind the scenes.
Connecting coding with other subjects can also be really valuable in helping pupils to see the bigger picture. For example, you could relate the coordinates used in mathematics and geography to computer codes. Much like a code, the data points work together as a map to a specific location.
Using day-to-day examples of coding can also help to spark youthful imaginations. For instance, look at how everyday systems such as traffic lights function. Pressing the button to cross sends a signal to the light, which will subsequently change colour. Some crossings will even use sensors to determine how much traffic there is and will change colour once it’s safe to cross.
Try, try and try again
As frustrating as it is when things don’t go right the first time, the most important thing to tell pupils is that it’s not the end of the world if the code doesn’t work. A key component of coding is learning how to debug algorithms and commands so that they function properly. Getting it wrong simply means that something in the code isn’t quite right, so encourage pupils to keep trying and the solution will materialise.
Thomas Edison once said: “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.” Building resilience is not only critical for coding but for life itself, and it will be key for pupils when they enter the working world.
Coding presents so many opportunities for pupils - and teachers - to learn, so don’t be afraid to get creative and learn together.
This article was written by the LEGO® Education team. For resources, and free curriculum support and lesson inspiration, visit www.LEGOeducation.co.uk
