Computer coding is the universal language of the planet. People who know how to code will be able to communicate across countries and cultures, be innovative, and solve problems more efficiently, with no barriers to impede their success. Learning programming at a young age helps your children solve everyday problems and get set up for a lifetime of opportunities. [2]
Introduction
Many are those who still see computer programming or coding as a highly technical activity that is reserved only for only a few. In reality, programming is getting to be a newer type of literacy. It is a skill that is useful in everyday life, especially in today's highly digital world.
Nowadays, many people learn basic skills programming to make it easier for them to use a smartphone, link devices, and manage files across multiple platforms.
There are enumerable benefits of programming to our every life that we can’t enumerate all.
Here are 20 benefits that children can acquire when learning programing at early stage.
1) CODING IS THE NEW LITERACY
The use of computers in our world today have become an integral part of our lives.Nowadays kids are growing up in a totally different world. Computers, cell phones, automated machineries, social Medias, remote control systems and many more are all embedded in their lives. In fact, even toys are currently digital and many of them have programs. Although it’s one thing to know how to use technology, it’s totally another thing to understand the science behind them. [1]
Computer Coding helps to understand how computer systems work and what control them. The best way to use computers is to know how they work and also to control them for best use of their full potential.
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. [2]
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. [1]4) KIDS LEARN TO USE LOGIC
Logical thinking is required for coding. It consists of formulating step by step procedures to produce a desired outcome. It involves using expressions, selection, iteration, conditional and other logical statements and sentences. [3]5) KIDS LEARN PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Coding teaches kids to break down complex problems into components. This problem-solving technique is transferable to a lot of other fields.For example, scientists solve problems by forming hypotheses and systematically testing these hypotheses one by one. Car mechanics diagnose car problems by replacing one part at a time to isolate the problem part. In coding, a programmer figures out bugs by generating intelligent hypotheses and tweaking parts of his code one component at a time to test which one solves the problem. [3]
6) KIDS LEARN TO ANTICIPATE AND AVOID PROBLEMS
In programming, kids learn how to “handle errors”, that is, anticipate problems that will probably emerge, and writing the correct codes that will prevent the entire program to crash when the error happens. [3]7) KIDS LEARN STRUCTURAL THINKING
Kids learn how to build small pieces to add up to the solution. [3]8) KIDS LEARN ALGORITHMIC THINKING
Algorithmic thinking is the ability to define clear steps to solve a problem or solving a task. It involves computational concepts like repetition, sequencing, and conditional logic. Kids use algorithm all the time, without even knowing it, especially with math (like solving long division problems) and science. Algorithmic thinking enables kids to break down problems and think of solutions as step-by-step procedure. [3]9) KIDS LEARN PERSEVERANCE
Kids learn to persist if what they are creating is not working. They are compelled to analyse what is not working, why it is not working, and figure out how to correct it until it works. [3]10) CODING PREPARES KIDS FOR SKILLS THAT ARE NECESSARY IN THE FUTURE
The continuing pervasiveness and importance of technology in our lives would require a lot of workers with coding skills. It is expected that writing programs will continue to pay well into the future. Even many non-programming jobs that require the use of computers would require a bit of coding knowledge. In addition, when learning to code, kids also learn other important future skills like critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. [3]11) CODING SHOWS MATH IN ACTION
Coding shows kids the practical application of math, and why it is so important. Coding statements usually contain math expressions that need to be resolved for the program to move forward. [3]12) CODING CAN MAKE YOUR CHILD DISCOVER HIS LIFELONG PASSION, AND CAN BE HELPFUL FOR HIM TO DECIDE HIS FUTURE CAREER
Computer programming can be one the fastest growing and the most exciting profession in the next few decades, with the development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data mining, and robotics. Kids exposed to coding can develop the love or even the passion for it, and discover that it is what he wants to do in life. [3]13) CODING PROVIDES A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WHEN APPLYING TO COLLEGES, INTERNSHIPS, AND JOBS.
If you possess a hot skill that many of your peers lack–such as the ability to code–you instantly appear more desirable in the eyes of potential college admissions officers and employers. Plain and simple. [4]14) PROGRAMMERS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND.
As mentioned, according to Code.org, 71% of all new STEM jobs are in computing, yet only 8% of STEM graduates are in Computer Science. That’s a SERIOUS shortage of Computer Science majors.Learning to code will increase your child’s odds of securing a lucrative STEM career, especially in a world where computing jobs are growing at over twice the national average.
Coding has quickly become a vital skill, and Code.org also points out that Computer Science majors can earn 40% more than the college average. [4]
15) CODING EQUIPS THE KIDS WITH SKILLS THAT ARE IMPORTANT IN FUTURE
The continuing importance of technology and pervasiveness in our lives would require a lot of people with coding skills. It’s believed that writing programs will still pay well in the future. Even many other jobs that do not require the use of computers will require some form of coding. Additionally, when learning how to code children will also learn other important skills such as communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. [1]16) CODING CAN HELP STUDENTS TO AVOID PROBLEMS AND LEARN PERSEVERANCE
In coding or programming, kids learn how to handle problems and anticipate any errors.Knowing how to write the correct codes can help prevent an entire program from crashing. More so, if what they are creating is not coming out well they tend to persist.
They are also compelled to study what’s not working, why it’s not working and what can be done to ensure that it works well.
Coding hasn’t become popular by a mere accident. It’s been noted that knowing how to code is very important especially for the young generation. As Bill Gates said, learning to write programs not only helps you think better but also stretches your mind. This means there are many benefits of coding for students and kids. [1]
17) FOR EXCEPTIONALLY CREATIVE AND ENTREPRENEURIAL CODERS, CODING CAN MAKE A LOT OF MONEY
There are several stories of teenage coders who used their imaginations to create software, apps, games, and websites that enable them to become rich at a very young age. Stories abound about young app developers who become millionaires. A young Vietnamese game developer who created Flappy Bird was earning $50,000 a day before he quit. A lot of teens who offer their coding and web-building skills online are able to save enough for college. [3]18) CODING ENCOURAGES KIDS TO THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX
Coding sends a message to kids that they can create anything from nothing if they want to work on it. By coding, they can stretch what is possible. This fosters the progress of humanity, and the overall improvement of the quality of life. [3]19) PROGRAMMING IS FUN AND SATISFYING.
While programming is logic-based, it’s also an extremely creative activity. If you know how to code, you can develop the aforementioned apps, video games, websites, and more!For many developers, part of the appeal of coding is the challenge and reward of seeing their code come to life after a good debugging session. Don’t be fooled, however–with the right instruction, getting started with programming can be easy and fun. [4]
20) TEAMWORK
Most at time, programmers work in team to achieve common goal. By coding, children will learn how to work together by sharing ideas, their challenges, and success with others while building projects together.They experience project management, communicating in a team, compromise, discussion, and negotiating with others. This skill will help them express themselves with ease in their everyday life.
References
[1] 7 Benefits of Coding for Kids and Students
[2] 4 Benefits Of Learning Programming At A Young Age By John Porter July 17, 2016
[3] 14 Benefits of Coding for Kids and Students
[4] Coding for kids: Reasons kids should get started, and how they can find success By: Ryan | Mar 6, 2019 9:05 AM
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