When is the right age to learn coding?

Our world is just filled with computers! They have revolutionized the way we interact with our surroundings in just a couple of decades – with no end in sight. Everywhere you look you see a computer – a phone, a laptop, a car, a plane, ...etc. The common thing among them is a computer code. A code (program or software) is a step-by-step instruction that tells the device how to perform various tasks.

It doesn't matter what level of sophistication the digital device has, its functionalities and features are based on a code running on the inside.

So, why learn coding?

Well, all of these devices need to be programmed to perform their various tasks. In fact, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), computer vision, machine learning, Augmented Reality (AR), robotics, and many more require coding skill. So, understanding how to code is just about the best possible skill to learn.

However, even if you don’t want to become a coder for a living, it’s still worth your time to learn how to program. Even if computers are part of your life or your career, learning to code will definitely improve your life.

Real-world example: imagine you are a photographer and deal with a large collection of different files – images, graphics, video, and more. Because you are organized, you wanted to organize the collection into years and months. This requires dozens of new folders for each year. Creating these folders manually will take a long time and becomes a tedious chore. However, the same task can be automated with a couple of lines of code.

Nowadays, many people in their day-to-day activities use different software which includes some form of coding. Excel, for example, has simple macros to automate tasks related to spreadsheets. Many Adobe products can be automated using JavaScript programming.

Therefore, you don’t need to become a coder to add coding to your career, you can just use your coding skills to make your work efficient.

What is the best age then to start coding?

Generally, it is considered advantageous to start learning to code at a young age. The reason for this consideration is that young minds are adaptable and malleable. Young minds are capable of quickly absorbing and retaining knowledge. However, professionals say that learning to code at either 6, 14, 25, or 40  is not too late. The fact of the matter is coding abilities have nothing to do with age. The main thing is that there must be an interest in coding. There are a lot of people that learn coding at an age much older than 6 and 8. For example, the 83 years old  IOS developer, Masako Wakamiya.

Why coding for kids?

With the rapid digitization of the world, many countries are integrating coding as part of the standard school curriculum. In addition, different experts are advising parents to engage their children in STEM fields. The earlier kids learn how to code, the easier it will be for them to master this skill—and all the subsequent skills coding encourages. These skills are as follows:

1. Coding promotes logical and critical thinking at an early age. Coding teaches kids how to break complex problems down into smaller, more manageable pieces. In addition, it teaches them to identify a problem, analyze it, create a solution, test and repeat. This enhances their problem-solving skills.
2. Kids also develop their creativity and focus. Non-coders assume coding is only technical and does not involve creativity. But, coding involves a certain level of creativity. Think about it, coders create apps, games, animations, websites, and more. This requires a lot of imagination. In addition, coding kids need to consider all aspects of the code they are writing, which help them to develop their focus.
3. Coding is precise. Especially text-based coding. As coding scripts grow more and more complicated, kids will be well-acquainted with the conscientious process of writing, running, debugging, re-writing, and re-running their code. This will teach them patience and resilience.
4. The challenges they face while coding and building successful projects will instill confidence in them that carries on to many different areas of their life.

How do you introduce coding to kids?

If your child is already interested in computer coding, you will be faced with the daunting task of finding a course you can both agree on. There are books, apps, websites, YouTube videos, courses, and all sorts of different avenues.

So, which do you choose?

We recommend a structured and supportive learning environment. At iCog Anyone Can Code,  we provide courses for complete beginners managed by expert coding tutors. We have impact-focused workshops, summer camps, academy programs, and nationwide innovation competitions such as SolveIT. Our training programs consist of various levels from level zero to level nine according to their level of education as listed below, 

Level zero: Basic Digital Literacy

On this level, students will get the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet.

Level One: Introduction to Scratch Programming Language

Scratch is a high-level block-based visual programming language and website.  The language allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations. At this level, the students will learn the basics of coding, solving problems, project design, and idea communication.

Level Two: Python

This level introduces students to one of the most popular high-level general-purpose programming languages – Python. They will learn how to use a text-based language to develop amazing projects.

Level Three: Web Development

Level three enables students to create interactive websites. They will learn important web development languages.

Level Four: Android Development

The Android development level will introduce and equip students with the important skills of mobile application design and development.

Level Five: Game Development 

Students build the fundamental skills necessary for the design and development of games. The level focuses on both the theory and practice of game making.

Level Six: Electronics and IoT

This level introduces students to basic components of electronics and concepts of IoT.

Level Eight: Machine Learning

Machine learning is the science of getting computers to act without being explicitly programmed. Students will learn effective techniques of machine learning and gain practice implementing them.

Level Nine: AI

This level covers Artificial Intelligence (AI) and explores use cases of AI and important AI concepts.

In conclusion, it is safe to say, as described above in various terms, that the right age to learn coding is the time when they have such interest towards tech advancement and tech developments, and iCog Anyone Can Code simply provides the gateway for them to acquire these skills. Our program is ideal for children and youth who want to learn how to code. It is a fun way to keep children happy and engaged, whilst helping them to prepare for a digital future.

We are proud to have helped 26, 000 kids and young adults.

Hopefully, you enjoyed this blog and that it will assist you in taking the first step.

Written by: Bethlehem Dessie.