Coding initiative a win in the classroom

Students at Martinsburg Elementary School are getting a new hands-on introduction to coding. In the fall teachers at the school received a full day of coding training in preparation for the new program. Throughout the year students completed several modules designed to teach the computer programming skills using concepts such as login, loops and functions. In addition the third- through fifth-graders also strengthened skills such as problem solving and communication. Students worked on assignments during regular “tech time” in the classroom but can also continue working on them at home. In an article in a district newsletter, fifth-grade teacher Becky Klock says that the students quickly embraced the new initiative, which has encouraged students who normally struggle more with school work and challenged those students who usually excel academically.