We welcome all educators to join #AppleEDUchat every Tuesday. Our ADEs host chats from both Europe and the Americas with an incredible lineup of topics to spark conversation. Share your ideas & stories and connect with this global community. Join at 6pm PST or 9pm EST.
Tamara here! Coding has become a new hobby of mine. Working on the swift playgrounds lately, and using the spheros in classrooms. #AppleEDUchat#everyonecancode
Hi everyone! Michelle, instructional tech coach from the south Chicago burbs. My first coding experience back in school was with the Turtle! #AppleEDUchat
A1. I have discovered that a lot of adults use that as an excuse to not learn or try something new! Comfortable might be easy for us, but it is not always good for students. #AppleEduChat
Hi all - Marc Drumm, Senior Instructional Designer at West Chester University near Philadelphia. My first coding experience was learning BASIC on my dad’s original IBM PC. #AppleEDUchat
Liz from Ohio here, sorry to be late! Excited to troll this #AppleEDUChat as coding is something I want to learn more about and how to support core content teachers’ implementation of it!
Karen Bosch pre-K through 8 technology teacher, metro Detroit. Tried to code a message on an Apple IIe from school, had to call a friend who is a real programmer to help erase it! #AppleEDUchat
A1 Ts don’t teach it because they are nervous that students might know more than them is my thought behind it. I prepare 15-20min of coding and then I see what my Ss can show the rest of the class! #AppleEDUChat
I use to coding in my ESL class to practice language and ELA standards such as retell of stories, positional words, vocabulary and phonics #AppleEDUchat
I hear the same argument from teachers about teaching English to ELLs. If we are all language teachers, and code is a language, is it much of a stretch to think we could all teach coding? #appleEDUchat
A1: I hear the same argument from teachers about teaching English to ELLs. If we are all language teachers, and code is a language, is it much of a stretch to think we could all teach coding? #appleEDUchat
#AppleEduchat ELA use “Answers” Playground to create an antagonist Chat not that asks you questions and returns answers in character , true to dialect, intent, motive, and point of view. Easy leader for all
A1: I can’t afford to “cover my content for the state test” in a boring manner…they won’t invest in and truly learn the content anyways. Spend the time, pull in coding fun, and give a memorable experience. The content understanding will come. #AppleEDUchat
A1: Coding can be integrated easily into so many content areas. I've had more teachers this year inspired to connect core content and @SpheroEdu together. Specifically social studies. Last year students summarized stories via @BloxelsBuilder for ELA. #AppleEDUchat
A2: I can’t afford to “cover my content for the state test” in a boring manner…they won’t invest in and truly learn the content anyways. Spend the time, pull in coding fun, and give a memorable experience. The content understanding will come. #AppleEDUchat
A2: An important aspect of standardized testing is preparing kids to think critically, not just memorize content. Coding can help make this possible. #AppleEDUChat
A1 Coding is the most awesome cross curriculum learning activity in #EDU I ❤️ teaching #K5 students how to code & create with @codesparkapp#AppleEDUchat
A2: Also…teaching through coding helps me introduce students to career options that I would have never thought possible 20+ years ago when I first started teaching. #AppleEduChat
A2: Why not have students create a game in @scratch to demonstrate content knowledge? Not only are they showing their content knowledge, but gaining more through programming it! #AppleEDUchat
A2 having Ss reread, sequence, proofread, critically think oh multi-step problems is what coding is all about. Last I checked our state standards are lower than that. #toomuch? #AppleEDUChat
At the chance of being targeted throughout this chat, I think ‘computational thinking’ should be explored and talked about before or during introducing coding concepts. #AppleEDUchat
A2: I hate when teachers say that! We are teaching more than just content, right? #AppleEDUchat. Just visited @ckingham at @tywlsastoria. They take two weeks every year to drop content and celebrate #PBL that creates relevant, immersive experiences for students.
