Coding in Bhutanese Education

Importance of coding in Bhutanese education

 The introduction of computer science education in Bhutan has been a resounding success, with significant benefits for the country’s students. Former education Minister Jai Bir Rai recognized the importance of developing critical and creative thinking skills through computer science education. CodeMonkey’s coding courses have enabled students to acquire the skills necessary for some of the most in-demand jobs today. Beyond just coding skills, teachers were seeing that learning to code has positively impacted Bhutanese students’ problem-solving and critical thinking abilities, as well as their creativity. Coding fosters creativity, problem solving, and collaboration, as they work innovatively with their peers.

Coding is crucial for 

• Bhutan's development
• driving economic diversification
•  job creation, and innovation. 
• It enhances education by improving digital literacy and problem-solving skills.
• Coding also supports government initiatives through e-governance and digital infrastructure. Additionally, it empowers entrepreneurs, fosters local solutions, and integrates Bhutan into the global digital economy. Emphasizing coding skills positions Bhutan to thrive in the digital age.
  
  
  

Coding and Bhutan’s vision for future

Bhutan adopted the vision of becoming a knowledge-based society. To achieve this, the education system plays a pivotal role in addressing the needs of a rapidly changing world driven by a dramatic technological revolution. To lay the foundation and create an enabling environment for future ICT initiatives in education — and as recommended by the 2012 eGov Masterplan — the Ministry of Education adopted a five-year comprehensive master-planning process, through the development of the first iSherig (Education ICT Master Plan) in 2013, with the support of Ministry of Information and Communications, International Development Agency and Temasek Foundation, Singapore and the Swiss Development Corporation.

Coding across the Bhutanese curriculum

With funding from the government's ICT in Education Flagship project, the ICT curriculum, as a compulsory subject for classes PP to XII was introduced in 2021. Computer laboratories were established in schools with additional computers and strengthened internet connectivity. In addition to this, His Majesty the King granted CodeMonkey, a game-based coding platform as a Royal Soelra to enhance coding skills among Bhutaned children. These initiatives for the new ICT curriculum are expected to address some of the critical requirements for youth in the digital era by focusing on ICT knowledge, skills and competencies essential for them to function in the knowledge society.

 Empowering future citizens and coders

Coding education empowers future citizens to navigate an increasingly digital world with confidence and competence. By providing students with the opportunity to learn coding, we open doors to diverse career pathways in technology and beyond. Moreover, coding education fosters a growth mindset, resilience, and adaptability, essential qualities for success in any field.

 Cultivating coding culture in Bhutanese schools and fostering inclusivity and diversity in coding education.

Creating a coding culture in Bhutanese schools means making coding education accessible to all, regardless of background or gender. This includes embracing online training, which offers flexibility and reaches students in remote areas. By fostering inclusivity and diversity in coding education, we tap into varied perspectives and talents, driving innovation.

Through initiatives like the ICT Curriculum, Bhutan Facebook Group, educators collaborate, share resources, and support each other, both in physical classrooms and online. This collaborative effort ensures that every student has the opportunity to develop essential digital skills, contributing to Bhutan's technological advancement.

References

https://kuenselonline.com/schools-gear-up-to-implement-coding-curriculum/#:~:text=His%20Majesty%20The%20King%20gifted,from%20classes%20PP%20to%20VIII.

https://drukjournal.bt/ict-in-bhutanese-education/

https://sites.google.com/moe.gov.bt/thinley/home