Get started with programming at school
Programming and coding in schools
In this article, the focus is on how to get started with programming or coding in school and the core subjects of mathematics, arts and crafts, science and music.
As part of LK20 and the knowledge promise or subject renewal, programming and coding are to be included in subjects in both primary and secondary school. It was decided that instead of making programming a separate subject, it should be implemented in existing subjects. This means that programming and coding are part of the curriculum in the subjects Arts and Crafts, Mathematics, Music and Science.
For many schools, the natural entry point to programming will be the small computer adapted for education, the micro:bit.
For micro:bit there are a number of accessories that are more or less adapted for use in education ot STEM or STEAM subjects.
Why should we do programming in schools?
This is a deeper question, but we can start with the basics. Namely, the world we live in, which is increasingly influenced and controlled by computers and algorithms. It's about being able to understand the world we live in and are moving towards.
Everyone carries a mobile phone in their pocket, but few people know what's inside and what the different components do. Giving students access to similar components builds technological mastery and confidence.
In the long term, this will also have an impact on the choices we as a people will face, whether it's allowing self-driving cars, drones, artificial intelligence, or using AI to make decisions for the state.
Some great tips to get started with coding in school
- Let learners steer the teaching
- Explain the task to 2-3 students and ask them to steer the lesson while you help from the side.
- These may well be the students who normally have "a little too much energy".
- These students will become super users and can help everyone else
- Mastery does not come by itself
- If students don't get things right straight away, it's also a learning process that can be just as important.
- Give learners time to tinker, take ownership and get involved
- By making the project interdisciplinary and being aware of how many competency goals the students are working on, you give both yourself and the students time to gain the ownership that leads to engagement and mastery.
micro:bit programming for school
micro:bit is a small microcomputer designed for use in education, it is easy to code and has a lot of built-in functionality. micro:bit is used, among other things, in the national (NOR) project Super:bit. It was developed by the BBC who produced over 1 million that were distributed to all primary schools in the UK.
Further down you will find a video where we go through the different functions of the micro:bit and how you can program it in a simple and intuitive way.
Read more at: https://microbit.org/
micro:bit can do a lot, but far from everything. What makes micro:bit so useful are all the connection options and not least the sensors. By connecting a control board such as the WonderKit control board, it is possible to control everything from larger NEO pixl LED strips, servos, motors and solonoids. This in turn can be used for drones, cars, hover cars and other kits. In this way, students will learn the language of computers, how the algorithms work and gain the technological mastery and confidence they need to understand the digital part of the world.
Inspiration
Subject renewal LK2020 (LK20)
How does LK2020 and the subject renewal affect teaching?
The biggest turning points can be found in the overarching basis of the Knowledge Promise or subject renewal. During the preparation of the subject renewal, there was a discussion about whether programming should be included as a separate subject, which it was not. Programming in schools, on the other hand, should be included as part of other subjects. In primary and lower secondary school, programming is part of the subjects Mathematics (MAT01-05, MAT07-02), Arts and Crafts (KHV01-02, KHV02-02), Science (NAT01-04, NAT02-04), Music (MUS01-02, MUS02-02) and, of course, Elective Programming (PRG01-02). In upper secondary school, programming is included in even more subjects, and there will be a separate post that deals with some of the subjects that are relevant.
In the value base we find, among other things:
1.2 Identity and cultural diversity
1.3 Critical thinking and ethical awareness
1.4 Joy of creation, engagement and exploration
1.5 Respect for nature and environmental awareness.
https://www.udir.no/lk20/overordnet-del/
Learn to program with micro:bit
The key to success with programming or coding in school is for you as a teacher to know enough about makecode and micro:bit (if you use these).
You don't have to become an expert to use these tools! And the most important thing is to jump in and just start testing them out.
If you've never been exposed to programming or its use in school and subjects. Then joining a course might be a good idea.
Here are some videos explaining micro:bit and how to use it:
Micro:bit introduction
MakeCode programming
How to program micro:bit and use the code block in makecode
Teacher course in programming for primary and lower secondary school
There are a number of opportunities for courses and skills development related to programming in general and micro:bit in particular. Colleges and universities offer courses for teachers to improve their skills, and science centers around the country offer courses specifically related to their Super:bit project.
This helps to form a good knowledge base, but we also recommend that teachers gain expertise directly related to the learning materials to be used, and preferably in line with the curricula and learning objectives.
Courses & workshops:
Get started with programming and coding in Arts and Crafts
In this article, you'll find specific examples of assignments and the learning objectives you meet in the projects.
Get started with programming and coding in Mathematics
The article will be published in September.
Other resources:
UDIR - the blog: How to work with algorithmic thinking and programming in schools?
The Creator School: Teaching programs
Teach Kidsa Coding: Coding lessons
Super:bit project: Teach others programming
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"Give students technological mastery and confidence"