A2 having Ss reread, sequence, proofread, critically think on multi-step problems is what coding is all about. Last I checked our state standards are lower than that. #toomuch? #AppleEDUChat
A2) Learning to code helps students to think critically! Challenge yourself to engage students in both. Look for resources to make that happen #EveryoneCanCode for example. #AppleEDUChat
A2: You can teach coding and also have your students do well on the tests! Make sure to be purposeful in how you integrate. If you have many standards to cover, don't just code for the sake of coding. #appleEDUchat
A1 So don’t teach it… but don’t ignore it either. Instead, take advantage of it: find ways for your students to apply their coding abilities in your class. You’ll probably be surprised with what they accomplish. #AppleEDUchat
At the chance of being targeted throughout this chat, I think ‘computational thinking’ should be explored and talked about before or during introducing coding concepts. #AppleEDUchat
A2: I hear the same thing about soft skills like creativity. Unfortunately, the tests we are prepping students for are the problem. Teachers need to find a balance between teaching 21st century skills and test prep (if you need to). #appleEDUchat
Search engine ≠ car engine
Dinner plate ≠ home plate
Coding languages ≠ World Languages
There's real danger in likening disparate disciplines bc of a convenient shared word.
All Ts could teach computational thinking/coding...but not bc of the "Language" word:) #appleEDUchat
#AppleEduChat Yes!! Last year I sat and did Swift Playgrounds along with my middle school students. I wanted them to see that I struggled too with figuring out solutions.
First I need to know how you’re makin these question GIFs. A3: no way. It’s not too hard. Ss love trying again at this age, sure there is productive struggle but without a challenge is there a change? #AppleEDUchat
A3: Good thing I teach middle school…it’s perfect! ;) Kidding…I think children should get multiple looks at these activities. We view through different eyes at different stages. Who knows when a spark or connection will happen. #AppleEDUchat
I see coding as very similar to making. If we view the computer as a material we can manipulate and control, creative possibilities are endless. Maybe that's a better comparison :) #appleEDUchat
A3 - My elementary students have been begging to keep doing some of the Hour of Code activities. They see them as fun gaming challenges, not work. We have good discussions afterwards about what it means to think like a coder. #AppleEDUchat
Definitely! CT is core to good coding skills. It's not about commas and semi-colons. coding is about problem solving and Computational thinking is a great way to get there! #AppleEDUChat
A3: Students will surprise you with how quickly they pick up on programming. Block coding is great for cause and effect, not to mention visual and audio that can be created to work on student goals and differentiation. #AppleEDUchat
A3: Ss with different skills and intelligences might be able to better access content when coding & or computational thinking are connected. It might build a bridge! #AppleEduChat
A3 Please. If they can do things like learn to ride a bike, pronounce Tyrannosaurus Rex, and convince their parents that ketchup can go on anything, ELEMENTARY KIDS CAN CODE. #AppleEDUchat
A lot of research shows you only need to spend about a class period a week on test prep and such activities for students to be successful. Authentic assignments take them so much farther! #AppleEDUChat
A3. Lol! It’s harder for the Tt than it is for the Ss. Ts need to adopt a new mindset & they do need to visualize coding as a literacy with technology #AppleEDUchat
Q3: I used Scratch Jr with my Junior K-3 students, (3 year olds) CodeSpark Acadamy with JK-4 (4 year olds and Kindergarten, and Tynker with 1st to 5th grade. I added the Ollie robots now, and they are just loving it. #AppleEDUchat
A3: My #Kinder#ELL always rise to the challenge when coding. It's amazing how engaged and quickly they catch on. I also try to incorporate kinesthetic learning by "acting out" the code before programing #AppleEDUchat
A3: Our school is planning to integrate swift iOS app dev into a few HS classes next year. Our whole math department is going to take an online course, learn app dev, and then integrate into their classes next year. How cool is that, teachers taking this risk? #appleEDUchat
A2 Did you know there are several coding methods that could help your students better understand what’s on those tests? Like how the Monte Carlo method is used for evaluating integrals (AP Calculus?) https://t.co/m1x47KV4gu#AppleEDUchat
A3) My elementary school kids love doing the hour of code. It also gives a chance for S's to work together and problem-solve. Some S's get to celebrate success when typically they don't get to in a regular classroom environment #appleeduchat
