Why is Learning Code Important?
Learning code has almost become a necessity in modern society. Your child lives in an era where a device can complete almost any task. Surviving in this world requires at least a basic understanding of technology and its role in fostering successful behavior. New technology-related professions emerge annually and continuously disrupt the traditional view of the workplace. In fact, Courtney Connley, a writer for CNBC, states that software development jobs are the best jobs of 2018. These rapid changes highlight the importance of children learning code.
Let’s be real; not all children will take on IT-related careers when they grow up. A balanced world can only be created when each person is allowed to function using his or her innate gifts. Nevertheless, children who learn code from an early age develop a strong set of characteristics that help them stand out in the workplace. Organizations such as Code.org recognize this fact and are working assiduously to engage children in exciting code-related activities. The core skills coding develops, and other benefits of learning the basics of coding, are discussed in this article.
It fosters creativity.
Coding helps us think outside the box. It’s rare that the perfect code will be written in the first attempt; variations must be tested to determine the version that achieves the best result. Essentially, it causes your child to ask questions that trigger the creative process. Helping your child develop a curious mind that searches for solutions, instead of exacerbates problems, will be one of the best gifts you give to him or her.
Critical thinking skills are developed.
Smith and Szymanski, in a paper entitled Critical thinking: More than test scores, states that “In the push for better test scores, many students are leaving the K-12 education system lacking the critical thinking skills that are necessary to succeed in higher education or in the workplace.” The education system really does poorly by encouraging students to do more than perform lower-level thinking skills.
Learning code can combat this challenge. Children must understand the basics of any programming language before applying it to create their own programs. They can’t expect to use the same code each time to achieve different outcomes. They’ll be forced to ask the “what if” questions that take their thinking to a new level.
Learning code teaches persistence.
Stick-to-itiveness is a difficult skill to teach. However, children need high doses of it when learning code. Getting the results they desire often requires several attempts of writing code. It’s not for the faint-hearted or those who give up easily.
Math skills are crucial for learning code.
Math and coding work in tandem. Jenny Anderson, STEM specialist at Casita Center, saw marked improvement in her students’ math scores because they were learning to code using Tynker. She explained that “when kids learn to code, they develop key skills like problem-solving and practice algorithmic and computational thinking- and when they learn to code with Tynker, they have fun at the same time, so they’re likely to stay engaged with the material.”
Learning code has immense value for children and enrolling your child in a coding program should be your next step. Various programs that teach children to code exist. Do your research to find one that suits your family’s unique needs.