Keyboarding and STEM enrichment teacher | Grand Lake, LA | Grand Lake Elementary | Grades: K-6
Tell us a little bit about your background, how you became a teacher and specifically a teacher in Computer Science?
I have been a teacher for 17 years. Many of my family members were teachers so I feel it is in my blood. I have always loved children and seeing them learn and grow. I started out in second grade and have been teaching keyboarding and stem enrichment for the past 2 years. I am continuously learning and trying new things to keep their interest.
How do you utilize CodeMonkey courses and platforms with your students, and why do you think it is a good educational tool for kids?
I use CodeMonkey alongside keyboarding during enrichment time. They are with me for 45 minutes. Computer Science is a growing industry for our future so I’m thankful students have the opportunity to learn about it and become interested in it at a young age. I teach students in kindergarten to sixth grade. When they move on to seventh grade and higher they have the opportunity to do robotics and more complex STEM activities.
Could you share a funny or interesting short story that happened in class with your students, which you think is relevant to mention?
Several of my kindergarten students were so scared to try CodeMonkey Jr. and Beaver Achiever due to it being something new. They didn’t like to be wrong and were just introduced to computers this year. Some were not quite ready for the program so I waited a few months. Now, they are feeling successful and more confident and loving the program. Many are now excited to get on the program.
Complete the sentence: It’s important to me that my students…
It’s important to me that my students continue to challenge themselves. I want them to learn and grow and push themselves to do things that they aren’t used to doing. This program helps them to do that as it continues to get harder with each challenge. I love seeing “the lightbulb” turn on when they pass a level that isn’t easy for them.
What is one piece of advice you have for teachers who are just now introducing educational technology into their classrooms and are looking to engage their students?
I suggest starting them in kindergarten, but not forcing it on them if they feel defeated. Have a backup plan for those that aren’t quite ready, but allow those who are ready to begin the program. Some students come in with no computer experience. I also allow students of grades 2-6 a choice to go to any CodeMonkey program they want. I do this so that they can build their confidence and do the ones that interest them. Mid-year, I take out the CodeMonkey Jr. option for students in the older grades and push them to do the more difficult lessons.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
This is my first year using CodeMonkey. I still have a lot to learn, but love how it progresses. I enjoy seeing them learn as they go and become more confident over time.
