Coding in the Classroom Using Google CS First

Jess Gaughan
MAIT 652
June 1, 2018

Abstract
 Coding in the classroom is not only fun for students but it is a viable learning opportunity
for all. According to the Bureau of Labor, South Carolina last year only had 529 computer
science graduates. Currently, the state has 4,342 jobs in the computing field open but no
candidates who are qualified to fill them. Providing coding and computing hands on experience
to students could be the key to changing those numbers. Google has a CS first program that
allows students to go at their own pace and learn coding in a fun and unique way.
Methods and Procedures

Google and scratch.edu have come together to create an educational program to get
students grades 4 - 8 interested in coding and the possibilities it holds. The program can be done
after or before school or as a summer program. The program provides a variety of options with
different themes and focuses from creating your own comic strip to creating your own google
doodle. All the program needs is internet connection and someone to run it. Google even
provides scripts, lesson plans, and templates so the leader of the program doesn’t have to already
be a coding goru. Google will mail out your welcome package with all the necessary materials to
get your club going.

As someone who has used this program in their classroom and I can speak volumes to the
positivity it provides. Students are engaged and excited to learn. Some of my students who had
no interest in writing in a traditional way went above and beyond with a comic strip assignment
through CS First. This program allows for authentic learning and expression for those hard to
reach students. The program is also fantastic for girls who had no interest in technology or
computer science whatsoever. So many of my female students were saying things like “I never
knew coding could be this much fun” and “This was so easy and look what I made!” By
engaging students in computing at a young age, especially girls, their eyes can be opened up to a
world they never knew existed. Coding is not only good for learning in the classroom but for our
society and the direction we are moving as a culture.
References

Google CS First ignites interest in computer science. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.iste.org/explore/articleDetail?articleid=389

C. (n.d.). Support K-12 Computer Science Education in South Carolina. Retrieved from
https://code.org/advocacy/state-facts/SC.pdf.