21stCentury education is about innovation. It is about a being open to new ideas and new educational trends that enable higher order thinking, deep knowledge and deep understanding. It is about using technology to create learning experiences that go far beyond what was possible in traditional classrooms.
It is with this passionate spirit of 21stCentury education that Ashfield Public School sets it sights upon computer science, which is the study of computers and their application. Computer science is interesting because many things in everyday life use computer science including mobile phones, microwaves and traffic lights.
An aspect of computer science is coding, which is the ability to program a computer to carry out instructions. These instructions are usually very simple and require adding numbers together and moving data from one place to another. The ability to code is a very worthwhile skill to have because it changes people from being consumers of technology to creators of it. There are claims that coding should be added to reading, writing and arithmetic as a core ability for every student from Kindergarten to Year 12.
Of particular interest for Ashfield Public School is that coding is a way of thinking that develops problem solving skills. Coding requires thinking in both concrete and abstract terms. Coding fits in well with the mathematics syllabus which is about developing, exploring and connecting mathematical concepts, choosing and applying problem-solving skills and mathematical techniques, communication and reasoning
Ashfield Public School is involved in Computer Science Education Week, December 8 -14 which recognises the transformative role of computing and the need to bolster computer science education. The week is a call to action to raise awareness about the importance of computer science education and its connection to careers in computing and other fields.
As part of Computer Science Education Week all girls and boys at Ashfield Public School, from Kindergarten to Year 6, will participate in the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.
Digital learning is part of the Ashfield Public School plan. Over the years much has been achieved. This includes the successful installation of smart boards and the development of the library as a hub for technology. Recently the Bring Your Own Device initiative was introduced and the Our School Studio established. In class children are being taught how to use digital devices to thinking critically and deeply about a range of topics.
Computer coding is an exciting new direction for the school's commitment to digital learning. It is intended that with practice in coding the students will be able to create their own games, websites, and applications. By all accounts coding in the primary curriculum looks fun, creative and intellectually challenging and engaging. It is totally 21stCentury learning!