- Life skills are necessary for humans to survive and have a more functional daily life
- One part of the modern world which makes the life of humans easier is technology
- Computer programming or coding is basically a set of instructions that a computer follows to complete a task
- Coding means writing the step-by-step instructions that tell the computer what to do
In a time where technology is used daily, people who make and design these machines are the true innovators in society. One way to which is learning the art of coding.
The need to introduce coding for kids
Children are both the makers and the markers of society. As the 21st century progresses, it is high time that adults help kids develop a sense of future. Investing in early childhood helps the children learn how to communicate, and interact with the world, and develop a sense of personal and cultural identity. In this case, coding is a good opportunity to create something for the future.
Kids usually have a short attention span. This means that they get bored easily. To improve this, there is a need to introduce to the different activities that spark their interest. In relation to coding and machine making, kids are usually into games. By allowing them to play, and at the same time learn the basics of how the game or gadget was made possible through coding, the issue relating to kids’ attention span can be solved.
Similar to well-known jobs such as being a doctor, lawyer or a government official, a career in computer programming to create technology should be introduced at a young age. Coding and computer programming uses different mental skills such as mathematical and logical skills. Sciences are also involved especially when software is to be used in scientific research. In addition to the rapid development of technology, software development to design machines is a high paying career.
Coding to create technology is all around us! Almost every aspect of modern life relies on coding. Every application on our gadgets such as phone, tablet, or computer uses computer languages to run. At home, coding was used for our smart TVs and other appliances to function. New cars use coding in their computer box to control everything from air conditioning systems, radio, and power, to fuel injectors.
Outside our homes, coding is used by the government in their everyday function. This includes the management of traffic lights, public transportation such as trains, as well as government websites to accommodate the needs of the people. Basically, coding is everywhere.
Teaching kids the language
One of the concepts in teaching kids how to code is introducing them to different platforms and coding languages. Generally, all graphics sounds and controls are written in a coding text. Some coding languages include C++, Java, Python, Java script, and C#.
Nintendo is a good example of a consumer electronics and video game company that develops its system through computer programming.
At present, their most selling product is the Nintendo Switch. Some coding languages that are used by Nintendo are C++, Java, Python, Java script, and SQL. Some programs have been around for a long time which are only renewed periodically. Coding allows the innovation of old materials so that it also improves through time.
Styles and methods of coding
There are different styles of coding that would be easy for kids. These are visual block coding and text coding. Visual block coding is where graphical blocks are used to create a program without typing in words with specific formatting. This idea was developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to introduce coding for kids. Children can get programming fast by simply dragging and dropping puzzle blocks which would develop an interface to represent the complex concepts in programming.
Text coding on the other hand provides a more expansive option. This is because text coding is usually used by professionals which ultimately is a more advanced style. In contrast with visual blocks, kids using text coding have the option to go out of the box and think of other innovative instructions and programs.
Teaching kids coding
The first step to teach kids coding is through online applications and courses. There are also different video sources especially on YouTube that introduces the basics of building a machine through coding. There are tutorials online that allow both parents and kids to choose the program they prefer. Similar to brands of cellphones, laptops and other gadgets, there are different languages and genres that give the kids freedom to choose their niches.
Aside from the laptop or home computer, a code editor is necessary for your kid to start up with technology and machine building through coding. The second step is to download and be familiar with the editor. They usually come complete with interactive development environments (IDEs) that will help you build clear, error-free code. Simple languages like HTML and CSS can be written straight into a simple text document.
Third, similar to a spoken language, constant practice and study is necessary to be fluent. It is essential that they are practised otherwise they can be easily forgotten. It is also important that kids are taught to take risks in discovering and to experiment in the language of coding. This is because they need to be innovative in what they decide to build. They should not be comfortable in what they use every day.
Coding can also be learned in school. Some schools have computer programming classes that introduce the art of coding. Some activities include coding robots and basic coded programs for a school presentation. There are many other ways to build a great machine and coding is only one of them. Ultimately, coding is a life skill that if not appreciated by a kid would not make such a huge difference when they grow up. All things considered, the most important factor in teaching kids to code is that they enjoy it and they aspire to be great machine designer.
