Coding is just another language, and children are known to learn new languages faster than older people. So starting young is a good idea. Several countries – Like India, Australia, Finland, Italy, and England have developed a coding Syllabus for children between the ages of 8 and 16 years. Coding language works with zeros (0s) and ones (1s) and strings of these numbers represent an alphabet. These then translate into words and sentences which triggers the computer or processor to initiate specific tasks. For example, print an image on a screen, open a document that is saved on a computer, or play some music.
There are various coding languages. Some are so easy to understand and work with those even children can learn them. Visual programming languages like Scratch have been developed to help children learn to code using images, signs, and diagrams. Other programming languages that children can use include Python, Ruby, C, C++. Most of these languages can be used to write a series of commands or to develop web applications.
Benefits of coding
Aside from giving them a head start for the future of work, compared to other forms of numeric sciences, learning code can Increase children’s creativity. For instance, much of teaching math in Africa is still done through Rote learning (Rote learning is a memorization technique based on repetition. The idea is that one will be able to quickly recall the meaning of the material the more one repeats it. Some of the alternatives to rote learning include meaningful learning, associative learning, and active learning.), a pedagogical method that is outdated and discourages creativity in children. Rote learning is based on memorization of information and repetition, “parroting” so to speak. Research shows that rote learning isn’t effective because the learner rarely gets to understand the application of what they have learned. By comparison, coding builds logical thinking as it requires a focus on solving a specific challenge. This teaches children to evaluate situations from different angles and come up with creative solutions.
Access to coding
Broadband and digital devices such as computers and smart phones are key tools for learning how to code. Access of these essential is easy. Fortunately, there are informal ways in which children can learn to code. These include boot camps, code labs, holiday coding camps, and after school coding groups. India Government can organize these type of camps and summer training programs for children’s. After all education is the key for future and success.