As I continue to look at studies for my lit review, I am struck by how much information is out there regarding coding of computers. There are tons of studies on the ways to encourage female students to learn computer coding, for example. This is a reaction to the lack of representation of women in computer engineering in general. There are also studies that examine the lack of diversity in the engineering job place. Yet, finding studies that examine the benefits of learning to code is a much more arduous task. Many people argue that the job market of the future pushes education toward making sure that students can understand code. Yet, this is not necessarily a reason alone to redirect an educational path. The things we place into our classrooms should be beneficial to the development of student learning - not merely future job training.
My own personal journey with computer programming, which stemmed from necessity, has lead me to have certain ideas about the benefits of learning to code, but these are merely experiences - not scientific study. The facts regarding the overall learning benefits of developing this skill are very interesting to me - especially because I plan devote class time to it; is this class time well spent? For myself, learning to code, has opened the door to a greater confidence and understanding of mathematics. It has pushed me to tackle other things that I thought were "too complex" or "too difficult". This is an emperical and personal benefit from learning to code, but not scientific fact.
When looking at the study done by Wang, Hwang and Huang which examined the performance of mathematically gifted students on computer programing, you can see that those students who found ease in math, appeared to also find ease in learning and solving computer programming problems. My question is to see if the reverse of this is true. Can learn to code help students develop stronger problem-solving skills which can not only be applied to math but to any complex topic.
Driving Question Draft: How can the use of technology in the classroom improve the lives of students living in poverty?
Driving Question Draft: How does technology impact students living in poverty?
Driving Question Draft: What effects does the increased use of technology have on student swho are economically challenged?
Because I teach in a high poverty school, I am very mindful of the opportunity gap that exists between those who have money and prestige and those who do not. Can technology help equalize the experiences of those living in poverty? Can increased understanding and development of technolgy skills improve the lives of students caught in the cycle of poverty?