Nowadays, it appears that technology is everywhere.
Remember the year 2022? It pales in comparison to the technological boost expected in 2023. Students commute to the office from home, and they communicate with classmates via screens. Furthermore, the STEM statistics speak for themselves.
Our world lives and breathes online, especially as we spend more time apart.
What are the gears that are turning all of these tools? Rows and rows of code
With that in mind, now is a good time to ask, "Why is coding important?" Why should children learn how to code? Is #coding useful for young people?
There are plenty of answers if we look at the big picture painted by headlines and statistics and connect the dots.
Why Is It Important for Kids to Learn to Code?
We've compiled a list of the top ten reasons why kids should learn to code, as well as why coding is so important in today's world and for the next generation.
1. Coding is the Most Rapidly Expanding STEM Field
That's right: the letter T rules supreme in STEM. We know that careers in STEM, particularly computer science, have recently seen exponential growth.
And this field's expansion is far from over. According to one notable study, computer science professions will account for 73% of all STEM industry growth by 2024. According to the Department of Labor, another 546,200 coding jobs will be added by 2028.
When demand speaks, money listens—a #career in coding earns a median income of $86,980 and hourly wages of $38.85. So, if you're considering a career in STEM, all signs point to coding as the best bet.
2. Coding Skills Provide a Significant Competitive Advantage
Coding is an invaluable skill to have whether you're looking for a summer internship, a full-time job, or a side hustle. According to Code.org, 71% of STEM jobs now require some form of coding, but only 8% of college graduates have the necessary skills and degrees.
Having these abilities ensures that you will stand out.
Learning the program may appear intimidating or years away. Never be afraid. You don't have to go to Stanford or MIT to learn to code. In case you're wondering, "Does programming appeal to me?" Will my children enjoy coding? It's never been easier (or more enjoyable!) to get started.
3. Coding Expertise Enables Kids to "Open" the World Across Them
Consider this for a moment: how many people could explain the inner workings of the modern world if we were in a full Back to the Future situation? I'll be patient.
But, seriously, consider how many staples of daily life in 2022 run on code. Python and Java hold the keys to everything from this morning's Zoom meeting to your smartphone and Tik Tok. Children can unlock the secrets of tools used by millions but understood by few by learning the lingo of code.
4. Coding Will Be Both Logical and Imaginative
That is not an irony. Although the basics of writing code are logical and left-brained, the creative applications are limitless. While coding, children develop multiple cognitive capacities, and it's amazing how many different skills synchronize at the same time. While learning, children can develop the logic of a coder as well as the creativity of a designer, creating an unstoppable repertoire of skills.
Coding also provides something that all young people require: the ability to express themselves.
Every child has interests and passions, as well as a voice. It's amazing what strings of 1's and 0's can become, whether they're creating their own video game or a passion project website.
5. Coding is Enjoyable and Pleasurable
Coding yields measurable results. This encourages children to keep going even when they encounter difficulties (in a robotics class, sometimes in a literal sense). Nothing beats the satisfaction of seeing something you created come to fruition.
Gamification, or the incorporation of game-like challenges and rewards into a learning environment, is also popular these days. There are numerous tools and courses available in programs such as Scratch, Roblox, and Minecraft that combine programming with games that kids already enjoy.
This is a critical component for younger minds—even kindergartners—who want to begin coding. Introducing coding through games and other activities that kids are already familiar with and enjoy may help with engagement.
6. Coding Enhances Communication Abilities
Yes, you read that right. Consider Python to be a language similar to Spanish or Mandarin, but without any of the features, we take for granted when communicating with another person. This includes no facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice.
Okay, so it's not quite the same as Spanish or Mandarin, but bear with me.
Children are challenged to simplify concepts in order to communicate effectively with a computer. This is unique in the programming world in a really cool, "hello world" kind of way. It's difficult to find a similar challenge or reward in any other field.
7. Coding Focuses on Teaching Patience and Determination
Every programmer is familiar with the pattern: strategy, optimize, fix bugs, then repeat the cycle. In this field, tenacity and the ability to learn from failure are essential. After all, coding entails breaking problems down into chunks and employing the scientific method until the epic "it works!" moment arrives.
Of course, an engineer's mindset has many other applications. A great plan, combined with patience and strong problem-solving skills, will get you far in the tech world.
8. Coding Can Be Profitable—even for Kids!
Famous teen YouTubers are just one example of today's monetization trend. Young programmers have made millions of dollars by learning to create apps in JavaScript and other languages.
Children are also using Roblox and other games to sell in-game features that they have created. That's right: children can earn money by playing and comprehending video games.
Are you still not convinced? Check out the growing number of hackathons where kids can compete for cash (what is a hackathon?) and learn about the various ways kids can make money online from home.
9. Coding Provides the Greatest Learning Opportunity
Okay, here's the real secret to getting kids excited about learning a new skill or topic. Project-based learning, or PBL, has been shown in study after study to be beneficial.
Project-based learning begins and ends with something that children care about and are interested in. When children are given the opportunity to combine their interests with expert guidance, their learning skyrockets.
Learning to code also allows you to work in groups, which educational experts know produces amazing results. Cooperative learning increases student engagement and motivation in ways that working alone cannot.
Furthermore, cooperative learning teaches teamwork and problem-solving skills that may have been overlooked in the traditional academic curricula.
10. Coding is the Global Language of Modernization
Consider this. Almost every innovation that has altered the way we work, communicate, and live revolves around the technology industry. We know this because we only need to look at the smartphone notification that just distracted us.
This extends far beyond our daily lives. Our world is changing, and programmers are at the forefront of that change.
Coding is already bringing together millions of people from various backgrounds, native languages, and points of view on a global scale. More and more organizations and businesses are drawing attention to and acting on representation gaps in technology.
There has never been a more exciting or forward-thinking time to work in this industry.
We are confident that the best is yet to come when it comes to children and coding.
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