Why should programming be part of
school curriculum?
"...groups of youth had begun working collaboratively
together to create projects with a group name, such as “DGMM,” for
The Dang Good Money Makers. Youth also began to work independently
of mentoring support, reflective of the high volume of projects beginning
in June 2006, on complex projects and problems that they encountered in
Scratch..."
Anything that promotes collaboration, fun, AND INDEPENDENCE needs to be in the school curriculum. It is hard for me to think of current classroom activities that hit all three of these area.
What are the barriers to implementing
programming in schools?
"The volunteer mentors were college undergraduates, who were enrolled in an Education Minor course that focused on gender, culture and technology. As part the course requirement, these Undergraduates became mentors at the Computer Clubhouse, where they helped Clubhouse members in planning, developing and completing various design projects, while simultaneously learning various aspects of programming. We had a total of 38 Undergraduates enrolled over the course
This quote points out that often time and involvment barriers stand in the way of implementing something like this into school. I could imagine the rejection that some veteran teachers would have if we were to implement programming into our school. Lack of time or unwillingness to get invlolve and mento this program could stand in the way.
However it is important to note that programs like this can break barriers:
"Projects like these eliminate barriers between high and low pop cultures
How can barriers to implementing
programming in schools be overcome?
"Applied to the Computer Clubhouse setting, the technical dimension involved the introduction of new software, the organization of new activities such as workshops and gallery presentations, and the addition of mentors that were inexperienced programmers."
If we can give the reluctant veteran teachers proper training and show them the pros to programming in the curriculum, we could break the barriers.
Additional Reference:
This article discusses how it's "time for video games in school." Note: will have to use UCA to view article
Citation:
D'Amato, L.
(2005, Dec 03). Time for video games in school, york professor says. The
Guelph Mercury. Retrieved from
http://ezproxy.fairmontstate.edu/login?url=http://search.proquest.com/docview/355834457?accountid=10797
Sarah -
ReplyDeleteGreat points! I focused on the funding aspect in general and resources of which staffing is key. Unfortunately we cannot put old heads on young shoulders and while you can teach an old dog new tricks there is a learning curve and a willingness to learn that plays into the equation. Your thoughts make me think that a collaborative effort of utilizing community resources, such as post secondary students or professionals might help overcome this obstacle.
I agree that veteran teachers need proper training; however, this training must include intense follow-up. Often, I hear teachers complain of the "newest next big thing" and how they are introduced to it in a short training yet no one ever follows up. I believe veteran teachers are frustrated with the constant changes they have to deal with. Providing results and showing positive outcomes is also necessary to break barriers.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about veteran teachers. That is definitely a barrier for implementing programming into schools, because a lot of them don't embrace technology. I can see the resistance in the school I'm at. The veteran teachers don't want to use technology in their classrooms, they prefer doing what they always have. They are constantly complaining when they have to use it.
ReplyDeleteThe comments concerning Veteran teachers gives me pause, because I think life-long learning is important to encourage and one of the most effective ways of doing that is through modeling. I would hope that veteran teachers would model that for both newer teachers and their students. I wonder how much of that perception is due to what Anita addressed, that follow-up to technology training - especially with those unfamiliar with technology - is crucial.
ReplyDeleteExcellent discussion! Anit, your point about providing intense following up is a critical aspect of meaningful and lasting change. Teachers can not be offered a workshop on game design and then be expected to implement it in their classrooms. What is needed is an embedded learning community in which teachers begin the implementation and then carefully examine what is working, what needs to change and identify barriers. Then they need financial time and support to overcome the barriers.
ReplyDeleteVanessa, your point about teachers being life long learners is excellent. This is a mindset we need to instill in K-12 students and pre-service teachers as well.