Coding: More than a Game

Coding, computer science, and STEM learning have become hot topics in education.  These learning opportunities provide more than fun and frolic for our students.  They provide necessary, meaningful, 21 century skills centered around the 4 C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking.

In an effort to promote instruction that focuses on the 4C's Technology Integration Coaches have been using Spheros with 3rd-5th grade LEO students at Linn-Mar.  Working in pairs the students learn to program the Sphero ball.  One of them programs the Sphero with the iPad and the other is the "passenger" and gives suggestions and feedback like a back seat driver helping the "driver" make decisions.  Students utilize math and creative thinking skills, but also communication, collaboration, and perseverance.

Now the TICS are beginning to work with other classes.  They have found that having the students work in coding partners has been extremely beneficial.  Even if students do not have a strong coding background they can be successful with coding if they work well and collaborate with others and have good communication skills.  The students have even programmed the Spheros to move through mazes created by the Technology Integration Coaches, or some students create their own mazes. 

At a recent meeting, the Technology Integration Coaches shared the Spheros with other teacher leaders.  In pairs the teacher leaders also had opportunities to program the Sphero with the iPad and work on the 4 C's: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, and Crititcal thinking.