What is Coding?
Coding is all about giving instructions to a digital device, using a language it understands, so that it does exactly what you want it to. (McManus, 2015)
Coding refers to a list of rules, written in one of numerous programming languages, that instructs a computer to do what a user wants it to do; perform a sequence of instructions, repeat a sequence instructions a prescribed number of times, and test whether a sequence was performed correctly. (The Conversation, May 2015)
Why Should Students Code?
Coding is a fundamental computational thinking skill of the modern world. As technology continues to be integrated into our everyday lives, it is important as educators to provide opportunities for students to be innovative and create, and not just consume, technology. Coding is an employable skill that teaches students to solve problems, take risks, think critically and logically while being empowered to fail in a safe environment. These skills are vital in all curricular areas as well as Learning Skills and Work Habits. Coding empowers students to be content creators rather than just content consumers. (From: Coding in Elementary: A Professional Learning Resource for Educators)
All you Need is Code
The European Coding Initiative, or ‘all you need is {C<3DE}', brings together a wide array of stakeholders to promote coding and computational thinking at all levels of education, as well as in more informal settings. (from Website)
Code.org
Code.org® is a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science in schools and increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities. Code.org organizes the annual Hour of Code (https://hourofcode.com/ca) campaign.
Google CSFirst
Click on Curriculum for Coding Activities.
Hour of Code Campaign
Organized by code.org. The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. Anyone, anywhere can organize an Hour of Code event. One-hour tutorials are available in over 45 languages. No experience needed. Ages 4 to 104.(from Website)
Microsoft makecode.com
Microsoft MakeCode is a free, open source platform for creating engaging computer science learning experiences that support a progression path into real-world programming.
Science North K-12 Educator Resources
Wow your students with engaging science activities, experiments and videos that meet the elementary and secondary Ontario Science and Technology curriculum.
Scratch & Scratch Jr
With Scratch, you can program your own interactive stories, games, and animations — and share your creations with others in the online community. Scratch helps young people learn to think creatively, reason systematically, and work collaboratively — essential skills for life in the 21st century.Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab. It is provided free of charge. With Information for parents and educators.
STAO: Science Teachers Association of Ontario - Coding and Robotics in the Elementary Classroom
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