A former High School student asked me to answer a set of questions for a report he is doing at his new school. Since he had come to volunteer a few times to work with a group of younger students on Hour of Code Enrichment at the end of school, of course I will oblige!! I will be interested to see his presentation and paper.
The questions provoked some thought - so worthy of a post. I was just as interested to see my written replies!! How would you answer this set?
Here is his set of questions and my answers:
(Student): Could you tell me a little bit about yourself?(Richard): Attended Lowell Tech Institute for three years majoring in Nuclear Engineering in the early 70s. Finished a degree at Plymouth State with an Independent Study major focus of "Technology and the Environment". After a career in construction, I started as a physics and math teacher - and took on Director of Technology at Sant Bani School. Have been there since 1991 or 92.
(Student): What first got you interested in teaching Technology at your school?(R): The small school size lets me know everyone in the school community and have flexibility in projects and courses. I was more "tech perseverant", so ended up taking the role when our early tech integrator moved on.
(Student): Would you say computer programming is important for students future, particularly here at school?
(R): Technology is infused into most all of our society and much of the world. Understanding core concepts allows personal control over decision-making in many aspects of life.
(Student): What do you think is the biggest advantage to students learning to program, especially at a young age?
(R): Students are more adept and accepting at younger ages. Learning some building blocks of programming when students can master them helps their sequencing, patience, and logic skills. As with many other languages, early exposure is worth the time.
(Student): As a teacher, what is the thing you like the MOST about teaching programming? Teaching in general?
(R): Seeing students grow as independent learners.
(Student): What’s the biggest change you’ve seen made in this growing field since you joined?
(R): The ease of graphics and interactive interfaces.(Student): How has the school changed its curriculum regarding programming since it became a big name issue? Do you anticipate any further changes, and if so what would they be?
(R): The school has adapted from a single language - Pascal in the early 90s - to allow choice of direction and focus by students studying technology tools. We have dabbled in robotics, graphics tools, C# and Apps, and now trying Drag and Drop experiences with students as young as Kindergarten.
(Student): Is there anything more you think the school, or the U.S. Department of Education should be doing about programming curriculum?
(R): For programming to succeed, it will need to be a vibrant part of other curricula - infused into foreign languages, history, science, math, and the Arts. As long as it is taught solely, as a separate subject, it will be seen as a separate tool, not as an integratable life and work tool.
(Student): Realistically, do you think schools will be able to keep up with the demand of computer programmers required for daily function? What changes do you think will have to be made as technology expands more and more?
(R): Schools will keep up if students are allowed the time, resources, and choice for independent direction in their learning as they age.
(Student): Do you see any personal advantages to teaching programming?The joy of watching student discovery in programming, as in other subjects is the big reward!
(Student): What is something you’ve never done, but want to try to do with this class?(R): More Making of devices and interactive devices that coordinate with other curricula and projects.
(Student): What do you think the most important thing for children to learn in schools today is? Why?
(R): Cooperation, communication, kindness, perseverance of purpose, appreciation of nature, skills with tools and materials, giving back; sorry - I can't narrow it down to one! They all melt into one larger growth importance!
