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Three Reasons to Use Visual Coding in Your Curriculum

Do you have a plan for teaching coding this school year? If the idea of introducing computer science skills feels intimidating, I encourage you to consider visual coding. With visual coding, students can pull together commands as they learn the foundations of coding. It’s a powerful way to introduce students to foundational computer science skills.

In Chicago this year, I sat down with the team behind Robots4STEM. I even had a chance to see their humanoid robot Jett in action! This company has developed an online platform perfect for students and teachers who are new to coding. When it comes to visual coding, there are lots of reasons to add it to your curriculum this school year!

Reasons to Use Visual Coding

Three Reasons to Use Visual Coding in Your CurriculumThere are so many reasons to add computer science and coding to your curriculum at the beginning of the school year. If you’re ready to dive into using Robots4STEM, just scroll to the bottom of this page for a special offer. Looking to make a case for coding in your school? Here are three reasons to share!

The future is in computing

Computer science, coding, and programming are essential skills needed in careers of today and tomorrow! Jobs in the computing space are growing, and STEM skills are in high demand. Visual coding is a great way to introduce students to computer science skills.

No prior knowledge required

Visual coding doesn’t require an in-depth knowledge base of computer science. Both students and teachers can jump in without any prior knowledge of the subject area. One big reason to use visual coding in your curriculum is to level the playing field for both teachers and students!

Promote active learning

Visual coding increases engagement in computational thinking while promoting active learning. One reason I love visual coding is that the drag-and-drop format keeps students active and engaged without typos that could end up frustrating your group.

Why robots4stem?

Robots4STEM is a practical and feasible computer programming experience that simplifies crucial STEM curricula for students in grades 3–5. It includes is a visual programming language developed by RoboKind. Robots4STEM gives children an introduction to computer science through an engaging platform.

With this tool, students use a drag and drop programming language. At the same time, they learn the logic of coding. As students learn about computer science, they can also control Jett, a humanoid robot. I had the chance to see Jett in action and try out visual coding on this platform. It is impressive to see Jett come to life as you place together different steps.

Now of course, you don’t need the robot to make visual coding happen with Robots4STEM. Instead, your students can program and watch a virtual avatar come to life. I’ve seen this in action too and it is really special. This option also lets students see their programing skills come to life on any device!

In a blog post earlier this summer, I took a deep dive into the RoboKind STEM resources. You can check it out here. I also spotlighted the video below which will give you a picture of the power of visual computing in the classroom.

Visual Coding Curriculum

The visual coding curriculum from Robots4STEM gives students, and teachers access to an engaging computer science experience. It allows students to program a virtual avatar. The actions students take will lead Jett (an actual robot!) to perform specific steps. The actions the student codes show up in Jett’s movements and facial expressions. This activity creates engaged, excited, and empowered learners!

This visual coding curriculum connects to educational standards. The standards have informed the curriculum development and align to many standards taught in the classroom. Robots4STEM is perfect for a variety of implementation scenarios. These models could include individual, small-group, and whole-class projects.

Robots4STEM’s visual coding curriculum also provides a school with a competency-based approach to learning to code. It allows students to progress at their own pace. At the same, teachers can support students in small groups, and enable students to work independently.

Are you ready to start using visual coding in your curriculum this year? Head over to Robots4STEM’s website to view back to school pricing!

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Blog Author and EdTech Consultant Dr. Monica Burns

Monica Burns

Dr. Monica Burns is a former classroom teacher, Author, Speaker, and Curriculum & EdTech Consultant. Visit her site ClassTechTips.com for more ideas on how to become a tech-savvy teacher.

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