Coding in Bhutanese Education

 

Coding in Bhutanese education

In the digital age, integrating technology into education is essential to prepare students for the future. Across various schools in Bhutan, educators are successfully integrating technology with aesthetics, providing students with valuable ICT skills while nurturing their creative talents. By fostering a coding culture, Bhutan aims to empower its students, ensuring they are proficient in digital literacy and prepared for the technological advancements in future. This short post will explores the importance of coding, Bhutan’s vision for the future, the integration of coding culture that fosters creativity and diversity.

Importance of coding in education

Coding is more than just learning a programming language, it is about developing problem-solving skills (Coding fosters critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, essential for navigating complex challenges), logical thinking, and creativity (Through coding, students unleash their creativity by building and designing digital solutions). As students engage in coding activities, they learn to break down complex problems into manageable parts, fostering a mind-set that is essential for success in various fields. Coding education also enhances collaboration and communication skills, as students often work in teams to solve coding challenges. 

Posts shared in the ICT Curriculum group underscore the transformative impact of coding activities on students' cognitive development and problem-solving prowess.

Kinley Gyeltshen from Zangkhar Primary School has been guiding students in using MS Paint to create stunning artworks. The students have produced a range of contemporary art pieces, showcasing their creativity and the effective use of simple digital tools. The process of creating these artworks has been as impressive as the final products, highlighting the potential of technology in enhancing artistic expression.

 

Figure 1

Coding and Bhutan’s Vision for the Future

Bhutan's vision for the future includes a strong emphasis on developing ICT integrated education system and technological advancement. By integrating coding into the curriculum, Bhutan is preparing its youth to contribute to this vision. Coding skills are crucial for developing innovative solutions that address local and global challenges, from environmental conservation to economic development.

Conducting various collaborative learning and training sessions for ICT teachers in Bhutan, utilizing creative methods to engage students, and fostering knowledge-sharing among educators via the Facebook platform, are all initiatives aimed at fulfilling its vision. 

 

Figure 2: Tashi Yangtse Dzongkhag, successfully conducted a transformation two-day training workshop on educational digital tools tranining workshop on educational digital tools at Ramjar Middle Secondary School on May 24-25, 2024. objective: enhance digital literacy, improve teaching methodologies, and boost student engagement through technology integration.

Coding Across the Bhutanese Curriculum

Coding has been introduced across various levels of the Bhutanese education system, from primary schools to higher secondary levels.

·        Primary Education: Introduction to coding concepts through interactive and playful activities to instill computational thinking from an early age.

·        Secondary Education: Progression to more advanced programming languages and projects, emphasizing hands-on application and real-world problem-solving.

Schools like Autsho Central School and Wangduechhoeling LSS have started integrating coding into their curricula, using tools like Arduino and Scratch to make learning interactive and engaging. This approach not only makes coding accessible but also ensures that students from different backgrounds can participate and benefit from these educational opportunities.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/106MrnV3MkJDAaUsL-UvUVlurD7hm2SPx/view?usp=sharing

Empowering Future Citizens and Coders

Empowering students with coding skills transforms them into creators rather than consumers of technology. Programs like the coding club at Wangduechhoeling LSS and the interdisciplinary activities at Mindruling Primary School exemplify how coding education can inspire students to explore and innovate. By learning to code, students gain the confidence to tackle complex problems, a trait that will be invaluable as they grow into responsible and capable citizens. With coding education, students can develop skills such as:

Confidence Building: Successful completion of coding projects instils confidence and fosters a growth mind-set among students.

Entrepreneurial Ventures: Equipping students with coding skills nurtures entrepreneurial spirit, enabling them to innovate and create technology-driven solutions.

Cultivating Coding Culture in Bhutanese Schools

Cultivating a coding culture involves creating an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their background or gender, have the opportunity to learn and excel in coding. Initiatives like those at Lauri Autonomous Primary School and Zangkhar PS demonstrate how coding can be made accessible and enjoyable for young learners. Encouraging group activities and collaborative projects in schools helps foster a sense of community and shared learning among students.                                                         

Figure 3:  Lauri Autonomous Primary School  Figure 4:Learning to type through typing                                       Club. School: Ugyentse Primary School

Fostering Inclusivity and Diversity in Coding Education

Promoting diversity in coding education is essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop their skills. By addressing barriers to participation, such as lack of resources or preconceived notions about who can be a coder, Bhutanese schools are making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable education system. This is evident in the diverse range of activities and projects showcased by schools across Bhutan, from MS Paint artwork to Arduino coding.

