By Vijay Kumar Agarwal

In the current world, learning computer coding and programming has become as important as breathing. However, it should be crystal clear that young children cannot be expected to learn coding through HTML, or by mastering Javascript. At this stage, they can only be made familiar with the introductory principles that are involved in computer coding. For the rest, they may master things as they grow up.

In the simplest way, Coding means to get something desirable done through the help of computers by a set of commands. It is through coding itself that several computer softwares, websites and mobile applications are designed. It is interesting to note that there are over seven hundred programming languages in existence, with several others being developed. Some of the most popular programming languages are: Python, C++,  Javascript, and PHP. The importance of coding in the current era can be understood by the fact that 58% of the current job vacancies require coding skills in the candidates, which implies a sharp increase by 50% in this aspect. 

Benefits of coding

In our everyday lives, all of us habitually practise various principles of coding such as Algorithms, Sequencing, Looping, and Decomposition in the form of performing duties by a procedure, obeying a chronological order, doing something over and over again, and breaking down complex issues into simpler forms, respectively. 

  1.  Development of problem solving skills 

Coding helps in the development of problem-solving skills, through which, children come to learn the ways in which various professionals use different sets of skills to overcome the problems faced in the process of programming. On a larger canvas, being able to possess problem solving skills is also tremendously beneficial for dealing with the challenges of life. 

  1. Building up resilience 

Through coding children come to develop hardiness, as they learn to bounce back from their failures. Coding proactively gives strength to the saying, try and try until you succeed because one continues to learn from his mistakes, and therefore perform better in their next attempts. 

  1. Critical thinking 

Coding allows them to develop the ability to think, even critically. It is not merely the art of jotting down certain lines on the computer, but the virtue by which larger and complex problems can be brought down to simpler and smaller pieces by pondering upon the possible solutions. And therefore, the learner gets compelled to think creatively as well as furtively. To quote Margaret Mead, she said, ‘Children must be taught how to think, not what to think’ which is well looked after by computer coding and programming. 

  1. The Need for tomorrow 

The IT sector, in the current landscape, has become the most favoured sector in terms of job opportunities. Today, there happens to be endless possibilities in pursuing a career in IT thanks to the significant importance that has been laid on computer studies.

Paradigm for coding among kids

Children, as young as five years, can be acquainted with the principles of coding in a way in which they would be able to understand it better for themselves. Learning coding can be fun, if done through simple procedural steps. First of all, they should be made familiar with a set of Commands, what is technically called Algorithm. A five year old would not understand algorithms at any rate, but he would certainly understand to follow such instructions like brushing teeth, boarding the school bus, walking in line, maintaining discipline, and commands as such. This creates a germinating ground in their mind on which, the computer studies may further be thought to fructify. Similarly, if they be taught in everyday language various other principles of computer programming like sequencing, by asking them to order things in a particular way; looping, by telling them to perform a particular kind of function over and over again; and decomposition, that is breaking down complex problems into simpler forms, coding would hardly appear a problem.

Innovative ways to teach coding to youngsters

  1. Interaction with games and platforms: Some of the games and platforms such as Minecraft, Lightbot, CodeMonkey, and CodeCombat help the children learn coding with sheer effectiveness and efficiency.
  1. Robotic aid: Introducing kids to coding through the aid of robotic tools like Lego Mindstorms, or Dash and Dot provide a hands-on learning approach in a personalised way. 
  1. Coding Clubs and workshops: Organising various coding clubs and workshops can also be helpful in fostering a holistic environment in which young children could be taught the basics of computer coding.
  1. Employing AR and VR tools: An exposure to AR and VR tools such as CoEdu Spaces can also enable the children to create a virtual world and games for themselves by the principles of coding. 
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In the current education system, it is very essential for a child to keep pace with the changing trends of technology. The introduction of coding as a mandatory subject to the sixth standard, according to NEP 2020 bears testimony to the fact. Unless one becomes technologically sound today, one cannot become competent anywhere in the current scene. 

(The author is the founder and CEO at Makoons Group of Schools. Views expressed are personal.)