Syntax Coding Should be Taught in Schools

I first learned about Trinket.io about 8 years ago. Dr. Bryson Payne presented to a group of educators via Zoom about his book “Teach Your Kids to Code.” Dr. Payne taught us some basics about coding in Turtle Python, and it was extremely exciting. I remember he taught us how to draw a “Georgia Spiral.” Dr. Payne teaches at the University of North Georgia. The Georgia Spiral looks like this. 

 

Fast forward to August 17th, 2023. I was able to upgrade my trinket.io account to the “connect” level for $6.00 a month. I have always been a fan of Turtle Python and this past spring taught 4th and 5th grade student from Ellicottville Elementary how to draw some simple shapes while using an iPad. 

 

There is a caveat when using any website with students in New York State. There is this law called “Ed Law 2D,” which requires every public school in New York State to have a signed agreement stating that if the website has a data breach, the website is financially liable and that the website will not collect and/or sell student information. My personal feeling on this law is mixed. Of course, privacy for students under 18 using the Internet is important. On the other hand, the state is making the spontaneity of the Internet a joyless educational journey. 

 

Trinket.io was the only website that was free of charge, did not require a login and worked on an iPad. It was not great, but it did work. 

I am working on my 2023 NYSCATE Conference presentation titled “Top 10 Ways to Help Transition from Block Coding to Syntax Coding.” One of the top 10 websites is trinket.io. I have this belief that by 5th grade students should start to transition away from purely block coding to some type of syntax type coding. Computational thinking can happen in both block and syntax type coding. 

 

Why should young students learn syntax coding? Syntax type coding requires a higher level of debugging and problem-solving. Also, coding literacy can happen with Syntax coding. Just like reading and writing is essential for literacy; reading and writing code is essential for coding literacy. 

 

Here is something I created. It is digital art and I find it pleasing. First the code. At the top of the page are the results of the code. I would love to hear what you think about my piece of digital art. I would also love to hear your ideas on how to get teachers to be more comfortable with teaching syntax type coding.