#CodingLabParenting: Unleashing the Boundless Potential of Children through the Transformative Power of Tech-Infused Education
Smart Nation for education infographic (Image credits: SmartNation.gov)
Singapore aims to become a Smart Nation where we incorporate technology into our everyday lives as it rapidly evolves.
For example, in 2023, Singapore announced the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy 2.0, where AI will become known by everyone instead of seeing it as a ‘good-to-have’. They also want to be the world leaders in AI and implement various AI solutions.
With such a focus, we can see various initiatives in education. One example is MOE primary schools implementing compulsory 10-hour coding and computational thinking education. Many schools and private tuition centers have already begun using such technology to add an extra dimension to enhance their student’s learning. At Coding Lab, we strive to be at the forefront of technology and utilize it to ensure our students get the best learning experience!
Technology to Help and Engage
Teacher Rachel using the interactive projector, one of the various technologies adopted in our classrooms!
One of the most common ways that technology has been leveraged to enhance education is through the use of various digital tools and online resources for teachers and students to use.
Many of us are familiar with “Kahoot”, an online, fully customizable Quiz website that has been used to test one’s knowledge by having to pick between multiple choice questions within a timer. Kahoot is an entertaining and intuitive way for our educators to engage students’ attention during the review of lesson content, making a game of who would be at the top of the leaderboards.
Other such uses of technology in our classrooms include our interactive touch screen projectors, and even using games such as “Minecraft” to teach students how to code within the application!
Technology for Self-Directed Learning
To further aid future leaders of technology outside the classroom, we have created the Coding Bytes series where students can find tutorials for various programs to learn code in their own time!
Many schools have embraced the “flipped classroom” model which is a form of blended learning where students are first introduced to their content at home and then work on solving problems related to it during class.
At Coding Lab, we have adopted various methods to ensure students can learn independently outside of our classrooms! We have created our online notes that include interactive videos and quizzes for students to use, in addition to the live classes conducted. Sites such as Coursemology are also used for discussion where students can pose questions to other students and tutors while helping out others with their queries. To supplement our students’ learning outside of our curriculum, we also created the Coding Bytes series for students to learn other programs on their own!
Technology as Kinesthetic Tools
Student learning with Photon the Robot!
Image of our student playing with the Micro:bit
Some schools have also introduced a physical means for students to see coding come to life, with the advent of learning tools such as the Micro:bit and Photon, which are devices that we can program with code.
At Coding Lab, our Junior Coders Programme for ages 5-6, feature many different physical tools and resources to introduce the foundations of coding to young children, such as Photon the Robot!
We also offer classes exploring the field of Robotics and Hardware-Based Learning where young students can get a hands-on learning experience with coding by using blocks to power the Micro:bit, and more!
Technology and Real-World Applications
STEM Inc., under Science Centre Singapore, supports such initiatives with their STEM Applied Learning Programme (ALP) in secondary schools, where they introduce the ways technology can solve real-world issues.
At Coding Lab, we have various classes where we combine application of computational thinking skills and programming skills to create projects in various areas, ranging from topics of Science (e.g. Physics, Biology) and Health, to Data Analytics and Modelling and Simulation!
By equipping our students with the necessary skills and practicing the application of their skills to real-world issues, they are better equipped to become future leaders in technology and innovate the next big thing!
With technology at the forefront of the future and increasingly becoming a part of our education, as well as everyday lives, our future leaders need to get a headstart on understanding the code development that goes behind it!
To keep up with the times, we have already adopted technology to help with our students’ education in various ways. Take a look at our classes that are optimally designed for each age group to get them started on learning coding and creating solutions for future problems!
(Written by Lech, edited by Thinzar)