Computer Coding

I was first introduced to coding while taking classes in community college. At the time I was becoming bored with my production classes and decided that maybe it was time to switch majors. I was looking at all of the different courses being offered and video game design was one that sounded cool and fun. The next semester I took “Intro to Computer Coding”. After the first test I started to realize that I was in way over my head, but of course by this time it was already too late. It was only after the course had ended that I realized the program (C++) we were expected to learn was one of the more difficult coding programs out there, or so my friends tell me. Computer coding was a completely foreign concept to me at the age of 25, something that I wish I could go back in time and introduced myself to at an earlier age. I never did take another coding class and hopefully will never have to, but I like to think that the F I received was not in vain simply because it allows me to introduce computer comprehension to the next generation of learners. Jennifer Snelling, from the School Library Journal shares an interview she had with Google’s head of computer science Chris Stephenson, on computer literacy,

“We think of coding not as a skill but as a literacy. We don’t teach reading because we believe everyone will write War and Peace…And we don’t teach computer science with the belief that everyone will be a computer scientist. We teach it because it is increasingly a skill we need to operate in and understand the world around us.”

Snelling, J. (2018, April 3). Don’t Stress About Coding: Focus Shifts To Teaching Problem Solving Not Computer Skills. https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=dont-stress-coding-focus-shifts-teaching-problem-solving-not-computer-skills.

Computer coding has become a lot easier to understanding thanks to kid friendly software like Code Monkey and Google Education. Code Monkey is a trial based software that allows students to become familiar with block coding, text coding, and even the program Python. The interface, controls, tips, and challenges on Code Monkey make coding fun and easy to learn. I highly recommend introduction Code Monkey to students from elementary to middle school. If you have high schoolers and want a free introduction to coding than Google Education is a better choice. The overall design allows students to navigate themselves to different lessons, videos, and tutorials. The interface is not childish by any means and the tutorials look and feel just like the real thing. If you have more advanced students that want to learn coding I recommend using Google Education to help lay the foundation to coding.

3-D Printing

Working with 3-D printers and 3-D design is something completely new to me as of this year (2021). Tinkercad, a software that works with the 3-D printer brand Makerbot, allows users to easily create and print 3-D designs. I spent over two hours in Tinkercad navigating and learning how to create different 3-D designs.

The use of 3-D design and printing is becoming more popular in various branches and fields spanning from construction to the medical industry. As this technology becomes better, faster, and cheaper the workforce will need the next generation to become more familiar with such technology at a younger age. Students like Jake Long are taking the initiative and using 3-D printing to help protect doctors and nurses during the COVID pandemic,

“Both of my parents work in the medical industry,” explained Long. “My dad was talking to me about his need for supplies and I started researching ways I could help.”…“3D printing is a great way to manufacture, while we’re creating bigger and better things to help speed up the production process,”

Gaskins, K. (2020, April 15). Virginia beach teen is using 3D printers to make face shields. WAVY.com. https://www.wavy.com/news/local-news/virginia-beach/virginia-beach-teen-is-using-3d-printers-to-make-face-shields/.

I realize I have only scratched the surface of what Tinkercad and 3-D printing has to offer, but this year I am excited to learn this technology so I can introduce this medium to the next generation of thinkers and inventors.