Teachers can code too

Ms Nomusa Keninda, Code facilitator, said “Coding is a basic computer science course and teachers can teach the children. It will motivate learners to take science, mathematics and technology subjects. With coding, teachers can draw on the strength of every learner in the classroom. Teachers will be able to discover hidden skills and talents from learners such as problem solving, research or collaboration.”

Coding is a method of writing computer programs which everybody can learn irrespective of age, gender or economic status. Everybody can code, eMalahleni teachers used their first day of school holidays to learn to code.

From Monday, April 3, local teachers were in a workshop to learn coding at MST Academy Training Centre, eMalahleni.

“We didn’t expect such a number of teachers because of school holidays. We were humbled by the interest showed by these teachers,” said Ms Keninda.

“It is a very interesting course, I love coding,” said Ms Gqamile Sukazi, a teacher from Kopanang Secondary School who first reached level 14 within the allocated hour of Code.

Last year 30 girls from Sibukosethu Primary Schools participated in the Global online event of the ‘Hour of Code’ and really did their best.

Mrs Megan Rademeyer, from SchoolnetSA shared online resources with teachers during the workshop.

“Teachers who use ICTs in the classroom have lots of benefits,” she said. “They can become Microsoft Innovator Expert Educators and travel around the globe showcasing their ICT integration skills with other teachers. With this training, we expect teachers to establish Coding Clubs. These clubs will then participate in the Global Online Event from December Friday, December 1 till 7 this year,” explained Ms Rademeyer.

According to Ms Keninda more workshops will be held in different schools around eMalahleni, to take the children on board.

Ms Keninda, is the e-Learning Specialist for the Mpumalanga Department of Education in Nkangala District and a founder of Mpumalanga ICT Club.