Monday 9 January 2017

Week 7 [09.01-15.01.2017] Learning programming by kids


Over the last few years I have noticed an interesting trend. Many companies and nonprofit organizations organize programming events or courses for kids,  teenagers or adult laymen.
Many companies have created  interactive toys for learning programming in an  interesting way. For example: plastic bricks or robots controlled by a smartphone.





Another example is Stratch. It is online software developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  Children without programming  skills (data structures or code syntax) can create visual applications or games and share their project with  everyone. This is awesome. This software is used by many teachers in public school  in USA. Children are learning more effectively, e.g.  how to resolve problems than create useless programs. 

Please watch this video. Mitch is a computer scientist from MIT University.


This trend is very good for developing children's imagination. Code learning develops passion and creativity.

Linda Liukas says:
“ I'm looking for, the moment when the kid realizes that the world is definitely not ready yet, that a really awesome way of making the world more ready is by building technology and that each one of us can be a part of that change”

 Today teenagers can change the world. Parents should only show different learning paths. Of course, not everyone will be a professional programmer . This is only a tool to exercise your creativity.

I think that code is the next universal language needed in different  fields  of science: medicine, physics - all doors are open.


Please watch this video. It is very inspirational.

A few years ago when I was learning programming there were no interesting books for beginners. Therefore, my learning process lasted long. Nowadays there market offers very interesting books for children They include funny colorful  illustrations and many visual code examples. 

Questions
  1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?
  2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
  3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
  4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them. 


22 comments:

  1. 1. Learning code for children aged 5 or 6 years of age is useful in the development of such a child's imagination and knowegle. It also helps in faster understanding of the world around him, and increase the sense of awareness. However, we must remember not to take him through this "magic" of childhood.

    2. The most basic function, known for many many years is reading books or comics. Currently, there are also several board games or computer games to help improve this area of child development.


    3. I believe that it should be further developed. Many schools there is simply no money for new technology and tools to help in the teaching and training of young people. An increasingly common practice is to introduce school interactive whiteboards or tablets.

    4. First of all, there are tablets with the respective applications and interactive toys that require your child to focus. A good example is that spark the imagination and curiosity of board games.

    ReplyDelete
  2. 1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?
    From one side - it can be good for developing them, but from other side it can kill their passion if they will be forced to learn coding in that age.

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
    Only one and really old method - choose books instead of TV.

    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
    I remember that it was almost always outdated. Outdated software, outdated languages, outdated hardware etc. Schools are teaching about things which aren't currently used in general.

    4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.
    Unfortunately I'm not up to date with toys so I don't know any.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for the great blog post.

    1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    I think it is really important to get familiar with technology by kids. The earlier they start learning the better specialist they will be in the future.

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
    I thin that books are one of such methods but not only. Plasticine and creating some great figures can also be attractive way to develop imagination.

    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
    To be honest I think that it is not on the high level and as expected. Many teachers do not have enough knowledge to pass it to young people especially when technology develops so fast.

    ReplyDelete
  4. 1. Programing is a great way to develop both creative and logical way of thinking. The sooner we start to learn that - the better.

    2. I remember I had a doll-house with working switches, light bulbs and all kind of circuits powered by batteries. I learned how they work and started building my own.

    3. I really can't tell. I've ended primary school over 15 years ago, and don't know much about nowadays ways of developing this sort of skills. I only remember I used to envy my parents when they were telling me about technical lessons they had when they were children.

    4. Beside the doll-house I've mentioned I also know about LEGO Technics. This bricks are way more complex than regular LEGOs, and often includes working mechanisms.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    When it comes to education in overal I think it can be very risky to forecast what skills will be usefull for such young kids. Of course there is always a set of universal skills like creativity, logics and such which will always be a good choice. Especially for such a young ones. Let them play with Lego.

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
    Learn them some universal plays and let develop their own. Maybe even encourage to develop them. As an adults we can help them a lot.
    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
    I don't know how it works nowadays, since it was long time I've been to elementary school. But I can imagine it's not the top level. So it's probably up to parents to help their kids. Give them some clues, help to choose good direction.

