Why do we teach design thinking and ethics alongside coding?

Teaching design ethics and design thinking alongside coding education lays the foundation for a holistic and responsible approach to technology. 

It empowers children to become critical thinkers, creative problem solvers, and socially responsible individuals who understand the broader implications of their coding projects.

Teaching design ethics and design thinking alongside coding education at Hubert Ogunde Memorial School is valuable for several reasons:

1. Developing Critical Thinking: Introducing design ethics and design thinking at an early age encourages children to think critically about the impact of their coding projects. They learn to consider the ethical implications of their decisions and think beyond mere technical functionality.
2. Fostering Empathy: Design thinking emphasizes understanding users’ needs and experiences. By incorporating this approach, children learn to empathize with others and consider diverse perspectives. This helps them develop a sense of empathy and inclusivity, making their coding projects more user-friendly and accessible.
3. Encouraging Responsible Technology Use: Teaching design ethics to young learners instil the importance of responsible technology use. They understand that technology can affect individuals, communities, and the environment. By incorporating ethical considerations into their coding projects, children learn to be mindful of potential harms and work towards creating positive impacts.
4. Nurturing Creativity: Design thinking encourages students to think creatively and explore innovative solutions. By integrating design thinking with coding, children can think beyond technical limitations and develop imaginative and user-centred projects. They learn to approach problems with creativity and come up with unique solutions.
5. Building Collaboration Skills: Design thinking emphasizes collaboration and teamwork. By introducing design thinking alongside coding, children learn to work together, share ideas, and communicate effectively. These collaborative skills are essential not only in coding projects but also in various aspects of their lives.
6. Developing Future-Ready Skills: As technology continues to advance, the demand for professionals who possess a combination of technical and design thinking skills is growing. By teaching design ethics and design thinking alongside coding, children develop a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for future careers in technology, where considering ethical implications and user-centred design are highly valued.
7. Cultivating Ethical Decision-Making: Introducing design ethics at an early age helps children understand the ethical dimensions of their coding projects. They learn to make informed decisions, consider the potential consequences of their choices, and understand the importance of upholding ethical values. These skills contribute to their development as responsible and ethical individuals.

Teaching design ethics and design thinking alongside technology use equips students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mindset to create technology that is not only innovative and functional but also ethical, user-centred, and socially responsible.

While there is no one way to teach (design) ethics and design (thinking), it is crucial to them for technological development.