Coding class recently has become a cycle class for the 8th grade IMS class of 2024-25. Ran by Mr. Reed, the majority of this class uses the provided Chromebooks to teach students how to code.
In January, a month-long system was implemented in which students could not use their Chromebooks for in-school work. This system was named No Tech January. It affected many classes, students, and teachers. But arguably, the most affected class was the Coding class.
Reed said that when it came time to switch to having no Chromebooks, the class was a little confusing initially, and his students didn’t know what they were doing.
He also liked how students weren’t invested in the Chromebooks all the time.
“To me as a computer and coding teacher, it was… I don’t want to say easier, but… kind of more on what I want to teach. If we were able to get back to the coding, not as easy coding without a computer. So I did enjoy being back with the computers, as someone who uses a computer and does a lot with technology,” Reed said.
His work had to change to adapt. Some examples of work given were 3D Images of students’ names, writing lines of code with paper, and card games.
Reed discussed his thoughts about potential future Tech-Free days.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we have no tech days in quarter three in some way. I don’t know if it’ll be a whole month or not but I think there may be a day or so here and there. So I think we’re doing it in the second marking period, it will be a little bit easier to do it again for one or two or however many days that may happen,” Reed said.
Overall, Mr. Reed thought that No Tech January was a good experience for the school and his class. He was able to find a way to make his work fun, his class engaged, and make them learn.
