Moving from block-based to text-based programming
Students who go from High Elementary to Middle School find a notorious change in their Computer Science classes: the code they program is no longer organized in blocks as it used to be, but it is now written as formatted text.
Nonetheless, this change is not as steep as we could think it is. That is because they keep working to solve the same kind of dimensional puzzles like the ones they already know from LightBot and Scratch. These puzzles are presented in a gamified environment with cool-looking characters named Swift Playgrounds.
This environment allows them to prepare for real-life programming, since they are now solving puzzles using a professional programming language named Swift, the very language used to create all the available programs in the iOS/iPadOS/macOS ecosystem.
Even though this is an increase in complexity, our students are not defenseless; they already have a solid grasp on foundational Computer Science concepts, like algorithms and structures. Furthermore, they can collaborate with their peers to solve questions and share insights.
They can still use the drag-and-drop methods they are familiar with, but this change increases their freedom to make mistakes, learn from them and use more of the expressive power programming offers them. All while solving harder problems more suitable for children their age.
Students can either use the computers in the lab, or their own ones if they adhere to the BYOD program. I am glad to state they are all getting really good results, but I have noticed the best results come from the ones using their own devices. They are, of course, working on a known device, and being able to save and revisit all their progress when needed.
Moving from block-based to text-based programming
Students moving from Upper Elementary to Middle School encounter a noticeable change in their Computer Science classes: the code they program is no longer organized in blocks as it used to be, but is now written as formatted text.
However, this change is not as abrupt as we might think it is. This is because they continue to work on the same type of dimensional puzzles you already know from LightBot and Scratch. These puzzles are presented in a video game-like environment with colorful characters called Swift Playgrounds.
This environment allows them to prepare for programming encountered in real life, as they now solve puzzles in a professional programming language called Swift, the same language used to create all the programs available for the iOS/iPadOS/macOS ecosystem.
Although this is an increase in complexity, our students are not helpless; they already have a solid understanding of fundamental Computer Science concepts, such as algorithms and structures. Moreover, they can collaborate with their peers to answer questions and share perspectives.
Todavía pueden usar métodos de arrastrar y soltar a los que ya están acostumbrados. Este cambio aumenta es su libertad de cometer errores, aprender de ellos y usar más del poder expresivo que la programación les ofrece. Todo mientras que resuelven problemas mas difíciles que son más apropiados para chicos de su edad.
Students can either use the lab's equipment, or their own if they are enrolled in the BYOD program. I am pleased to say that they are all doing very well, but I have found that the best results come from those who use their own device. They are, naturally, working on a familiar device, on which they have the ability to save and review all their progress when they need to.
Margarita Palacios
Middle and High School Computer Science teacher.
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