Authors :
Barbra Apolot
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 7 - July
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/3rrstpzv
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8181461
Abstract :
Purpose: This paper aims at interesting introduction of
coding concepts to young learners and youth by any
knowledgeable stakeholder. The study shares
experiences after replicating the Rangers coding game
developed by Tangible Africa as a way of introducing
coding skills to young learners without use of the
Internet, Computers nor Electricity using cost-effective
instruments which are as simple as a game.
Methodology: This study was based on Observations,
interviews, focus group discussions with a total of 79
participants. These included 37 Children, 6 Teachers, 2
parents, 9 Librarians, 2 ICT professionals and 23
undergraduate students. The study aimed at capturing
the experiences of participants prior, during and after
training sessions on basic coding by nonprofessional
programmers. This skilling project targeted the building
of team work spirit, enhancing problem solving
capabilities, critical thinking and also improvement of
participant’s employability, knowledge, skill and
enhancement of career path.Findings: The researcher discovered that no child (below
18 years of age) had ever heard the word “coding” or
imagined its scope.wondered
how coding could be taught without electricity, internet
or computers. The study also revealed that, in terms of
learning abilities-both children and youth learn better in
groups thus, it is always better to work as a team to be
able to exchange ideas Age group-Children of all ages
are attracted to colors and shapes and thus, use of colors
and illustrations stimulate reasoning. Articulation skills-
Children at the age of 10 and above articulate and
interpret instructions better and faster for early and
intermediate levels. As levels get to advanced level, the
challenge is common to all ages. Interest in Coding-
Children younger than 10 years of age simply enjoy the
game. Between ages 10-12 years, understand concepts
and talented ones can be groomed. From age of 13-18,
they understand concepts and focus on the future. For
the youth above 18 years, these adults relate with
environment and embrace the challenges in society and
wish to be part of the solution for the future. In a way,
they easily acknowledge innovations and see benefits to
real life. Limitations and recommendations- The coding
mobile app does not auto correct. The Rangers coding
puzzles being used were not multi colored and visualized.
The cards are made of paper and these were vulnerable
to deterioration. Improving them to metallic format
would improve their durability. Lastly, the participants
were confused by the mix of two concepts namely
“Poaching and Coding”. Separating concepts is better to
enable concentration of the main Cause.
Value: Introducing learners to coding skills at tender age
familiarizes children to coding concepts thus, skilling
them for self-employment. It also eases accomplishment
of tougher coding tasks as they progress with their
academic career. A part from that, it helps them in
making career choices, stimulates team work, problem
solving and intellectual thinking.
Keywords :
Coding, Tangible Africa, Young Learners.
Purpose: This paper aims at interesting introduction of
coding concepts to young learners and youth by any
knowledgeable stakeholder. The study shares
experiences after replicating the Rangers coding game
developed by Tangible Africa as a way of introducing
coding skills to young learners without use of the
Internet, Computers nor Electricity using cost-effective
instruments which are as simple as a game.
Methodology: This study was based on Observations,
interviews, focus group discussions with a total of 79
participants. These included 37 Children, 6 Teachers, 2
parents, 9 Librarians, 2 ICT professionals and 23
undergraduate students. The study aimed at capturing
the experiences of participants prior, during and after
training sessions on basic coding by nonprofessional
programmers. This skilling project targeted the building
of team work spirit, enhancing problem solving
capabilities, critical thinking and also improvement of
participant’s employability, knowledge, skill and
enhancement of career path.Findings: The researcher discovered that no child (below
18 years of age) had ever heard the word “coding” or
imagined its scope.wondered
how coding could be taught without electricity, internet
or computers. The study also revealed that, in terms of
learning abilities-both children and youth learn better in
groups thus, it is always better to work as a team to be
able to exchange ideas Age group-Children of all ages
are attracted to colors and shapes and thus, use of colors
and illustrations stimulate reasoning. Articulation skills-
Children at the age of 10 and above articulate and
interpret instructions better and faster for early and
intermediate levels. As levels get to advanced level, the
challenge is common to all ages. Interest in Coding-
Children younger than 10 years of age simply enjoy the
game. Between ages 10-12 years, understand concepts
and talented ones can be groomed. From age of 13-18,
they understand concepts and focus on the future. For
the youth above 18 years, these adults relate with
environment and embrace the challenges in society and
wish to be part of the solution for the future. In a way,
they easily acknowledge innovations and see benefits to
real life. Limitations and recommendations- The coding
mobile app does not auto correct. The Rangers coding
puzzles being used were not multi colored and visualized.
The cards are made of paper and these were vulnerable
to deterioration. Improving them to metallic format
would improve their durability. Lastly, the participants
were confused by the mix of two concepts namely
“Poaching and Coding”. Separating concepts is better to
enable concentration of the main Cause.
Value: Introducing learners to coding skills at tender age
familiarizes children to coding concepts thus, skilling
them for self-employment. It also eases accomplishment
of tougher coding tasks as they progress with their
academic career. A part from that, it helps them in
making career choices, stimulates team work, problem
solving and intellectual thinking.
Keywords :
Coding, Tangible Africa, Young Learners.