Event Title
Location
Mezzanine M1
Start Date
9-8-2016 11:15 AM
End Date
9-8-2016 12:30 PM
Subjects
Coding, STEM education, Technology education, Technology curriculum, Programming, Computer science education, Curriculum development
Abstract
There has been an unprecedented push to revitalise interest in STEM education. Much of the discussion of the ’T’ in STEM education has been whether coding should be a central element of school education. This talk investigates the arguments for and against ‘coding in the curriculum.’ No sensible person thinks that teaching coding in the classroom will produce master programmers’, any more than teaching music in the school curriculum will produce master musicians. However the teaching of music can encourage some students to become musicians and the same would be true for coding. The issue is more what concepts are addressed in teaching coding, and how essential they are for engendering an understanding of the digital world around us, and improving productivity and innovation for which ICT skills and capability are essential.
Recommended Citation
Sterling, L. (2016, August 09). Coding in the curriculum : Fad or foundational? [Paper presentation]. Research Conference 2016 - Improving STEM Learning : What will it take?. https://research.acer.edu.au/research_conference/RC2016/9august/4
Copyright Statement
Copyright Australian Council for Educational Research 2016
Place of Publication
Melbourne Vic
Publisher
Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)
ISBN
9781742864075
Included in
Coding in the curriculum : Fad or foundational?
Mezzanine M1
There has been an unprecedented push to revitalise interest in STEM education. Much of the discussion of the ’T’ in STEM education has been whether coding should be a central element of school education. This talk investigates the arguments for and against ‘coding in the curriculum.’ No sensible person thinks that teaching coding in the classroom will produce master programmers’, any more than teaching music in the school curriculum will produce master musicians. However the teaching of music can encourage some students to become musicians and the same would be true for coding. The issue is more what concepts are addressed in teaching coding, and how essential they are for engendering an understanding of the digital world around us, and improving productivity and innovation for which ICT skills and capability are essential.
Comments
Concurrent session Block 3