The world of cutting-edge technology moves quickly, and the future is hard to predict, but one thing is for sure: it will be written in code. Apps, websites, and video games play a huge role in the daily lives of billions of people, and they have become an integral part of the global economy, too.
That’s why so many parents today eagerly enroll their children in coding classes to help ensure their kids aren’t left out. How do you know which program is the best? It’s a crowded field, but not all online programming courses are of the same quality.
Let’s check out what the best courses offer so all the dads out there can know their child will be ready for the future of computer coding.
How Young Can Kids Start Learning How To Code?
Fundamentally computer coding and programing is just another language and this means that kids are best able to do this when they are young and especially where they can be immersed in age appropriate levels of engagement. While every child is different, the generally accepted age that is idea to introduce children to coding is seven years old. However, more broadly speaking, experts such as educators at schools like MIT suggest a range of 5-7 years old.
Don't worry though, if you son or daughter is 10 or even 20 years old ... there's really no bad time to start. Skills gained while learning to code can have other significant benefits too.
For instance, coding helps to force you to be organized, think logically, and examine complex problems. These are all very important for success in life and careers even outside of those directly related to computer coding.
Learn to Code a Video Game
Children are highly drawn to video games. They’ll love learning to code them just as much! One of the benefits of online coding for kids courses is that they revolve around showing kids how to design and program their own video game, one they can play with friends and family.
Creating a video game gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment that they can’t get from simply playing one. Plus, the course should include several aspects of gamification, so the same drivers and encouragements that get kids so hooked on playing video games will help them stay motivated to learn.
Ultimately, they’ll have so much fun that they won’t even realize they’re in a lesson.
Only Real Coding Languages
Sometimes, classes that teach young kids how to code use programs like Scratch, a basic drag-and-drop program that is never used in the field. Perhaps it’s a decent way to convey an elementary sense of what coding is like, but it won’t impart any transferable knowledge.
It’s better for kids to learn real coding languages used to build the world’s most popular apps, sites, and games. Here’s a list of some of the coding languages that indicate you’re in good hands:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- C++
It’s suitable for young kids to learn real coding languages and advance to more complex ones as they progress and develop over the years. They may not become professional coders one day or even work with computers, but the direct and indirect STEM skills they learn will serve them well wherever life leads.
Of course, if they want to create video games for a living, they’ll be well prepared.
Small Classes
Children need to be in a supportive learning environment, especially when the subject is new and potentially challenging. Look for an online coding class with a maximum of four students per teacher, so your little one gets all the attention and assistance they need and deserve.
As we’ve all seen, the world can change dramatically very quickly. Dads want to know that their kids will be well-adjusted and in control, whatever the workforce of the future looks like. They also want them to have some fun in a safe environment today. Online coding lessons can deliver both. Just ensure the course you pick meets all the above criteria.
