Kids these days have it a lot harder than kids in previous generations. There is so much pressure to excel in school, get the right extracurricular activities and even get into the right college that kids often let their technology skills suffer. The unfortunate result of this is that today’s youth are at a disadvantage when it comes to future job opportunities. Coding has become one of the most sought-after skills in the job market these days. With so many jobs now requiring computer proficiency, there has never been a better time for your child to learn how to code. Coding is essentially just another form of communication by way of commands and instructions. As such, it’s not as hard as you might think to teach your kid how to code.
Training or workshops? Are you wondering which one is right for your child? Before you answer that question, let’s first understand what each of these terms means.
A coding workshop is a short-term course on a specific programming language or code library that typically includes hands-on practice. Coding training on the other hand is an extended period of time dedicated to teaching someone new skills necessary for coding work and usually focuses on the fundamentals and syntax of a single programming language with less emphasis on practical application.
Let’s break this down step by step so you can make an informed decision for your child.
Why Coding is Important for Kids?
It’s important to first understand why it’s important to learn programming at a young age. While there are many reasons why coding is incredibly useful, the most important is that
- Coding is great for teaching kids problem-solving skills, logic, and critical thinking as well as improving their attention to detail.
- Coding will give your child a leg-up on the competition.
- There are some jobs that simply cannot be filled with people who don’t have at least some degree of coding skills. In fact, certain positions at Google and Amazon require at least two years of coding experience.
- With coding skills, your kids will be able to get jobs that pay higher than average, and they will be able to move up in the ranks faster.
- Coding is also a great skill to have if your child wants to go into entrepreneurship. Many businesses, from start-ups to established ones, now rely heavily on technology to operate.
There are two blogs that go into greater depth about the significance of coding if you’re interested: 21st Century Skills and the benefits of coding classes for kids.
Let’s look at some alternatives to workshops if you’re interested in trying out coding courses for kids before we dive deeper into that format.
What is a Coding Boot Camp?
A coding boot camp is a short-term immersive course that teaches software engineering skills to complete beginners. The typical duration of a coding boot camp is starting with one week to three to nine months. A few of the most popular boot camp programs last 12-weeks. Coding boot camps are best for those who have no experience with coding but have a burning desire to learn.
What is a Coding Course?
A coding course is an extended period of time dedicated to teaching someone new skills necessary for coding work. Coding courses are beneficial for people who are interested in learning the fundamentals and syntax of a single programming language. Coding courses are best for those who want to build a foundation in coding skills that can be applied to a variety of jobs in the tech industry.
Coding Meet-ups or Clubs?
Coding meet-ups or clubs are events where people with similar interests come together to code, solve problems, and collaborate. Coding meet-ups are best for those who are curious about coding and want to learn more about it. Coding meet-ups are great for beginners who want to get more involved with coding and make new friends along the way.
What is a Coding Workshop?
A Coding Workshop is a short, focused course on a specific programming language or code library. These workshops often take place over a weekend and are intended for children and parents of children who are curious about coding and want to try it out. Unlike a coding Bootcamp, a coding workshop doesn’t fully immerse students in the topic. Coding workshops provide a quick and easy introduction to code. Coding workshops are best for those who are interested in trying out coding but don’t know where to start.
Importance of Workshop
As we’ve already seen, there are plenty of reasons why coding is important for kids to learn. However, it’s important to remember that not all kids are going to be interested in these skills. The best way to get your kid interested in coding is with a fun, interactive workshop. Kids often respond to hands-on activities much more successfully than they do to the traditional classroom setting. If you want to teach your child to code, a workshop is the best way to go.
Remember: You want to make learning to code fun. The more fun kids are having, the more eager they will be to learn.
Benefits, function and Objective of Coding Workshop
First things first, let’s go over the benefits and functions of a Coding Workshop. A Coding Workshop is a fun and interactive way to introduce kids and teens to this relatively new skill. It’s important to note that a Coding Workshop is different than a coding class. While the latter is perfect for kids who want to pursue coding as a career, the former is best for kids who want to learn coding as a hobby or skill.
- A Coding Workshop is a great place to start. There, your child will be able to engage in creative and collaborative activities that will get them excited about computer programming.
- Coding workshops are also a great place to engage kids in computer science. They provide a safe and welcoming environment where anyone can explore computer science, even if they have never tried it before.
- They offer the perfect opportunity for kids to engage in teamwork and collaboration.
- They’re also a great way to expose your kids to this ever-growing field and show them that coding can be a really fun activity.
- Coding workshops are also a great way to introduce your kids to this new skill because they are incredibly interactive.
- The workshop is a collaborative environment where kids can bounce ideas off of each other and build their own projects. This will give them invaluable experience in working with others.
Difference between Workshop and Training
A coding workshop and training are two different things. A workshop is primarily designed for kids. It is a fun, hands-on experience that allows kids to explore computer science. A coding workshop is ideal for anyone who has never tried computer programming before. A coding workshop is also great for kids who have shown interests in software engineering. It can be an excellent way to introduce them to the field.
How to Start Teaching Your Kid to Code
The best way to get your kids started on coding is to first figure out their interests. Is your kid interested in gaming? Perhaps they want to create their own video games and apps. If you want to get your child started on coding, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
- First, you’re going to want to decide which language you want your child to learn. There are tons of different programming languages out there, so you will have to do a little bit of research before making your decision.
- Next, you’re going to want to make sure that you have the right tools. There are plenty of great coding books, websites, and online coding classes for kids out there where you can learn the basics of computer programming.
- Finally, you’re going to want to find a safe, child-friendly environment, with expert facilitators where your child can practice coding. There are many great coding clubs and camps out there that will give your child the experience they need to become great at coding.
- Make sure to inform your child that this is a skill that will take time to develop, meaning that they don’t need to become the next Bill Gates overnight.
Conclusion
Coding is an important skill to learn, especially for kids and teens. Coding workshops are short, focused courses on a specific programming language or code library. Coding boot camps are short-term immersive courses that teach software engineering skills to complete beginners. Coding courses are extended periods of time dedicated to teaching someone new skills necessary for coding work. Finally, coding meet-ups or clubs are events where people with similar interests come together to code, solve problems, and collaborate. If you’re curious about the world of coding, we suggest attending a coding workshop. If you’re really interested in coding, but you’re not sure where to start, we recommend attending a boot camp. And, if you’re serious about a career in coding, you should attend a course or a training course.
At SkoolOfCode, we take a student-centric approach to education by combining STEM with Coding in a project and product-based setting. Our workshop, boot camps and courses allows young students to master anything from the fundamentals of computer science to Python programming for kids to robotics for teens and web development. Motivated and ever-curious students are what we’re striving for.
By – Ms. Manpreet Virk, Head of E-learning and an educator at SkoolofCode with degree in M.Phil. and Master in Computer Science. She is passionate about learning and teaching young minds.