There are many types of children’s extracurricular programs. Some exist to entertain kids and perhaps exercise their imagination. Others stress fun while giving them vital tools they may draw on later in school or as adults.
Many parents rush to enroll their children in coding classes to give children fundamental knowledge and an inside peek into how the technology dominating daily life actually works. However, not all these courses are of the same quality.
Please read on to learn how elite online coding courses do things differently.
Video Games at the Heart of Everything
Kids taking the best online coding classes during the week learn by creating video games, ones they can play with friends and family. Such a fun goal motivates them to learn, but the courses also harness gamification dynamics, so the same things that make video games fun and engaging are used for learning.
Today’s video games are more than just a fun diversion for kids. The video game industry has surpassed the movie industry in terms of value. Maybe your child will want to become a professional video game developer one day. Or perhaps they’ll just have fun today.
Either way, look for an online coding course that revolves around video games.
Essential Coding Languages
Laypeople may think that there’s one thing called “coding” that programmers can do. While there may be overlapping skills and mental habits, coders need to know how to write in specific languages, and some are more powerful than others or have special uses.
Look for a coding course that teaches kids how to write in languages like:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
- C++
The program should ease kids into the language before going a bit deeper, refining their skills, and then showing them advanced skills. Once a student has reached this stage, they can move to the next language.
Kids as young as seven and teenagers will learn in-demand languages that employers look for.
Supportive Classroom Environment
How can a child learn if they’re surrounded by too many students making noise? Similarly, how can a teacher teach properly in a busy, disruptive atmosphere?
Leading online coding classes cap class sizes at four, so there’ll only be your child and three other students, possibly even fewer. Your child won’t have to fight against their classmates to get one-on-one time with the teacher, and instructors won’t struggle with classroom management issues.
Ideally, the program hires young teachers with computer science or computer engineering backgrounds. Younger, expert teachers also grew up playing video games, and they’ll pass this passion along to their students. Plus, older students can pick their brains about where coding skills can take them, as they have recent, relevant experience navigating the job market.
There’s no shortage of programs promising to give children today the tools they will need tomorrow. Once you delve a little deeper into the program’s design, you’ll see some major differences. Look for an elite program that ticks off all the above boxes, and your child will have a lot of fun learning fundamental coding skills.
