Coders in the school of the future

Publication date: August 3, 2023

Students reflect on the ‘Coding ergo sum‘ educational project.

In this exclusive interview, the students of Silla Primary School at the Comprehensive Institute La Giustiniana in Rome share their captivating journey through the “Coding ergo sum” project. Discover how this innovative program centered around coding activities has sparked their passion for technology, nurtured their creativity, and equipped them with invaluable skills for the future. Get inspired by their enthusiasm as they delve into the world of computer programming, interact with robots, and collaborate as a team to solve real-world challenges. Join us as we unveil the extraordinary outcomes of this remarkable project and glimpse into the promising future of these young coders in the School of Tomorrow. 

We are with the fourth-grade students of Silla Primary School at the Comprehensive Institute La Giustiniana in Rome to talk about their incredible journey through the “Coding ergo sum” project.  

Stefania: Can you tell us a bit about your experience? 

Viola: Absolutely! The “Coding ergo sum” project was an amazing opportunity for us to explore the world of coding and computer programming. It was more than just a regular school project; it was an adventure that allowed us to learn and have fun at the same time. 

Stefania: That sounds exciting! Can you share some specific activities you engaged in during the project? 

Margherita: Of course! We had the chance to work with different robots like Bee-Bot, Super-Doc, and Mind. These robots became characters in various scenarios, and we had to program them to complete specific tasks. It was like bringing our imagination to life through coding. 

Francesco: We also used Sphero Bolt and Sphero Indi robots, which we programmed using a special app. It was really cool because we could see the robots responding to our commands in real-time. We captured different events and analyzed them to understand cause and effect, which helped us learn more about programming. 

Stefania: It’s like an interactive and engaging way to learn. How did the project help you develop important skills? 

Davide: Well, the project taught us how to think logically and solve problems step by step. We learned that coding isn’t just about typing lines of code; it’s about understanding the process and breaking down big problems into smaller, manageable parts. 

Stefania: That’s an essential skill indeed. How did you find working with your peers and collaborating on coding tasks? 

Beatrice: It was fantastic! We got to work in teams and share our ideas. Sometimes, we had different approaches to solving a problem, but that’s where the teamwork really helped. We discussed and combined our ideas to come up with the best solutions. 

Stefania: That’s great to hear! It seems like the project not only taught you coding but also teamwork and communication skills. And what about the robots? How did you feel about programming them? 

Liam: It was like having our own little digital companions! We felt a sense of accomplishment every time we successfully programmed a robot to do something. It made us feel like we had control over technology, and that was empowering. 

Stefania: Empowering, indeed! And what did you think about the ceremony where your families were involved? 

Edoardo: It was heartwarming to have our families celebrate our achievements with us. They were proud of what we had accomplished, and their support throughout the project was invaluable. It showed us that learning is a collective effort involving not just us and our teachers but also our families. 

Tommaso: Absolutely, family support can make a significant difference. Finally, what are your thoughts on the future of coding and programming for you personally? 

Alessandro: I think coding is going to be an essential skill for our generation. It’s not just about becoming programmers, but it’s about understanding the language of technology and being able to use it creatively to solve problems in any field we choose to pursue. 

Stefania: Well said! Thank you all for sharing your experiences with us. “Coding ergo sum” sounds like an extraordinary project that has equipped you with valuable skills and knowledge for the future. Keep up the fantastic work done with your teachers Anna Teresa and Rita, and we look forward to seeing more exciting projects like this in the School of Tomorrow! 

Interview by Stefania Altieri 

Stefania Altieri is an Italian teacher, Scientix Ambassador and moderator of Coding@schools eTwinning group. She loves ICT and digital education. She believes in the teacher role in training new generations for a better and responsible future.