Giving Compass' Take:

• Jamie Back, writing for Getting Smart, reflects on the importance and nuances of understanding technology, coding, and computational thinking in the classroom. 

• Should coding and computational thinking courses be expanded into traditional K-12 curricula? 

• Read about how more colleges are offering courses in the ethics of technology. 

On the heels of code.org’s annual Hour of Code event, I reflected on why it is important for teachers to expose students to technology, coding, and computer science.  The world around us increasingly relies on technology.  Students have grown up in this world and need a variety of skills to participate in the Future of Work.

I am frequently reminded that just because students are immersed in technology does not imply that they understand technology.

My reflection exposed some themes in how I frame and discuss the importance of understanding technology, coding, and computational thinking with my students:

  • It is important to be able to find the applications that are available for a task AND to be able to choose the best application for the task.  
  • The phrase “learning how to code” is NOT equivalent to the phrase “pursue a STEM career.”
  • The world needs people who can be effective liaisons between technical roles and the end-users of technology.
  • You don’t need to be an expert.  You just need confidence in your ability to figure things out.

Read the full article about the importance of coding by Jamie Back at Getting Smart