Monday's outreach event consisted of a visit to a High School coding club. After corresponding continuously back and forth with one of their members, I agreed to spend an hour giving them an introduction to the programming language that I have the most experience in, Python. Python's specialty is in Data Science and Machine Learning, as well as being a relatively easy beginner level language.
The five students of the coding club were somewhat familiar with the logic of coding, which made teaching them easier. Once you learn one programming language, it is relatively easy to learn another because the logic remains largely the same while only the syntax changes. The syntax is like the grammar rules of the code. Not only were they quick to learn, but they were also actively engaged in my lesson for the duration of the class. I wish we had more time! Some of them were even taking notes as I presented slide after slide of Python fundamentals.
What made the members of the coding club so engaged in my lesson? They wanted to be there. They chose to be there. They were in the coding club because they wanted the opportunity to explore more programming languages and to create cool projects. Therefore, they were absorbing every word out of my mouth and memorizing the syntax on the slides that I shared. They asked me questions about differences between programming languages and what made Python special.
My biggest takeaway from this outreach event is that students need to be given the freedom to work on projects that get them excited about the subject matter. If students in a programming class are given an outline and exact output expectations for a coding project, it takes away their creativity. Comparing back to the High School AP CS class, those students were given some freedom but not the same amount a student run club was given. Additionally, giving students the ability to collaborate on projects gives them experience in settings similar to what you would see in CS jobs. Many high school and other beginner level coding classes are too focused on individual work, which gives students a false perception of what coding jobs look like. Coding jobs are collaborative and creative and challenging.
EdSurge encourages teachers to turn programming into a mode of expression. Giving students the opportunity to work on projects that they are interested in, like creating games or websites, incorporates creativity into coding. EdSurge also encourage teachers to meet students at their interests. Letting students use a tool they learn in class like coding and apply it to something they are interested in enhances the lesson immensely. Not only are they more likely to be excited and proud of what they created, but they are also able to see the connection between the real world and coding. Giving students the freedom to be creative and collaborative while coding is one key to adding depth to Computer Science.
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