A3: Coding helps create or enhance a students metacognition no matter the level — a win for inclusion, innovation and invention as much as it is for critical thinking. All of those apply to all subjects #AppleEDUChat
My friend @ColleenCook82 (share the pic!) son came home the other day and started to teach his dad to code! Talk about switching it up 😬 #d100inspires#AppleEduChat
Yes, that has been a big shift for me over recent years, too. With coding, I like that I don’t know all the answers so they have to help each other. I can honestly say I don’t know! #AppleEDUChat
A3: Our students coming up from MS know how to code. Let's leverage this excitement into meaningful coding in core HS classes. Need some help? Let's learn first, and take small steps towards integrating code into your class. #appleEDUchat
My students (@rjg4832) made the scratch animation and exported it as a video then ran it through a FLV to GIF converter online. Easy Peasy. #AppleEDUchat
A3: Set the bar high and they’ll strive raise it...students are never too young to start coding, using critical thinking skills, or sharing their abilities to strengthen the team. #AppleEDUchat
Is it about content anymore? If you create a SAFE environment where students can explore, create, make, tinker, and play then all other things will fall in place. It’s all about creativity, collaboration communication and critical thinking. Not memorizing. #AppleEduChat
The great thing about coding and the hour of code is that it gives students a chance to experiment and try new things without risk. I learn from my mistakes and I encourage my students to embrace their mistakes. #AppleEduChat
And then I bet you need a nap lol! You’ll have to share more with @SouthBerwynPre and I what types of coding activities you do for the little ones #AppleEDUchat
A4: It doesn't take a full day in the computer lab to learn. A few periods at a time. Many of your students have a computer in their pocket. If you teach students how to make apps, their creations will be with them wherever they go! #appleEDUchat
A4: what about a library? So many great picture books and resources to start the thinking. Picture book examples? Let me think? 😂😂 https://t.co/cOjOl2tNT7#AppleEDUChat
A4: So many levels of coding that don’t require a lab or even devices. On another note, grant writing is how I fun my robotics adventures. #AppleEDUchat
A3 Elementary: teaching young kids to code has never been easier, there are so many free resources available these days. High school: your students are close to heading out into the real world. Practical skills like these give them an advantage over their peers. #AppleEDUchat
A4: There are so many options and ways to get Robots in the class. I look for used things, donations, and refurbished items. Go in with other teachers. And who said you need to have robots to teach computer science. #AppleEDUchat
A4: Coding and computational thinking come in all sorts of forms. Unplugged activities and paired programming are great for collaboration and communication skills. Allow students to be the problem solvers and leaders. As 1 to 1, learning can take place anywhere! #AppleEDUchat
A4: Many secondary coding classes start from a textbook. Often the most effective way to teach a lesson is to start with the basics. The Hokey Pokey is a form of coding !
#AppleEDUchat
A4: what about a library? So many great picture books and resources to start the thinking. Picture book examples? Let me think? 😂😂 https://t.co/cOjOl2tNT7#AppleEDUChat
A4 That’s fantastic! So glad to hear your kids are not restricted to rows of tables and monstrosities of desktops encumbered by wires. Now go. Let them code. #AppleEDUchat
A1. I am the school librarian, but now I teach one of our school’s two APCS classes. I’ve allowed myself to adapt to the opportunities presented to me in my short(ish) career. I was offered this class after taking up the challenge of founding our FRC robotic team. #AppleEDUChat
Q4: I share this article with my staff: "The Main course, not just dessert" This talks about using technology as part of the learning process... not the end game of an activity. Link: https://t.co/1Om4uqsF1l#AppleEDUchat
A4 Many of us don’t, the most important element is direct/guided instruction . My Ss will struggle with (Example) keyboarding practice if I don’t teach them to read and write #AppleEDUChat
Coding is like playing Simon says.. if I tell you to do this then do that or else do that... no Computers needed for activities like that #AppleEDUchat
Is it about content anymore? If you create a SAFE environment where students can explore, create, make, tinker, and play then all other things will fall in place. It’s all about creativity, collaboration communication and critical thinking. Not memorizing. #AppleEduChat
A4 Thanks to mobile devices, you don’t need a lab anymore. At a bare minimum, all you need is something with a web browser - they all have a Javascript interpreter built right in. #AppleEDUchat
A5) Enlist the help of your students. Learning together builds an amazing environment for all. Step out of your comfort zone & learn coding together. #AppleEDUChat
