Benefits of Learning Programming
As humanity becomes increasingly dependent on technology, it is crucial that children understand how everything works and learn the basics of programming from a young age. Programming has many benefits for our children's cognitive, academic, and professional development. Moreover, learning programming is fun! At least here at the School of Gaming! That's why our Principal lists seven reasons for you to learn programming today.
Programming is a way of giving instructions to computers. There are many programming languages, each with slightly different purposes. For example, Python is used for artificial intelligence programming, while Java is widely used in web service programming. Both of these languages will be taught in School of Gaming's Technology lessons. However, all programming languages share common roots, and it's possible to learn programming from a young age. Here are good reasons why.
1. Code is a language that brings people together
Programming languages are international languages understood not only by computers but also by other programmers worldwide, and probably by robots and aliens from other planets (just kidding!). The truth is, through a passion for programming, you can engage in global interactions with people across borders and participate in projects benefiting humanity, all from the comfort of your home. All that is needed is a common language with rules that everyone understands. Code brings people together.
2. Boost your Creativity
With a tool like programming, you can bring your visions to life, turn your thoughts into tangible creations. By learning to code, you can bring almost anything your mind can imagine into reality. For example, using programming skills, you can create the next most downloaded app in the world, perhaps make the most interactive website, or develop a game from scratch for your friends' enjoyment. Your creativity develops when given tools to bring ideas into reality.
3. Develop Your Problem Solving Skills
When you learn to program, you constantly encounter problems that need solving. And no, a problem is not always a bad thing. A problem is more of a challenge that needs a creative and efficient solution. In other words, the problem doesn't bother the programmer's mind; the programmer's mind is constantly looking for different ways to solve it. When facing problems in the coding world, it's natural to learn to solve problems effortlessly in everyday life.
4. Programmers Are in High Demand
Programming skills give a competitive advantage over other applicants in various industries. Programming skills are needed in almost every professional field. Even if one is not primarily a programmer by profession, understanding the basics of programming helps in whatever one does. But if you want to become a programmer, you have a field day choosing a job: among LinkedIn's top 10 most desired jobs by employers, Software Engineer and Full--Stack Software Developer are almost always in the top five.
5. Understand How the World Works
All children are curious from birth. Although parents may lose their temper when a child takes apart everything within reach, by seeing, experiencing, and figuring out what's inside things and how different pieces come together, a child learns to understand and perceive the world. Also, in programming, much is often learned through trial and error, and everything affects everything else.
By encouraging a child to try, attempt, and make mistakes, we help them figure out how the world works. By learning programming, children understand how technology relates to everything. It gives them a broader perspective to see how the world works and how people, organizations and societies function in it.
6. Helps Academic Development
Programming opens the door to cognitive development in children as it helps them plan and organize their thoughts. This also helps in other subjects such as linguistics, mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, and economics. By bringing out a child's natural creativity, the artistic part of the brain is also developed. This, if anything, is essential in children's development.
7. We Are All Entrepreneurs of the Future
Whether we like it or not, an entrepreneurial way of working is increasing. In the world of startup companies and technology firms, programming skills are essential. Most startups and easily scalable companies base their business on technology. That is, relying on the expertise of programming people.
If one understands the basics of programming, starting one's own business becomes relatively easy. Understanding programming and technology makes business planning, launching, and growing easier. Websites, applications, and products, whatever they may be, get more support when you know which lever to pull and what affects what and how. For a person with programming skills, the world is open, and the possibilities are limitless.
Those were our Principal Gamer’s seven superb reasons to learn programming. If there are children in your family who would benefit from knowing how to program, read on a bit further...
How to Get Started?
Programming is not just typing symbols on a black screen, as seen in movies. Learning it is actually much more fun! School of Gaming uses games to teach programming skills. Learning happens almost unconsciously, and the results of programming are visible on the screen in real-time.
In the Minecraft Education Edition we use (developed in Finland!), a child completes small tasks and challenges and creates various automations by entering values interpreted and executed by the program. For example: In Minecraft, a command can be given for the character to walk six steps forward or jump if a certain condition is met. If the character approaches a tree, the program can be coded to make the tree drop an apple when the character is close enough. There are almost limitless possibilities, and everything happens in a visual, game-like environment which children already love.
School of Gaming Teaches Children to Program Using Games They Love
Learning programming is easier when you have a personal guide who teaches the secrets of programming step by step. School of Gaming's game-educators introduce children to the possibilities of Minecraft and the basics of programming. With them, kids get a hefty dose of knowledge and programming skills through Minecraft.
School of Gaming takes children on an exciting adventure, where a door opens to life-changing possibilities. Not bad for a single hobby, is it?