Introduction to Coding
We will spend 10 minutes to complete the activities in this section.
What is coding?
Block coding
A great starting point for students to learn coding skills is through Block Based Coding which involves dragging 'blocks' of instructions and linking them together. This allows beginners to create simple programs without writing a single line of code. Software used online with Scratch and Hour of Code use this concept to teach the basics of the coding language.
The image on the right shows the block code required to create a square in one of the online programs.
Robot Coding
Is creating a set of coded commands or instructions that tell a 'robot' (mechanical device) what to do. Learning how to code through robotics is a great way to engage students within the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math).
The two devices that you see on the right (Dash & Dot and Sphero SPRK) are robots that many schools buy in order to introduce students to programming. They are also a great tool for students to see the application of their work.
For more information and to read more on coding and robotics, click here.
Watch a 2 minute video on the Dash & Dot below.
Coding 'Unplugged'
Just as the name suggests, coding 'unplugged' is coding without the use of technology. Learning to code does not always have to start out with using technology. One important factor of learning to code is learning how to be explicit with writing a sequence of steps in order to complete a task.
Click this link to peruse several 'unplugged' lessons. Each lesson has a curriculum video which provides a general explanation of the lesson.