I have used robots in my programming class. I find that they aren’t all that helpful. There are some inexpensive ones for people who want to use them. #appleeduchat
A5: No need to stress if you haven't attempted code before. Many great applications offer tutorials that will walk you through and provide support videos. Or, have a student that is comfortable take the lead to teach others! #AppleEDUchat
A5: I know the basic of coding, my students know more than me. I let them be the experts and teach others. A good teacher doesn't need to have all the right answers, they just need to know how to guide the students in the right direction. #AppleEduChat
A5 You don’t even need technology to start coding, many unplugged activities to practice problem solving and have collaboration conversations #AppleEDUChat
A5: But you brush your teeth every morning in a sequence of steps...and therefore you are a programmer! A toothbrush programmer. 😂😂 #UnpluggedCoder#AppleEDUchat
A5: 1. start with the why 2. Use soundbox apps like @ScratchJr in the early years to utilize play/explore philosophy 3. Make coding concept connections with real life 4. Continue to foster a collaborative learning environment 5. Coding rules ... #AppleEDUchat
Q5: One of the many things I like about working with littles one is they want to show me what they can do... not what they can't do. At what grade level does this mind shift change to "can I show you.." to "I can't do this.."? #AppleEDUchat
A5: I would have said "me neither" a couple years ago. This keeps coming back to being a life-long learner. The world is changing, and teachers must adapt to this change for our students. Plus, learning is fun, right ;) #appleEDUchat
A5 There are tons of free online guides, tutorials, and courses for just about any language you would ever want to learn. Even better: learn with your students. They could probably show you how to do all kinds of things. #AppleEDUchat
A5: if you can play Simon says you CAN code! If I can code YOU CAN code! And it didn’t take a computer programmer to get me started! Inspired by educators and young students!! #AppleEDUchat
A5: You don't have to be an expert, just know enough and be willing to continually learn! Just give students the time to explore through code...you'll be amazed at the creative potential it offers. #appleEDUchat
That’s the beauty of coding. It is an ever evolving mentality and students and teachers can explore it together. Both can be the learner and the teacher. #AppleEduChat
A5: No one ever really knows how to code. You make mistakes every time that you code something. You’re also responsible for finding those mistakes. It is a great learning progression. #appleeduchat
Alright everyone, I've got to take off. It was a pleasure chatting with you all. Let's all keep giving our students the opportunity to code! #appleEDUchat#everyonecancode
Love it! We have done a beginning unplugged coding lesson where kids code how to pour and eat a bowl of cereal... then I do it exactly how they coded... it gets messy and hilarious! #AppleEDUchat
That's what I love about coding. It teaches resilience because NO-ONE ever gets it right all the time. The pros spend most of their day fixing problems. #AppleEDUchat
He said programming is like being in a murder mystery where you are both the killer and the detective. You kill your own code and then you have to figure out how and why you did it. #appleeduchat
A6: There are so many free apps available on iPad and elsewhere. Coding has many options. Although…I would LOVE to have a set of #BOLT robots for the most awesome science & coding fun! ;) @Sphero#AppleEduChat
A6: Biggest Christmas gift parents keep asking me about. “Where can I get a Dash robot?” Response: You can download Scratch Jr. or 3.0 and save a couple bucks. #AppleEDUchat
There was one that I almost thought was uncorrectable. It took days but we eventually found it. Caused the program to crash before the debugger would engage. #appleeduchat
A6) We use online resources and Swift Playgrounds no bots required! We have used one of our stop motion “people” to walk through code. Be creative make it fun bots or no bots. #AppleEDUChat
A6: There are so many apps and websites available that can appeal to so many interests. Paired programming is great with limited devices, or unplugged without devices. Local computing education organizations are great for grants! Check your local library too! #AppleEDUchat
Q6: I explained sequences in coding with the tooth brushing activity in "Getting Started with Code".. I've added on sequencing of washing your hands... for "Loops" we talked about the assembly line at Fords making cars or fast food.. look for real life examples. #AppleEDUchat
A6 All free: mobile apps like Swift Playgrounds, IDEs like Xcode, web-based IDEs like Scratch, web-based testing environments like JSFiddle, locally installed server environments like MAMP, etc. #AppleEDUchat
