WHY ALL CHILDREN MUST LEARN TO CODE
ACROSS the world, “digitalisation” has increased productivity in the public and private sectors. As a result, virtually every country in the world is working towards a digital economy.
As this new economy evolves, special skills like computer programming are needed. This is like a language of numbers, known as code, which allows people to write instructions executed by computers. The goal is to create a web page or a piece of software.
Early coding languages emerged in the 1940s. These were basic but complex to learn. By the 1990s – when internet connection started – computing speed and memory improved to use high-level coding languages.
These became widely available on open source platforms and online tutorials made it possible for many people to learn and continue advancing the languages. Today languages like Javascript can easily be learnt by children.
Coding language develops the software to deal with problems and challenges – for instance, because of coding, people who couldn’t get a bank account can now keep, send and borrow money using cellphones.
It’s an important skill to have as countries develop. In the past four decades, several studies have assessed the effect of learning code on primary school children – between the ages of 6 and 13. In each case, the findings show that it is beneficial to children, irrespective of their later career path.
Coding is just another language, and children are known to learn new languages faster than older people. So starting young is a good idea.
Several countries – including Australia, Finland, Italy and England – have developed coding curricula for children aged between 5 and 16.
Coding language works with zeros (0s) and ones (1s) and strings of these numbers represent an alphabet. These translate into words and sentences which triggers the computer or processor to initiate specific tasks.
There are various coding languages. Some are so easy that even children can learn them. Visual programming languages – like Scratch – have been developed to help children learn code using images, signs and diagrams. Other programming languages for children include Python, Ruby and Go.
Most of these languages can be used to write a series of commands or to develop web applications.
Aside from giving them a head start for future work, compared to other forms of numeric sciences, learning code can enhance children’s creativity.
For instance, much of teaching maths in Africa is still done through rote learning, an outdated pedagogical method that discourages creativity in children. Rote learning is based on memorisation of information and repetition, “parroting” so to speak. Research shows that rote learning isn’t effective because the learner rarely gets to understand the application of what they have learnt.
By comparison, coding builds logical thinking as it requires a focus on solving a specific challenge. This teaches children to evaluate situations from different angles and come up with creative solutions. They also get to test these ideas and, if they don’t work, figure out what went wrong.
Some studies suggest coding also enhances collaboration and communication, essential skills for future jobs.
Coding teaches children to come up with creative solutions to challenges