The Important of Coding

The Importance of Coding 

Few weeks ago, in our Educ 391 had a couple guest speaker to came in and talk about coding to young learners. I found the topic was very interesting. Learning to code teaches problem solving, critical thinking, and logic. In fact, knowing how to code enables one to talk to computers in the language of machines. Learning to code is akin to learning a new language. Language acquisition, which emphasizes logical thought, involves the memorization of codes made of 1s and 0s that represent letters in the alphabet. Young learners search for connections, learn patience, and commit to practice and repetition. Computational thinking can help develop math skills and problem-solving strategies. Students learn cause and effect: exact instructions are required to garner exact results. Observing the correct results of sequencing and patterning teaches logic and order. In addition to being good online citizens, young learners will build understanding and confidence in how and why computer programs do what they do. In addition to practicing good etiquette online, students are required to be accurate and ethical in their planning. Young learners develop critical thinking skills by analyzing, developing, or revising code. By determining what they want the computer to do, students learn to make reasoned choices—choices that come with responsibility. For instance, students learn the building blocks of computational language which leads, in later years, to investigations of and practice with coding, such as JavaScript, website creation and maintenance, databases, and applications. Consequently, coding has practical implications. Most careers have a digital component, so students will be better equipped for future employment. Students also become self-efficient in respect to maintenance of programs and computers.