While it took me a few tries to get used to the coding functions, I quickly learned that the modules on Code.org could be very useful in a classroom setting. This educational tool can work for a wide variety of ages and skill levels and also allows for a certain degree of variability in terms of demonstrating one's understanding. As a future special education teacher, I am constantly looking for classroom activities that are flexible and easy to personalize according to individual skills. As I completed the modules, I was able to recognize several elements that were consistent with the overarching goals of special education such as individualization, universal design for learning (UDL) and providing alternative options for demonstrating knowledge. I feel that using Code.org in my future classroom would be highly effective and foster an environment that is accommodating of different learning needs while encouraging critical thinking and problem solving skills.
There are a number of ways that the Code.org modules could be implemented within the classroom however, I feel that they would be most useful in my classroom as a supplemental activity for high-functioning students. Using the material in this context would allow me to provide constructive activities that go beyond the standard curriculum that is typically enforced in special education classrooms. These activities would allow students to strengthen their ability to think analytically and therefore improve in other aspects of the education. While there is a high degree of academic value associated with learning to code, I feel that implementation within my own classroom would be limited depending on that range of disabilities that are present. As a result, I would likely use this website as an option for free time available to students who would benefit from it.
There are a number of ways that the Code.org modules could be implemented within the classroom however, I feel that they would be most useful in my classroom as a supplemental activity for high-functioning students. Using the material in this context would allow me to provide constructive activities that go beyond the standard curriculum that is typically enforced in special education classrooms. These activities would allow students to strengthen their ability to think analytically and therefore improve in other aspects of the education. While there is a high degree of academic value associated with learning to code, I feel that implementation within my own classroom would be limited depending on that range of disabilities that are present. As a result, I would likely use this website as an option for free time available to students who would benefit from it.