Unplugged coding is not a game, it is a learning activity. Unplugged coding helps children develop skills such as problem solving, thinking, and creating algorithms by using their imagination. This way, children can learn while playing. However, unplugged coding activities can be made to be like games and can be enjoyed by children.
Unplugged coding reduces children's screen addiction. Because unplugged coding allows children to use their imagination and learn while playing. This way, children can spend less time on screens and more time playing while also learning new things.
Unplugged coding can have a positive effect on children's attention span. Because during unplugged coding activities, children focus on designing and creating their own projects, they can concentrate for longer periods of time. Also, the structure of unplugged coding activities can make them engaging and fun, which can also lead to an increase in attention span.
Unplugged coding is an activity that can be done by children as early as the pre-school period. However, there is no definite rule as to when children should start unplugged coding. Depending on their learning needs and interests, children may start unplugged coding at an earlier or later age.
There is theoretically no limitation in unplugged coding activities. Children can create whatever they want using their imagination and push boundaries. However, since unplugged coding activities are usually designed for children in the pre-school and primary school age, it is important that the activities are at a level that children can understand. Additionally, ensuring the safety and providing a safe environment for the child while doing unplugged coding activities is also important.
There is no definite statistical value to determine which is more successful between computer-based coding and unplugged coding. There are many studies on this topic, but the results vary and both types of coding have their own advantages. Therefore, a definite value cannot be given to determine which is more successful.
However, many studies have shown that children have a more meaningful learning process and learn more when they are doing unplugged coding. For example, a study has shown that children acquire more problem-solving skills while doing unplugged coding (Papert, 1980). Therefore, unplugged coding may be a method that can contribute more to children's learning process.
The use of wooden blocks in unplugged coding allows the child to interact physically more and this improves the child's hand-eye coordination. Additionally, using wooden blocks increases the child's tactile experiences, making it easier to capture and focus the child's attention. The use of wooden blocks also improves the child's creative thinking skills and increases the child's problem-solving abilities.
Unplugged coding allows children to learn coding concepts through physical activities. For example, children can program a robot by placing blocks in a certain way. Robotics coding, on the other hand, allows children to program a robot on a computer or digital platform. The main difference between unplugged coding and robotics coding is how children learn coding skills. Unplugged coding provides a more physical learning environment, which can help children better understand coding. Robotics coding, on the other hand, provides a more digital learning environment and helps children understand how computers work.