Coding will be a really interesting thing to integrate in a classroom. I have to admit that it seems a little intimidating to me, but I'm really good at faking it til I make it. I think it is important for students to be comfortable with coding because so many of their future job opportunities will be based in computer science. Matt Harrell wrote for Edutopia, "Early exposure to coding helps teach children how important it is to understand computers as the valuable tools they are rather than merely fun playthings." This is a really important point to remember since our students will be growing up with technology as part of their lives since birth. Kids need to know that computers can do so much more than play minecraft and play youtube videos.
Coding is something kids want to do, and I think they will be excited to have the opportunity to do it in school. We need to let them try it, and figure some things out on their own. Harrell goes on to say, "Don't underestimate what young children are able to accomplish when educators let go of the wheel and allow students to become the drivers. Just adding one piece of computer science to your curriculum will get the ball rolling, and you'll get the feedback you need from your students to make it even better." I want to remember this when I am incorporating coding into my lessons. My students will definitely know more than me, and I believe that following their lead is the best way to help them succeed with this.
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