Learn to Code

Why kids may want to Learn to Code

Coding has changed the way people live and interact with each other and plays a major role in the development of today’s world. Do you want directions to a tasty burger near you? Coding makes it possible. Do you love watching your favorite movies on Netflix (even on your phone)? It’s brought to you by coding. Are you looking for a job online? Coding helps with that as well. Coding enables tasks to be done faster, easier, and more efficiently than human labor, but people are needed to learn and implement it.

Coding is one of the most demanded skills in the workplace today in IT and non-tech organizations. Around 51 percent of schools offer computer science and coding classes to kids during school or as afterschool programs. There are also a number of independent coding programs offered after school.

Research shows that when kids learn to code, it’s about much more than computers and future careers. Learning to code offers significant cognitive benefits that stick with kids into adulthood: critical thinking skills, creative problem-solving, paying attention to details and important lessons in teamwork.

Coding Builds Cognitive Skills Sequential thinking and attention to detail are important life applications that help make wellrounded students. “For kids, learning to code isn’t about the actual technology or coding languages,” says Hansel Lynn, founder/CEO of The Coder School, which has three locations in San Diego County. “Coding is about logic. To speak to a computer, you must give precise step-by-step instructions.”

Children love coding because it allows them to be creative, have fun and make content (versus consume it). To create something on a screen, like a game, involves logical thinking and problem solving. How do you make a tank game? First, you move the tank diagonally; then you work on firing. Kids are fascinated by how they can use code to change colors and graphics on the screen to whatever they choose.

“Problem solving and logic skills are required to code a game, but they are also required when kids plan an art project, build a model, or use adult skills such as making a schedule or even sales,” says Lynn.

What Exactly is Coding?

Coding translates instructions and processes into a computing language, which allows people to create apps, websites, video games, online shops and so much more. Coding is communication (words and phrases) for machines—it’s like learning a different language. Common coding languages include JavaScript, Python, SQL, PHP, Ruby, Java, Rust, Swift and Hack.

“Coding is how a person creates a set of instructions for a computer,” says Lynn. “Anything that has a computer had a coder write instructions to tell it what to do. That includes smartphones, cars, TVs, even your refrigerator and alarm clock,” says Lynn.

According to Lynn, students who pursue a computer science degree will be in high demand when they graduate because more and more jobs and people use computers for everyday working and living, but there are never enough people to code programs and apps. Kids can take all they have learned in coding and pursue a part-time job or full-time career with those skills (but only if they’re passionate about it).

Clearing Up Misconceptions

Coding is more like writing than math. “Coding is an art form, not an equation,” says Lynn. “Someone can code 100 different ways with the same result.

There is no “end date” to coding— there is always more to learn. Like writing, sports or music, coding is a lifelong journey of learning and crafting your skills.

Kids don’t have to love math or be a gamer to enjoy coding. Coding is problem-solving that involves some multiplying and adding, but it’s not necessary to love math. It’s more important to be logical and capable of solving problems.

There are over 1.9 billion websites on the internet today, all powered by programming language. It is estimated that we can expect to see over 20 billion devices in use in the coming years. Kids who learn to code can be part of the future of creation while also learning vital critical thinking and practical life skills. v

Megan Woolsey is a freelance writer living in Carlsbad with her husband, teenage triplets and their big sister.

18 • SanDiegofamily.com • October 2022