Why Kids Should Learn Computer Programming
The childhoods of today's children are notably different from those of earlier generations.
Naturally, children of the 21st century are nurtured by supportive parents and family members and are also vulnerable to the affects of complicated socio-economic and cultural aspects of their day, just like Baby Boomers or other generations before them.
However, the influence on children today's social and cognitive development as well as learning preferences has been nearly quantum.
Yes, technology, as you would have suspected.
Today's children, who were born in the internet and hyperconnectivity era, are digital natives with an amazing capacity to learn new technologies quickly and fluently.
Parents may find some of this unsettling, but it's important for everyone to realize that technology is here to stay and that it also has a lot of benefits.
One may also contend that learning how to code is the best approach to gain an advantage in the world of the future because it will be crucial to comprehend the language of technology.
There are several benefits to teaching children computer programming, in addition to the obvious one of equipping them with skills they can use in the future.
In this essay, I'll go through a number of key justifications for why teaching computer programming is now imperative, as well as offer some tips on how to get your kids started.
Top Reasons Your Kids Should Learn Computer Programming
Giving your children the opportunity to learn about coding can be quite rewarding for them. There are many well-argumented benefits we may address, from cognitive development and priceless skill training to creative expression and wise investment in the future.
Just a quick rundown of a few of the most crucial:
* Positive influence on cognitive development
Early in the 1980s, researchers discovered a link between studying computer programming and cognitive growth. One of the pioneers in the field of children's coding and cognitive development was MIT mathematician Seymour Papert, one of the creators of the programming language LOGO.
Children who participate in high-quality computer programming education, in Papert's view, engage in "Piagetian learning," often known as "learning without being taught." He suggested that computer programming creates a setting where previously abstract concepts that were too difficult for children to understand can become more clear and tangible. In addition, learning to code teaches children how to think rather than what to think.
Kids who are learning to code rapidly grasp that it is best to divide an issue down into smaller components in order to solve it. Computational thinking is a strategy that works well for solving any other kind of issue in the real world.
Although Papert's results were contested at the time (primarily due to the small size of the research sample), more recent research has demonstrated that coding can positively influence children's cognitive growth, particularly when it comes to metacognitive skills, operational competence, self-awareness, and even divergent thinking.
* STEM occupations are the present and the future of the U.S. job
market
Kids who learn computer programming gain abilities that are immediately useful on the job market and can be applied across a variety of industries because we live in a time of constant digital revolution.
The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics' study on STEM jobs indicates that the future is incredibly bright for developers, programmers, software engineers, and computer scientists.
Over half a million new jobs in the field of computers are anticipated to be created between 2014 and 2024, a 12.5% increase in employment. The financial side is also positive: 93% of STEM jobs pay more than the average income. This implies that your children will enjoy fantastic job opportunities and a stable financial future.
* Coding is a Liberal Art
Just like learning French or playing the guitar, writing code can be mentally exciting. The improvement of critical and creative thinking abilities is the key area of overlap between coding and liberal arts. Kids who learn computer programming are challenged to come up with their own solutions rather than depending on memorization of definitions or formulas as soon as they master the syntax and understand how sequences function.
For two key reasons, it is essential to have a well-rounded and age-appropriate computer programming education. First, children will gradually acquire new knowledge that will be extensive and comprehensive, giving them a firm foundation for using their own ideas and experimenting. Second, students will have the chance to develop their critical thinking, which will be a useful ability in the actual world, and maximize their potential. If they are sincere about learning computer programming, they will get the chance to create their own theories and test them against the facts, look for solutions on their own using logic and reasoning, and take pleasure in coding as a fun activity that empowers them to make decisions for themselves.
In addition to the advantages already listed, learning to code has a lesser-known psychological advantage. Specifically, after learning the fundamentals, children will experiment with other things and become accustomed to failing. They will acquire confidence and perseverance in the future if they adopt a positive attitude toward failure and see it as an essential component of learning.
After discussing some of the key advantages of teaching your children computer programming, let's move on to the best techniques to assist them in getting started.
1. Start with Visual Block Coding,
Then Move to Text
You recall how you first learned to ride a tricycle or utilized training wheels before transitioning to a bicycle? When it comes to coding, a similar educational methodology is employed.
