GORE BAY—Overheard among Grade 4/5 students at Charles C. McLean on December 9 as they are doing work on a computer: “How do you do that?” asked one student, to which a second student said, “here, I can show you how to do that.” Then after the first student has put in motion what he has just learned he does a fist pump and says, “yes!”
This demonstration of student-led accomplishment and support, accompanied by learning and fun, could be seen displayed by all students in the school as they took part in the global educational movement of coding that is designed to inspire students to learn coding, develop computer science skills to prepare for the digital economy. C.C. McLean students from Kindergarten to Grade 8 participated in the Hour of Code December 5 to 9.
“A lot of what the students are doing is exploration and through their work on laptop computers they are creating something,” said Tracey Chapman, principal of C.C. McLean. She pointed out “coding is not in the curriculum set out for the students but it is part of the Ministry of Education goals.”
Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, in a priority mandate letter to Education Minister Mizzie Hunter on September 23 wrote, “complementing Ontario’s math strategy, develop a strategy to provide students with exposure and access to the science, engineering and technology fields that considers opportunities for computer coding.”
Ms. Chapman explained that on September 12 C.C. McLean hosted a visit from the Code Mobile. Code Mobile is the newest and biggest initiative to inspire and education Canadian girls and boys to become passionate builders and creators of technology—not just consumers of technology. Students in Grades 3-4-5 learned about interactive art with the program Scratch. The workshop combined the power of play with basic design and programming skills. “This experience offers kids the opportunity to learn basic programming principle in a super fun, beginner-friendly environment.”
Grade 4 student Ryder Lockyer stated, “we did a lot of work, but fun work-and I loved it.”
Grade 7 students had a workshop on webpage creation with HTML and CSS. They explored the basics of coding in HTML and CSS by first hacking pre-existing text and images and customizing colours and fonts in a pre-built template. Then, the kids had the opportunity to add additional elements and customizations to make a website of their very own.
Grade 7 student Rachel Orford said she loved learning about web design. It opened up new opportunities for her in the world of technology.
Students in Grade 4/5 could be seen last Friday during the Hour of Code day, working diligently away on Mind Craft Designer programming creative video games.
“Every class from K to Grade 8 is involved in this program,” said teacher Heather Jefkins. “My Grade 4/5 class has been involved in coding since September since a visit from the Code Mobile. The students are really engaged in this type of work.”
“I entered my students in a program called Scratch,” where they design and manage a code to go through a maze. They learned how complicated coding is,” said Ms. Jefkins. “These students have become very comfortable with computers.”
Larry Killens, a trustee with the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB), was on hand for Coding Day, stating, “one of the things I really like about all of this program is that the kids help each other to figure out things.”
For example, Grade 8 students helped Kindergarten students, and Senior Kindergarten students work with Grade 6 students. Instead of reading buddies, they are coding buddies. “My SK/Grade 1 students are reading buddies with the Grade 6, and in coding,” said teacher Christa Flood. “They are great little mentors for our students and help the younger students when they don’t understand a new step they are trying to learn. I think both groups are learning.”
Colton Chevrette a Grade 6 student said, “I have been working with an SK (buddy,” noting they have been working and learning through a game on the computer. I like to help out my coding buddy, and learn at the same time.”