We live in a digital world, and there’s no shortage of programs to give children the foundational skills they’ll need to thrive. Knowing how to code arms kids with a fundamental understanding of how popular apps, websites, and video games really work.
Without them, the digital world can shape them more than the reverse. In a basic sense, knowing how to write code is an employable skill. But you can’t just sign up for the first online coding class that appears on Google.
Here’s what to consider before enrolling your child in online coding classes.
Vital Coding Languages
Some online coding programs teach basic computer skills using drag-and-drop programs like Scratch rather than the most in-demand coding languages professionals use daily. Look for an online coding class that focuses on the following:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- C++
Whether your child is a total beginner or has some experience, there should be a level that’s just right for them. Each language should have its entry points before getting gradually more complex and advanced.
That way, each child has a suitable task that keeps them busy and stimulated without being overwhelming.
Games Are Everything
Online coding classes should be fun for at least two reasons. Joy is its own reward! Childhood is the time for play, and even when kids learn skills that will help them in adulthood, they should have fun today.
Engaged students who can’t wait for the next class also learn better. The best weekly coding classes, like Real Programming 4 Kids, harness gamification dynamics to make their classes gripping and even addictive.
If you’ve ever tried to yank your child away from their video games, you know how hooked on them they get! Just imagine they’re this drawn to learning, then you’ll understand how vital gamification can be.
Small Classes
There’s a reason elite private schools offer smaller classrooms: kids learn better in quieter, less disruptive environments. The sessions should be orderly, so children can focus and ask their questions freely without feeling like it’s impossible to get their teacher’s attention.
Leading online coding classes cap class sizes at four so that no students get overlooked. Some kids can be a bit quieter, and they may be less forceful in seeking out their teacher in larger groups, whether online or offline.
Years of Experience
Throughout the pandemic, businesses adapting to new realities of remote learning cropped up overnight like mushrooms. It’s better to look for an experienced online coding course.
Some programs have been around for decades, so their pedagogy and curriculum have developed over the years and are tested over time. If you find an experienced program with all the latest software and equipment, you’ll get the best of both worlds.
There is no shortage of extracurricular programs for kids designed to be fun and promote learning, but they vary in quality tremendously. Find a weekly online coding class that ticks off all the above boxes, and your child will have a terrific time learning skills they’ll need when job hunting.