Are you a student? Have you ever thought about learning to code in school?
Has it ever crossed your mind to create your own apps, website, or game? Something millions of people across the globe can use and enjoy.
All these are possible if you can learn to code, even as a student.
Coding is the skill of writing instructions for computers to follow. It’s what makes websites, apps, games, and other digital products work. Coding is also a lot of fun! You get to be creative, express yourself, and bring your ideas to life.
Now, hold on a minute. I know what you’re thinking. “Coding? Me? No!
It’s too complicated. I’m just not cut out for it.”
But guess what? I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can do it! Learning to code in school might seem intimidating but take a deep breath and hear me out.
Also Read: Why You Should Learn Data Science
Everyone starts somewhere. And even the most proficient coders of our time once felt the same uncertainty.
In this article, I’ll show you how learning to code in school can set you up for success in many ways. Let’s get started!
How Learning to Code in School Sets Students Up for Success
a. Coding improves your academic performance.
Coding helps you develop logical thinking, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. These skills are essential for any subject you study, from math and science to language arts and social studies. Coding also helps you learn to break down complex tasks into smaller steps, which makes learning more effortless and efficient.
b. Coding boosts your creativity and confidence.
Coding allows you to express yourself in new and exciting ways. You can create anything you can imagine with code, from animations and stories to games and simulations. Coding also gives you a sense of accomplishment and pride when you finish a project or overcome a challenge. You learn how to persevere, experiment, and learn from your mistakes.
c. Coding prepares you for the future.
Coding is one of the most in-demand skills in today’s world. According to Code.org, there are over 1 million open computing jobs in the US alone paying well above the average salary. Coding also opens up opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and social impact. You can use your coding skills to start a private business, invent new products, or make a positive difference in your community.
d. Coding connects you with others.
Coding is not a solitary activity. It’s a collaborative and social one. You can code with friends, classmates, teachers, or online communities, share your projects, get feedback, learn from others, and help others learn. Additionally, you can also join clubs, competitions, hackathons, and other events that celebrate coding and foster a sense of belonging.
e. Coding Increases Your Power of Creativity
By learning to code in school, you unlock a world of endless possibilities for bringing your creative ideas into existence. Whether you dream of designing breathtaking websites, crafting addictive mobile apps, or constructing mind-boggling virtual reality experiences, coding is your passport to an uncharted realm of artistic expression.
f. Coding Sharpens Your Critical Thinking Skills
Coding is the ultimate brain workout, a mental marathon that sharpens your problem-solving skills like no other. It’s like unraveling a mysterious puzzle, but instead of finding a hidden treasure, you gain the power to shape the digital world around you. You become the conductor of your own creation, turning ideas into reality with lines of code.
Resources Available Online and Offline to Learn to Code
As you can see, learning how to code in school has many benefits for your personal and professional growth. But how do you get started? Where do you learn to code?
You’ll find many resources online that can teach you how to code for free or at a subsidized rate. Some of them are:
-
Code.org
A nonprofit organization that aims at increasing access to computer science education for all students. They offer online courses, tutorials, activities, and events for students of all ages and levels. They also provide curriculum and training for teachers who want to teach coding in their classrooms.
-
W3Schools
This is a website that offers free tutorials on web development languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, SQL, and more. You can learn how to create websites from scratch or use templates and frameworks. You can also test your code online and get instant feedback.
-
Codecademy
Codecademy is an online platform that offers interactive courses on various programming languages such as Python, Java, Ruby, C++, and more. You can learn to code by following step-by-step instructions, writing code in an online editor, and completing projects and quizzes.
These are just some of the many options available for learning how to code online. You can also find books, videos, podcasts, blogs, forums, and other resources that can help you learn more about coding.
But don’t forget that learning to code is not only about online resources. It’s also about offline experiences. You can also learn how to code by:
- Asking your teacher or school counselor if they offer any coding classes or clubs at your school or nearby.
- Visiting your local library or community center and checking out their coding books or programs.
- Attending local or online events such as workshops, meetups, hackathons, or conferences related to coding.
- Finding a mentor or a peer who can guide you or support you in your coding journey.
Job Opportunities for You After Learning to Code in School.
You may be thinking, ”Learning to code is not the problem, but what will I do with it after learning it?” Well’ in the preceding paragraphs, we stated the general benefits of learning to code in school. In this section, we’ll explore specific job opportunities available for you after learning to code. So, here are some of the best job opportunities for coders:
-
Web developer
This is probably the most obvious and popular job opportunity for coders. Web developers create websites and web applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other web technologies. They are responsible for the front-end (the visual part) and/or the back-end (the functional part) of a website or web app. Web developers can work for companies or freelance for clients. They can specialize in different areas such as e-commerce, WordPress, React, or Shopify. Web developers are in high demand and can earn an average salary of $75k per year in the US.
-
Mobile Developer
Mobile developers create apps for smartphones and tablets using native or cross-platform technologies. They are responsible for the design, development, testing, and deployment of mobile apps. Mobile developers can work for companies or freelance for clients. They can specialize in different platforms such as iOS (Swift), Android (Kotlin), or Flutter (Dart). Mobile developers are also in high demand and can earn an average salary of $96k per year in the US.
-
Data scientist
Data scientists analyze large amounts of data using statistical methods and machine learning algorithms. They are responsible for finding patterns, insights, and solutions from data. Data scientists can work for companies or research institutions. They can specialize in different domains such as business analytics (Tableau), natural language processing (Python), or computer vision (TensorFlow). Data scientists are one of the most sought-after and well-paid coders in the world. They can earn an average salary of $113k per year in the US.
-
Software engineer
Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems and applications. They are involved in the entire software development life cycle, from conceptualization and design to coding, testing, and deployment. Software engineers can specialize in various areas such as systems software, application software, or embedded systems. They work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the functionality and efficiency of software solutions. With the rapid advancement of technology, the demand for software engineers remains high, and they can earn an average salary of $105k per year in the US.
-
Cybersecurity specialist
With the increasing number of cyber threats and data breaches, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organizations worldwide. Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for safeguarding computer systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, and vulnerabilities. They develop security measures, implement security protocols, conduct risk assessments, and respond to security incidents. Cybersecurity specialists can work for companies, government agencies, or as consultants. With the constant need to protect digital assets, cybersecurity specialists are in high demand and can earn an average salary of $98k per year in the US.
-
AI and machine learning engineer
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to shape various industries, the demand for AI and machine learning engineers has skyrocketed. These professionals develop AI models, algorithms, and systems that can learn and make intelligent decisions. They work with large datasets, design machine learning models, and implement them into real-world applications. AI and machine learning engineers can specialize in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, or recommendation systems. They can work for tech companies, research institutions, or startups. Due to the scarcity of skilled AI talent, these engineers can command high salaries, with an average of $120k per year in the US.
Read Also: How Schools Can Use AI in Education and Why
-
Blockchain developer
Blockchain technology has gained significant attention in recent years, primarily due to its applications in cryptocurrency and decentralized systems. Blockchain developers create and implement blockchain solutions, smart contracts, and decentralized applications (DApps). They have expertise in blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Hyperledger, or Corda and are responsible for ensuring the security and integrity of blockchain networks. Blockchain developers can work for blockchain-focused companies, fintech startups, or as freelancers. As blockchain continues to disrupt industries, skilled developers can earn an average salary of $95k per year in the US.
Conclusion
Learning how to code in school is a great way to set yourself up for success. It can help you improve your academic performance, boost your creativity and confidence, prepare you for the future, and connect you with others. It can also be a lot of fun and rewarding.
So what are you waiting for? Start learning how to code today and see what you can create and achieve!