Coding for Kids
(excerpts from the August 7, 2014 Farmington Press article written by Craig Vaughn, describing Farmington R-7 School District’s decision to offer new technology learning opportunities for their students)
….One measure to offer a better educational experience is the introduction of Tynker, an online learning system that allows students at any age to learn computer coding. The self-paced courses allow students to work at their own pace and offers built-in tutorials and visual tools to help them understand the new concepts.
“Tynker was designed by developers with elementary kids,” Mindy Southern, the [District’s] educational technology facilitator, said. “It is designed to carry them from elementary through to high school. The students are doing it at their own pace. Next year, when they come back from summer vacation, they can pick up right where they left off.”
In addition to the tutorials and visual tools that Tynker has to offer, it also comes with a teaching assessment which provides teachers the ability to see whether a student is understanding a particular concept.
According to Southern, this function was not available on other like programs and allows for teachers [to work] more closely with the students.
At the present time, the district is planning to introduce Tynker as a pilot program for grades four through six. Southern states the program will begin as an after-school club…..
Access the full article here.
Hear from teachers who have started other Tynker Coding Clubs
- Miller Middle School Coding Club
- After School Coding Club for Grades 1-5
- Elementary School Lunchtime Coding Club
Interested in starting your own club? Let us know!