    4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.
    I think good of Lego, because I had a lot of fun playing them myslef and I think tehy are alwas good choice. Even with some basic sets you can boos your imagination building some fantastic constructions. For me best tool is ones imagination - you don't need some expensive gadgets. You can create much using just a simple stick.

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  6. 1. I think it is nice idea. Programming is like the other language, the sooner we start leraning - the better. There are many programming toys on the market, e.x. Lego Mindstorms. Learning with joy :)
    2. Of course reading books. No technical toy can substitute books in creativity ang imagination developing.

    3. Honestly, I don't know, I had my graduation almost 10 years ago. I know that my girlfriend's sister do her homework by internet. So I'think it is slightly improved than in my schooltime period.

    4. Oh, of course Lego, even simple wooden blocks can be excellent way for improve kid's creativity. I think the simpliest toys children have, more creativity and imagination will be in use.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love this idea! Kids have great possibilities; they should start to play with technologies in they early ages. When they can have fun with programming, they can do great stuff!!
    I like Scratch programming, its platform for the kid to learn programming. It very easy and fun. Everyone can do it, and they can create games without much experience. They just pick some elements, glue them together and that all. You can share you game or application for example https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/129060002/
    It so simple and fun to do it, I surely will do it with my kids!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    Great idea, I think many great things might be created, since kids in that age have such a vivid and creative imagination.

    Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?

    Listening to music, writing up dreams maybe.

    What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?

    Its not that bad as it used to be, but when i was in school we used to play deluxe ski jump and do some boring stuff in Word or Excel

    Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.

    Lego, crayons and maybe some day raspbery-pi :P

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think ,we went to the same school. I played deluxe ski jumping in my school.

      Delete
  9. 1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    I think it helps kids develop, improves logical thinking and problem solving. I’m not a methodologist though, so don’t ask me 

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?

    Sure, Lego for example, but books also stimulate imagination a lot.


    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?

    Unfortunately it’s not the greatest and it’s a shame, because some kids may not have the possibility to learn those things at home and are technologically left out.

    4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.

    I think most people of my generation will point to Lego. You can build virtually anything, but you have to use some creativity and imagination.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What do you think? Lego is good for small children ?

      Delete
  10. 1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?
    I think that easy coding education for small kids could be inspiring and curious. Nowadays even younger kids are up to date with basics of new technologies. I my opinion 5-6 year old kids are too young to create some new products independently but it's a great idea to show them in simple, colorful and interesting way how some of games, interactive toys are builded.

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
    Reading books, drawing whatever you have on mind, observe the world and analyze behaviour of known and also unknown people. Watching inspiring videos, listen to music, get some trips - these are main daily elements that develop my imagination.

    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
    I think that generally polish education is a little outdated without taking care of developing individual interests and skills that could help in one of the most important issue of every young man - what do they want to do in life? I mentioned of that because as I noticed among people I know - more and more of them would like to do some job in technology industries.

    4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.
    http://meetphoton.com/pl/start/ - Photon is a polish toy (and also a robot) created at Bialystok University of Technology. This toy help kids in age of 6-12 "logical thinking, new technologies, programming basics, social skills".

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. @Dominika, Do you have used with Photon? It is looks great.

      Delete
    2. Unfortunately no, I only watched a youtube video about that robot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXwdyJKQN60

      Delete
  11. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  12. 1 What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    I think it is a great idea. Of course if kids want to learn programing in that way, it will give them a great start. Coding will expand kid’s imagination and a way of thinking about different problems. It is a big step to ensure them a better future.

    2 Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?

    A best method for me to develop creativity is to read books. Nowadays we see more and more teenagers with smartphones in their hands. I think that this is destroying theirs creativity.

    3 What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?

    I think that technology learning in Polish schools is quite good. I heard about IT lessons where children are studying about computers and computer programs. They are learning many practical things.

    4 Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them. 

