Benefits of coding e learning , benefits of computer programming for students

What is coding?

Coding, sometimes called computer programming, is how we communicate with computers. Code tells a computer what actions to take, and writing code is like creating a set of instructions. By learning to write code, you can tell computers what to do or how to behave in a much faster way. You can use this skill to make websites and apps, process data, and do lots of other cool things.

Why learn how to code?

We all have hopes, dreams, and plans for the future. Whether you’re looking for a new opportunity, want to optimize your current job, or are simply searching for a new hobby, coding can help you get closer to your goals. And remember, anyone can learn how to code!

Why Learn to Code? The Surprisingly Broad Benefits of Coding

It wasn’t long ago that coding was seen by many as an odd hobby for geeks tinkering with computers in their basements. But over the past several years, coding has progressed from a hobby to a critical career skill. Even better for those hobbyists? Employers have shown a willingness to pay a premium for the work of employees with coding and programming ability.

Knowing this, you might be wondering if coding is something you should consider. But there are still a lot of questions to be answered. How long does it take to learn to code? Why should I learn to code? We asked professionals from a wide variety of careers to help answer your questions and share their thoughts on the benefits of learning to code. Whether you’re a marketer, a mom, a business owner, or just curious about the craft, we’re ready to convince you why coding is an important skill worth adding to your toolbox.

Why learn to code? 10 Surprising benefits to consider

The benefits of learning to code can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Here are a few of the ways learning to code can benefit you.

1. Educational Benefits

The elementary schools use computers for testing and other activities, but it is a rare school curriculum that includes any computer programming. In the Year of Code, many schools across the world started including a computer programming skills segment to the school day. This type of education helps kids to learn the basic inner workings of computers. Kids can feel successful at getting a computer to do what they tell it to do. This foundation can set kids up for a lifetime of successful use and management of the technology in their everyday lives.

2. Computational Thinking

Computational thinking is the ability to communicate your thoughts in a structured and logical way. This type of thought process is like the step by step instructions that are coded into a computer. It is also the process of thinking up and then solving problems in a methodical way that could be replicated by a machine. Software engineers, computer programmers, and logistics specialists use this method of thinking to solve problems. Computational thinking is a combination of advanced mathematics, algorithm development and logic. The development of computational thinking involves considering a problem and breaking it down into single-action steps. Each of these steps is handled in the most efficient way possible. There is also an element of abstraction in computational thinking, which allows your child to move from a specific solution to a specific problem and generalize it to other situations. The result is a paradigm shift in thinking about how the world works.

3. Creativity, Thinking Fluidity

Children have creative and fluid minds that allow them to think in a more “out of the box” way. The nearly endless ways of coding and solving problems can inspire kids to grow. You can show your child that coding is a type of storytelling. There is a logical beginning, progression, and ending to the story and the program. These skills can set kids up for success in written and oral communications in school and thankfully the introduction of IT basics in primary schools is rightly becoming widespread.

4. Job Opportunities

The current generation of children will need to be literate in technology in order to be competitive in the future job market. Not knowing how to code will be comparable to not knowing how to read. Most jobs require the knowledge of basic IT skills, while even retail and fast food jobs require the use of technology and computers. Coding specialists are well-paid and highly sought-after on the current market, and opportunities for these skilled employees will expand in the future.

5. Computer programming promotes logical thinking

Coding requires logical thinking and teaches children how to tackle complex problems by breaking them down into smaller problems which are easier to manage and solve. This process is called decomposition. Even if children never become a professional computer programmer or software engineer, they will benefit from learning to think this way.

6. Learning to code can improve a child’s communication skills

Learning to code is like learning a new language. Sure, it may not be Spanish or Italian, but learning to code uses some of the same skills we develop when we learn a new language. When we learn a new language, we become better communicators. Why? We need to know how to break things down to speak simply. This is the same with coding. Computers only understand instructions when they are written in simple easy to follow language that the computer understands. Coding helps to develop that skill.

7. Children improve their structural thinking when learning to code

When students learn to code they develop structural thinking. They learn how to build something large from lots of other smaller pieces put together. This helps kids to understand not just about computer programs but also helps kids to see the big picture when they are given any task made up of small parts.

8. Coding helps children with problem-solving

We all encounter problems on a day to day basis. Some small and easy to solve, and there are some which are larger, more complex, and difficult. Through coding, children learn to think and learn about different situations that are not the norm. They learn to analyze options and have to come up with a way to solve any challenges they come across. These problem-solving skills are a great benefit in their day to day lives and can help them to solve real-life situations.

9. Coding improves students’ math skills

Math skills are necessary when learning to code. This doesn’t mean that students need to be a math genius to learn computer programming. It just means that as they learn to code, they will pick up the skills needed to solve math problems along the way.

Learning through having fun is the best way to learn, and yes, coding can be fun! While coding, children won’t realize the skills they are gaining. Coding requires solving real problems, not doing a worksheet full of maths equations so they gain real experience which in turn then helps them to improve their maths skills.

10. Coding helps kids learn to learn

Generally, when children learn in a classroom, there is a teacher who teaches a particular subject. With coding, children are able to experiment and learn themselves. Experimenting with code allows children to understand that sometimes the answers are not always simple, and sometimes there is more than one answer to a particular problem.

A great benefit of learning to code teaches children that it is ok if their answer is different to someone else’s. It teaches them to learn how to learn and this is important all through life.

As you can see, the benefits of coding for students and children, in general, go well beyond learning how to program a computer. Learning to code gives children the advantage, and is a highly valued skill that can help children throughout their day to day lives.