Reflective Blog Post EDU 774

 1. What are the 1 - 2 most important things you learned in this course? How will these things be part of your future work as a teacher or librarian?

    One of the most important things I learned in the "Coding for Educators" course was the significance of integrating coding and computer science into my math teaching curriculum. This not only makes the learning experience more engaging and relevant for students but also helps them develop problem-solving skills that are crucial in both mathematics and computer science.

    Another key takeaway was the use of Scratch as a powerful tool for teaching coding concepts to students. Scratch's block-based programming language is user-friendly and visually intuitive, making it an excellent platform for introducing coding to students. Learning how to create interactive projects in Scratch and understanding the pedagogical strategies for teaching it will be valuable in my future work as a math teacher.

    These learnings will be integrated into my math teaching by incorporating coding activities and projects that align with the math curriculum. For example:

Mathematical Problem-Solving with Coding: I can design coding projects that require students to apply mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems. For instance, creating simulations to explore probability, developing geometric constructions using coding, or writing algorithms to solve equations.

Interactive Learning: I can use Scratch to create interactive math simulations and games, which can make abstract mathematical concepts more tangible and enjoyable for students. This can help foster a deeper understanding of mathematical principles.

    By incorporating these coding elements into my math classes, I aim to not only make the subject matter more engaging but also prepare my students with valuable computational thinking skills that are increasingly important in today's world.

2. What are 1 - 2 things you need to learn next to build upon what you learned in this course? How will you learn these things?

    To further build upon the foundation I've gained in the "Coding for Educators" course, there are a couple of key areas I'm eager to explore. First, I would like to delve deeper into pedagogical strategies for teaching coding and computer science concepts effectively to high school students. This involves understanding different learning styles, assessing student progress, and adapting teaching methods to cater to a diverse range of learners. I plan to learn these strategies through professional development workshops, educational conferences, and by collaborating with experienced educators who specialize in computer science education.

    Secondly, I aim to expand my knowledge of programming languages beyond what was covered in the course, particularly in the context of mathematics. Learning languages such as JavaScript and its applications in web development can enable me to create interactive math-related web applications or simulations, enhancing the hands-on learning experience for my students. I'll explore online courses, coding bootcamps, and resources like Mozilla Developer Network (MDN) to acquire proficiency in these languages and their mathematical applications. These two areas of focus will empower me to create a more engaging and effective math education experience for my high school students while incorporating modern pedagogical approaches and relevant programming skills.