    I only know about Lego Mindstorms.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think it is worthwhile to develop an interest in a small child. It is important that the child was interested in that. So if you would be interested in programming, what's wrong with that? I personally do not know of any child who knew how to program, because it is not so easy to learn (especially in Poland). I think that the teaching in Poland is generally very low, not to mention the activities of the technology or computer science. Unfortunately, I do not know many toys, but I've seen recently 3D pens for children (safe and easy to use) that are sure to stimulate creativity

    ReplyDelete
  14. 1. I think it’s too early in general. In order to understand what you’re doing you need to have some basic idea about math’s and (even very basic) algorithms. This is base. You cannot learn how to program without it. I worked with younger students as math’s teacher and now that in most of the cases children in this age don’t have any competences to start programming. I’m not talking about super-duper sophisticated commercial projects, but even simple programs may be too challenging for them…

    2. Reading books. Definitely. I cannot about any different way of developing and enriching your imagination then reading books. It’s well spent time. It has one significant advantage vs. watching TV. It lets you be your own narrator of the story. It lets you picture things in the way you want. Nobody imposes you the final picture. You’re building the world of the story on own. Isn’t that great?

    3. It sucks. On my education path during 13 years when I was taught IT I have met only teacher who had proper qualifications to run the classes. He had not only knowledge and skills, but he would explain you each and every detail of what we were doing, He would make you interested in the subject. With exception of this guy rest of many teacher is not even worth mentioning. Unfortunately this impression is shared by many of my friends and issue itself was raised in many articles I read. In Poland it’s quite common that students know IT better than teacher.

    4. I which I could present any, but unluckily I’m leaving in environment without any kids at stage of early development. That’s why I don’t know about existence of such tools.

    ReplyDelete
  15. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?
    In my opinion it is a good idea. Brains of kids in this age group are the most flexible and receptive knowledge. Kids are teaching faster, than adult people.

    Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?
    Yes. I think that, drawing and painting are a great idea, to to try to be more creative. I think that every extra lessons for kids, are good to be more sensitive for the world.

    What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?
    I think it is good. We live world of technology, we use smartphones, notebooks, smartwatches everywhere. Programming is the future. My previous company entered, the tender to teach children coding. I think that such lessons would be interesting- similaryas learning with mentors.

    Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.
    I'm not with them on a regular basis, puzzles, coloring books, and sudoku :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. What struck me the most in your article is something that I guess leads me an answer for the first two questions of your. It was the quote that goes as follows " I'm looking for, the moment when the kid realizes that the world is definitely not ready yet". I think that sharing the concept with children is incredibly empowering. We are often tought at schools to look at history and the world as a sort of finnished, complete process, rather than an ongoing thing we are now the part of. Some people are close to thinking that whatever could be done, explored, accomplished already had been so and now we are mearly benefiting from it. I believe there's nothing as empowring and challenging in a positive manner as realizing there's an infinite number of things still awating to be found of created Code learing at a young age may prove vital to building that kind of a worldview aside various soft skills workshops, which teach the aforementioned in a most fun-resembling way. Lastly I think technology learning/teaching process has a hugely outdated curriculum in our schools and needs to be changed into a more engaging and creative proces.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 1.What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    For me it is too early, much too early. Let our children be children. Childhood should be like a dozen years ago, when children do not know how to use a tablet or phone;]

    2 . Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?

    The most important is the crossword puzzles, reading books. For children there are a lot of different kinds of toys - which help train brain and creativity.

    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?

    I think that technology learning in Poland is in a good level. I'm not up to date with information about this, but Polish education have good rank position..

    4. Do you know any creative toys for kids? Please, present them.

    I've heard a lot about lego brics, they are very expensive. I don’t know more.

    ReplyDelete
  18. 1. What do you think about code learning by small kids (5-6 yr old)?

    I think that at this age children should be thought how to safety use technology. If that's done, then some basic programming concepts might be introduced. But I am not sure what concepts could they be, but I don't know many kind that are five or six...

    2. Do you know any approachable methods to develop imagination or creativity?

    I believe that all manual works are great. Especially nowadays when even very young children can sit in front of a monitor for a long hours... Technology and virtual realities are not everything. Moreover, I think that the more we are stimulated by various things, the more creative we are.

    3. What do you think about technology learning in Polish schools?

    I believe it is changing and getting meter each year. There are a lot of independent initiatives where people can develop their tech-skills. However, it can be completely different beyond cities. So it is important to teach children at school how to use technology properly. Unfortunately I think that there might not enough good teachers...


    ReplyDelete