Coding in ECEC-Centres

  • Coding in ECEC-Centres

    Coding means giving commands to a robot or computer by entering codes. Coding is used to create robots, webpages, and programmes or apps. Codes consist of symbols and characters that stand for certain commands. The nature of the codes can vary and codes can be entered in different ways ranging from simply typing keys to control a robot to using complex coding languages.

    To introduce children to the basics of coding, you don't have to work on a computer, tablet or robot. For example, you can start small with tricky logic games or room-based motion games. I recommend games that focus on creative and collaborative solutions to cognitive problems. By acting together, these games also promote social learning, problem-solving and communication skills.

    Children usually recognise computers only as devices for watching videos or playing digital games. These devices are primarily used for information retrieval or entertainment. The content is only consumed, not actively produced.

    Coding means becoming a creative and active designer of media products.

    Those who can programme can implement their own ideas and create something new. In everyday life, too, at least the basic knowledge of coding is becoming increasingly important. With basic knowledge of coding, the chances in the job market increase and it is also possible to move more self-determined through our (media) world and design it consciously.

    Moreover, learning the basic principles of coding promotes planning competence, logical thinking and stimulates children to discuss sequences and order of principles. With the help of playful coding, children can learn to solve problems creatively and successfully. This can be achieved in ECEC centres with the help of various exercises and games or simple apps such as ScratchJr. Gradually, children acquire knowledge about the functioning of a computer and develop IT skills. They learn, for example, that computers only execute commands that are given to them by means of codes and are thus controlled by humans.


    Comprehension Questions

    1. What do codes consist of?

    2. What do codes enable us to do?