Two Worlds Collide: Integrating Coding into Composition 

Outline

Workshop Outline

Introduction and Objectives (5 minutes)

Content-

Welcome and introduction to the workshop’s objectives.

Explanation of how integrating coding into composition aligns with ISTE Standards for Educators and principles of Transformative Learning, particularly “Spark Curiosity” and “Prioritize Authentic Experiences.”

Engagement-

Icebreaker: Ask participants to share their experiences with coding or digital tools in the classroom. This will be done using the Wooclap resource. Attendees will need a device and/or smart phone to participate. This will encourage sharing and set a collaborative tone.

Why Integrate Coding into Composition? Theoretical and Practical Insights (15 minutes)

Content-

Overview of how coding can enhance critical thinking, creativity, and literacy through interactive storytelling.

Provide real-world examples of how integrating coding into composition has impacted student learning outcomes.

Emphasize the real-world applicability of coding skills for future careers and digital literacy.

Engagement-

Quick Write: Have participants briefly jot down three careers that coding can impact.

Hands-On Activity: Coding a Simple Interactive Story (25 minutes)

Content-

Brief demonstration on how to start a basic interactive story using Scratch.

Show how coding functions are used to build narrative choices and outcomes.

Break down coding principles like loops, conditionals, and event triggers that are easily applicable to writing and composition tasks.

Visual Demonstration: Walk through a sample digital story project using one of the platforms (e.g., a Scratch story where students make choices that affect the plot).

Engagement-

Guided Activity: Participants will access their devices and follow along as they create a basic interactive story using Scratch. They will write a short narrative with at least one user choice.

Peer Sharing: Participants will share their progress or any coding elements they find interesting/challenging with a partner or small group.

Collaborative Exploration: Adapting Coding for Different Writing Lessons (10 minutes)

Content-

Discuss strategies for adapting coding projects to various writing lessons (e.g., narrative essays, poetry, persuasive writing).

Connect these adaptations to the ISTE standard Learner

Engagement-

Group Discussion: In small groups, educators brainstorm how they might integrate coding into one of their upcoming writing lessons (e.g., a persuasive essay with interactive elements).

Share Out: Ask each group to share one idea they discussed for integrating coding into their composition curriculum on a shared Padlet.

Closing and Next Steps (5 minutes)

Content-

Summarize key points from the workshop.

Provide resources for continued exploration (e.g., links to Scratch, Book Creator, Canva and sample lesson plans).

Encourage educators to join professional learning communities focused on coding and composition.

Engagement-

Feedback Form: Distribute a quick digital feedback form (via Microsoft Forms or similar) to gather input on the workshop.

Supporting research

ISTE Blog on hot topics:
https://iste.org/blog/edtechs-hottest-topics-for-2023

"Planning Digital Literacy Curriculum":
https://www.learning.com/blog/planning-digital-literacy-curriculum/

"Information Technology Coding Skills and Their Importance":
https://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/information-technology/resources/information-technology-coding-skills-and-their-importance

"How Coding Can Improve Your Child's Writing Abilities":
https://www.tynker.com/blog/programming-storytelling

Scratch in Practice:
https://sip.scratch.mit.edu/guides/animation/