Children must first comprehend how programs are created before they can write any actual code. Visual programming can help with it.
Visual block programming is based on the drag-and-drop method, as seen in the image above, where blocks are used to build code. It creates a first step that is ideal for the youngest children and enables users to easily create even complex games by just connecting the blocks. Programming elements like actions and events are arranged in a precise order so that youngsters can see right away how their selected performs in practice.
Visual interfaces make it possible for children to grasp the logic behind coding and comprehend what loops, methods, variables, and other key concepts are in order to learn computer programming the right way. For instance, the blocks in Scratch are shaped like sideways "U" letters, making it simple for children to identify and remember what repeat loops are. Kids may view the code that powers each visual block on the side panel of Blockly, a programming language that functions more like a visual editor.
In our personal experience, children quickly outgrow visual programming languages and transition to manually entering the programs.
2. Find Projects That are of Interest
to Your Child
Supporting your children's natural curiosity and allowing them to freely select their primary interests are the greatest ways to encourage them to learn computer programming. They will comprehend the numerous possibilities of coding as a way to produce entertaining end products after they become aware of the "machinery behind the scenes" of today's popular games and apps. Since there is an undeniable use for their programming skills in the real world, this will spark their creativity and motivate them to learn.
Learning Java is the best option if your children want to code for Minecraft. Helper files and the Eclipse text editor are two tools we use at belmans4kids to bridge the learning gap between coding and creativity. Thanks to the excellent curriculum and the skilled software engineers, instructors, and designers at the students' disposal, kids can easily learn how to make Minecraft mods. Java is a fantastic programming language to start with because so many other programming languages share its fundamental ideas.
JavaScript is the top language for 2D programming, whether it's for apps, games, or websites, so if your child is passionate about specializing in app development, we advise them to start there. Another kid-friendly language that's quite simple to learn is Python. It's utilized for game development in addition to running popular services like Spotify, Instagram, and YouTube. If your child is interested in robotic kits, we advise ones built using scripting languages like Arduino.
As you can see, the options are numerous. Your child will find it simple to switch their primary area of study in the future after they have mastered the foundations of computational thinking.
3. Seek out Online or Local Courses in
Academies
A ton of brand-new, fantastic learning resources are appearing as coding for kids continues to gain popularity. Kids can choose from a wide variety of online courses thanks to the internet. Although physical books and manuals are obviously helpful as well, their lack of engagement may turn your youngster off or give them the incorrect impression that coding is something hideously boring.
By selecting the appropriate study tools, you can influence whether or not your children decide that learning computer programming is not something that is worth their time.
4. Find summer tech camps
Summer tech camps are an amazing way to mix fun, socializing, and learning. They enable your kids to learn computer programming while also enjoying outdoor fun. They often contain a lot of hands-on activities and encourage youngsters to participate in diverse problem solving tasks, such as debugging, user testing, and prototyping.
Besides the actual technical skills, computer programming summer camps nurture project collaboration and teamwork, which helps your child to develop communication and social skills. One of the most prestigious camps is definitely iD Tech, held on various campus locations such as Stanford and MIT. The downside? It is very pricey.
For those who can stand the heat of the Southwest United States, CodaKid also offers summer tech camps. You may be confident that since we specialize in working with children aged 6 to 15, real professionals will be by their side to assist them in learning computer programming. In fact, ActivityHero has awarded us a perfect 5 star rating as evidence.
5. Find a mentor
If you have the budget for it, you can easily find a private tutor who will teach your kid the basics of coding, one-on-one. Studies have shown there are benefits of this specific type of tutoring, especially because of the thorough feedbacks and on-going corrective procedures.
It is best to ask for recommendations if you want your child to learn computer programming in this manner. However, keep in mind there is always a risk you’ll pay too much and not get the expected value for your money. Ensure that the potential tutor has credible references and a proven history of great teaching methods, suitable for your child’s age.
Additionally, many young developers are actually willing to mentor your child for free as volunteers, partly out of altruism and partly to expand their teaching expertise. Developers frequently pledge to do this as part of the ethos of "bringing it back to the community," which is laudable and noble. This kind of knowledge dissemination promotes technological advancement while being humanitarian. No matter who you select as your child's mentor, be sure that each session has a clear agenda, a lesson plan, and a set schedule for the future.
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