Teacher Feature: Paige Daniels
High Point Christian Academy, High Point, North Carolina
Tell us about yourself
I majored in Computer Science back in college and worked in technical support for 20 years at a software company. Life changes happened in my family which took us to High Point. The school wanted to start offering a computer programming class and asked me to teach. I have never taught until this year! Using CodeHS has been so helpful since I am new to teaching. It’s a wonderful site and the kids love the class!
Tell us about students
I have 19 students ranging from 10th to 12th graders. They are honors students who are excited to learn and have interest in computer science. They are so much fun!
What do you and your students like about CodeHS?
I couldn’t have taught this class without CodeHS! The videos and exercises are so helpful and really facilitate the class. The students enjoy the hands on exercises and being able to see their progress.
Tell us your biggest story related to using CodeHS in your class…
I feel each day is a success story! These students are learning how to code, which will only help them in their future. I have a couple of seniors who are interested in majoring in computer science in college!
What is the most creative way you have used CodeHS?
The most creative way we have used CodeHS is allowing the students to write original Sandbox programs which they demo to the class.
What does a typical day in your classroom look like?
Typically, I introduce the concept we are going to learn that day on the white board adding additional information I feel might help them learn the concept. Then, we watch the CodeHS video together and then they work on the exercises.
What stategies have you utilized to help students overcome challenges while learning to code?
Repetition! I have noticed that often the students just need more practice to master a concept. Typically, I create new exercises for them to code in the sandbox and then each student will show their sandbox program to the class. They really enjoy learning from watching how other students write and master their code.
What’s the funniest thing that’s happened in your CodeHS class?
We like having a mascot for each language they are learning. So, we have a dog stuffed animal that looks just like Karel and we have ordered a Jaba the Hut for the JavaScript unit!
