This document discusses introducing coding concepts and skills to students. It provides explanations of key coding terms like programs, algorithms, and debugging. It also presents several coding applications that can be used with students, including Daisy Dino, Hopscotch, Tynker, and Scratch. These applications allow students to write code by dragging and dropping blocks or giving commands to solve problems. The document provides examples of how teachers can present coding concepts and have students engage in coding activities, and suggests that coding can be integrated into other lessons to help students develop additional skills like reading, writing, and problem solving.

1. Coding in the Classroom
Amanda Debattista
eTwinning NSS
Malta

2. Why Learn Coding ?
http://www.schooleducationgateway.eu/en/pub/experts/
rose_luckin.htm
The benefit of understanding computer
science, including coding is that it gives you
the power to build things, like apps, rather
than merely use them; to make things happen,
rather than have them happen for you without
understanding how or why; and to be part of a
vibrant global community of people who like
to code and work together to change the way
that we interact with our technology.

3. Which are the key terms which our students
must know when learning to code ?
A PROGRAM – A series of instructions from the beginning
to the end of a specific task. For example: go to the shop and
buy a jar of marmalade and a loaf of bread.
An ALGORITHM - Step by step instructions, usually to
solve a specific problem. For example, unscrew the top of
the marmalade jar, and spread the marmalade on the toast
delicately, as not to break the bread.
To DEBUG – To find a problem and solve it. For example,
remember to use a knife to spread the marmalade, do not
use your fingers, they will get all sticky !

4. This link might help:
http://youtu.be/2zVpWu1i5qM
Ok, so how do we explain all that
stuff to young students ?

5. In real life, how can we present
coding to students ?
Present a problem and invite
students to find a solution!
For example...

6. This is Daisy

7. Daisy wants to jump into the
star...what to do ?
Move the
command -a
simple verb! - into
position and press
PLAY

8. Other interesting Apps to explore...

9. Hopscotch - Designed for all ages,
Teacher can make it as easy or as
difficult for his/her class.

10. Start with a story:
ask students to
choose one of the
characters:

11. Ask your students to write a story with their
character: other avatars can be added as
needed, too:
Students can choose
an ability and let
their character do
it...variables can
also be set
accordingly

12. Students can create stories, web pages, games...
According to their ages and abilities.
More information on:
http://www.gethopscotch.com/

13. Integrating Daisy Dino in your lessons:
This helpful link has slides and lesson plans-let's visit
http://www.sophia.org/tutorials/teaching-
programming-with-daisy-the-dinosaur
Voila'! Your students have started to
code!

14. Food for thought: how would you
present Daisy Dino or Hopscotch to
your class ?
Let us use Padlet to share some
ideas - follow this link:
http://padlet.com/amromica/
etwincode

15. The previous two coding
applications that we mentioned -
Daisy Dino and Hopscotch - are
available ONLY for Apple Devices...
But...there are others which are
online: Let's start from...

16. Tynker: Classroom
Management
System based
coding
application:
Available as a
mobile App and
also online:
http://
www.tynker.com/

17. Beginner features are free.
Choose a classroom name, and a level:

18. You also have a classroom management
system, where you can keep track of
students' progress:

19. Like Hopscotch, you can look for ready
made projects made by students:

20. Recognize the code blocks ? Students
must solve problems by putting the
blocks of code into a sequence.

21. Tynker is also available as an App
for those who have access to both
Apple and Anroid Devices

22. This is another great resource: SCRATCH!
http://scratch.mit.edu/

23. Available online, as well as on Apple Devices
“A community of SCRATCHERS !!”

24. Again we have the use of coding blocks-easy
to recognize words and graphics

25. Let us return to our Padlet and think about
the new resources we have seen...and how we
can plan our lessons and use them in an
eTwinning Project!
http://padlet.com/amromica/etwincode

26. Some project ideas using Scratch...
(And other coding applications too)
Ask one group of students to first draw or
write a story on paper;
Another group checks the story-debugging!
Story is reviewed & different partners will be
in charge of 'building' a story using Scratch;
Final story will be presented together.

27. Skills acquired:
Reading/writing/conversation skills
Sequencing of events
Planning
Logic/problem solving skills
And finally....coding skills....! Because it is not ALL
about coding, but the other skills that come with it,
too!

28. Other interesting websites...
(please write your feedback on Padlet !!)
Code Studio-Hour of Code. Covers everything from
simple drag and drop operations to more complex
coding exercises-for the Primary classes: http://code.org
Cool Coding Apps and Websites for Kids-A variety of
web based and tablet based resources: https://
www.commonsensemedia.org/lists/coding-apps-and-
websites
Top Learning Websites To Introduce Coding: http://
elearningindustry.com/4-elearning-websites-to-
introduce-coding-to-students

29. Other interesting websites...
(please write your feedback on Padlet !!)
Run Marco-All Can Code!: An interactive
adventure game starring Marco, as he
explores a jungle paradise, collecting gems
and avoiding obstacles: http://
allcancode.com.

30. Thank you for participating !!
For any questions: amanda.debattista@ilearn.edu.mt