144: Non-tech skills students learn from coding

There are many non-tech skills students learn from coding. This means learning to program is useful even when students don’t decide to pursue a degree where programming is core to it. These are the skills i talk about in this episode:

• Critical Thinking
• Logic
• Problem Solving
• Project Planning
• Perseverance
• Attention to detail
• Creativity

Students will also learn humility.

Show sponsor FundaFunda offers the following programming classes:

• Intro to Game Programming Unit Study – self-paced 4 module online class that introduces students to game design, game logic, and game graphics.
• Scratch Programming – 5-week class or full semester class (both are graded and have teaching assistants who help when students need it)
• Python Programming – 5-week class or full semester class (both are graded and have teaching assistants who help when students need it)

Special offer for August 2021:

Share about this podcast on any of your social media accounts, or in online forums, Google groups etc OR leave a rating and review on the podcast player you use, then take a photo or screenshot and email it to meryl@fundafunda.com. Everyone who does that can select ANY $20 web-based unit study from sponsor FundaFunda Academy.

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Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

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Episode 43: Unplugged Coding with Sandra Balisky

Be sure to join our Facebook group where we carry on the discussion about Homeschooling with Technology.

Sandra Balisky from Real World Learners is our guest today. She has a background as a math and English teacher and is now homeschooling her own children and working on an online math course for early elementary students. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram

Sandra explained the concept of “unplugged coding” (listen to the episode to hear what it is!)

What coding skills can you learn when you’re not using a computer?

• Writing a “program” for others to follow that includes giving precise directions. This often entails using positions on a grid or using degrees in a circle to describe location
• Learning about binary code, how it works and why computers use it, and how to create a simple set of directions with on/off conditions
• Understanding and coming up with conditional statements (if/then) and playing around with how those affect the overall “gameplay” experience
• Learning the ins and outs of computer hardware and software
• Using loops to eliminate repetition and make the code as simple and concise as possible
• Learning about digital citizenship and how to safely and effectively navigate the online world
• Developing a growth mindset!! These activities will stretch kids to think and problem solve in new, creative ways. It will also encourage them to persevere and not give up in the face of challenges!

Where can I find resources to help my kids have fun learning these skills without sitting in front of a screen?

Sandra has a post about unplugged coding with a free printable unplugged coding game and she has other unplugged activities for sale:

• Choreograph a Robot Dance: an unplugged, interactive coding activity
• Pixel Alphabet: practice coding and Math skills while creating art (extension topics include photography, Battleship, cross-stitch, and mapping skills)
• Treasure Maps

More Resources that offer lists of activities, printables, and ideas for things to do to practice coding skills offline.

• CSUnplugged – complete courses (FREE!) that teach important programming skills through interactive activities. This is a deep resource which you could mine for months!
• 6 ideas for coding activities that you can do with materials you may already have at home.
• Round-up of several different high-quality coding activities from various companies and bloggers
• Code.org has so many resources for unplugged coding activities.

Once your children have learned some principles of coding from unplugged activities, consider signing them up for one of Fundafunda Academy’s Intro to Game Programming Online Class.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!

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