Coding
Why Coding?
C ode is the language that a computer understands. Coding, in the simplest of terms, is telling a computer to do what you want it to do. This begins with breaking a task down into logically sequenced step-by-step commands for the computer to follow. Coding allows users to investigate, problem solve, explore and communicate through discovery, and it is a way to express ideas creatively.
Coding requires computational thinking, which is embedded throughout the Ontario Curriculum. As a result of this, educators can incorporate code into learning for all curriculum areas. The task can consist of journals, interactive stories, literature retells, video, websites, e-mail correspondence, artwork, drama and dance routines, and so on. (Coding in Elementary A Professional Learning Resource for Ontario Educators)
"In the process of learning to code, people le arn many other things. They are not just learning to code, they are coding to learn. In addition to learning mathematical and computational ideas, they are also learning strategies for solving problems, designing projects, and communicating ideas. These skills are useful not just for computer scientists but for everyone, regardless of age, background, interests, or occupation."
(Mitch Resnick, MIT, Scratch)