Conclusion

Promoting diversity in coding education is essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to develop their skills. By addressing barriers to participation, such as lack of resources or preconceived notions about who can be a coder, Bhutanese schools are making strides towards a more inclusive and equitable education system. This is evident in the diverse range of activities and projects showcased by schools across Bhutan, from MS Paint artwork to Arduino coding.

Reference

ICT Curriculum, Bhutan | Facebook Group

For more detailed information and updates, please visit the ICT Curriculum Facebook Group and engage with the community.

Holding onto Memories

 

Title: Holding onto Memories: Why they’re Important and How to Treasure Them While We Can

In the journey of life, memories are the precious gems we collect along the way. They're not just fleeting moments; they're the emotions, experiences, and lessons that shape who we are. Yet, time slips through our fingers like sand in an hourglass, reminding us of the urgency to cherish and preserve our memories. This video explores the profound significance of memories and offers insights into how we can safeguard them for the future.

Memories serve as snapshots of our lives, freezing moments in time that hold significance and meaning. Like pieces of a puzzle, they contribute to the shapes of our identity. From the first tentative steps we took as children to the milestones we achieved in adulthood, memories weave together the narrative of our journey. They take us to our past, providing a sense of continuity and belonging even in the face of hardship.

Moreover, as we journey through life, memories grow in value, becoming precious treasures that enrich our existence. They offer comfort in times of sorrow, joy in moments of celebration, and wisdom in times of uncertainty. Furthermore, memories are not confined to the past; they infuse the present with depth and meaning. Reflecting on happy moments reminds us to enjoy the present and cherish the relationships and experiences that enrich our lives.

Despite their profound significance, memories are fragile constructs, vulnerable to the erosive effects of time. Like delicate flowers, they wither and fade if not nurtured and preserved. According to the book written by (Genova, 2021), anything you perceive evaporates in about 15 to 30 seconds unless you get that information to the hippocampus – a deep brain structure that knits neural activity into long-term memory. Hence, it is imperative to safeguard our memories while we still have the chance.

Furthermore, memories have the remarkable ability to transcend generations, serving as enduring bridges between the past, present, and future. Sharing stories and reminiscing about cherished memories with family and friends not only strengthens bonds but also ensures that our legacy continues beyond our lifetime. For example, think about when grandparents share their stories with their grandkids. In those special times, the family's past comes alive as they talk about what life was like when they were young. These stories give the grandkids a glimpse into the challenges and successes of their ancestors. Through these talks, the grandkids learn more about where they come from and feel closer to their grandparents, connecting past and present in a meaningful way.

As technology progresses, we have new ways to save and share our memories. Social media platforms let us capture our lives as they happen, making digital records of our experiences. Just like Adeline Hill sang in her song 'Moments to Memories,' where she talks about how time seems to be speeding up, and we need to try our best to hold onto and remember these moments. However, even with the convenience of digital storage, it's important not to forget the value of physical mementos. Printed photos, handwritten letters, and keepsakes have a special touch that digital files can't match. They bring a sense of nostalgia and a strong connection to the past.

Furthermore, the act of creating new memories is equally important as preserving existing ones. Engaging in meaningful experiences, exploring new places, and forging deep connections with others all contribute to the richness of our memory bank. By living mindfully and embracing each moment with intentionality, we ensure that our lives are filled with memories worth cherishing.

In conclusion, memories serve as the threads that weave the fabric of our lives, injecting it with richness, meaning, and depth. As we navigate the passage of time, let us cherish and safeguard our memories, for they are the legacy we leave behind for future generations. In a world where moments are fleeting and time is finite, let us embrace the beauty of memories and hold them close to our hearts, for they are the true treasures of life.