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.