Let’s look at the top 10 benefits of coding beyond the computer.
Technology is changing the way we see things, think, approach problems, think about solutions, and do a lot more. Beyond computers, there are lots of benefits that come with learning how to code. Most people think coding is all about computers, being a geek or nerd and the benefits are only the software you create, but it goes beyond computers and transcends to other aspects of life. Most people consider coding more of a technical skill and assume it remains a technical skill.
Coding is more of another form of literacy or education, think of it as learning a new language, this language is not the traditional human language rather it is the language of the computer. Learning these invaluable skills comes with lots of benefits that go beyond the computer.
What is Coding?
Before we look at the top 10 benefits of coding beyond the computer, what exactly is coding?
Coding is the process of using a programming language to get a computer to behave how you want it to. Every line of code tells the computer to do something, and a document full of lines of code is called a script. Each script is designed to carry out a job. This job might be to take an image and change its size.
Computer code is very important, and almost every electronic device you use relies on code. The way things work can seem quite confusing, but when you break it down it’s simple. People who write codes are called programmers, coders, or developers. They all work with computers to create websites, apps, and even games!
Benefits of Coding
- To begin with, coding enhances logical and analytical thinking:
Coding requires logical and analytical thinking to complete certain tasks. Logical thinking helps in analyzing a situation and coming up with a sensible solution. Similar to critical thinking, logical thinking requires the use of reasoning skills to study a problem objectively, which will allow you to make a rational conclusion about how to proceed. This applies to all aspects of life, deep thinking is required to make decisions regardless of your area of expertise. Kids who learn this early in life grow to make decisions decisively and approach situations strategically with tactical thinking.
- Secondly, it boosts creativity:
This is one of the top 10 benefits of coding beyond the computer that improves every child.
Coding boosts creativity because coders are creators. Creativity is imagination having fun. In coding, what you imagine can be brought to life through innovative thinking. Everyone needs to do things creatively to stand out. Your unique signature is your creative ability. By learning to code, kids think of creative ways to solve their problems. This is a skill they will learn to use in other aspects of life beyond the computer.
- Furthermore, it builds resilience:
Coders spend days, sometimes weeks, or months trying to debug a program. Weak-minded people give up after two to three attempts. If it doesn’t work they move on with other things. Developing confidence in your ability to solve problems and trusting your instincts helps build resilience. Keep things in perspective. Even when facing very painful events, try to consider the stressful situation in a broader context and keep a long-term perspective. Avoid blowing the event out of proportion.
- Also, Improve Communication skills:
The process of breaking down problems into communicable parts is a skill that translates to interactions with people, and largely one of the top 10 benefits of coding beyond the computer. When communicating with computers through coding, kids must first carefully consider what needs to be expressed, brainstorm the clearest way to say it, then carefully execute with well-organized, intuitive code. Computers can’t fill in any gaps – they need everything spelled out quite literally. Communication skills are a necessary part of life – and because these skills are required both in the workplace and in personal interactions, their relevance won’t dwindle in the future. Learning to code can be an exciting, educational way for kids to develop their communication skills – from learning to improve verbal and written communication to gaining a better understanding of conversation structure.
- In addition, coding develops confidence:
When you solve problems often and drive in results, your confidence level increases. Confidence comes from feelings of well-being, acceptance of your body and mind (your self-esteem), and belief in your ability, skills, and experience. This means feeling sure of yourself and your abilities not in an arrogant way, but in a realistic, and secure way. Confidence isn’t about feeling superior to others. It’s a quiet inner knowledge that you’re capable.
- Teamwork:
Coders usually work in teams. A backend developer collaborates with a front-end developer to achieve the same tasks and produce results. Teamwork is the collaborative effort of a group to achieve a common goal or to complete a task most effectively and efficiently. Working as a team helps us generate new ideas, improve efficiency, better quality, higher morale, group cohesion, etc· Ability to work in a team is usually required in most jobs, learning that earlier in life is a great addition.
- Improve Maths Skills:
Coding can allow math to give form to abstract concepts. It can also enable kids to improve their results in a traditional math class. Because coding is applied to math and logic as shown through the usage of conditionals, loops, and numbers, it can easily help improve math. Although you do not need to be a math expert to learn how to code, coding can help to improve your math and computational skills.
- Constantly Evolving Skill Set:
Technology changes almost daily and this is especially true for programming. New languages and development environments are always coming out that can make your experience better and more efficient. You have the opportunity to stay on the cutting edge of technology out of necessity. Kids who learn to code won’t have difficulty adapting to new skills and innovation later in life.
- Sense of Accomplishment:
Gaining a sense of accomplishment, and feeling proud of the work you’ve done, helps people feel like they’re progressing in their work. There is nothing like taking pride in the fact that you have created something that people use every day to help them do their jobs successfully. Coding is all about solving problems for yourself or other people, being able to do that makes you happy. Kids are always happy when they try something out and it works.
- In conclusion, coding brings about continuous growth:
Coders are always evolving and progressing. Learning a new language or developing expertise in a stack keeps the mind sharp. This transcends to other aspects of life and it goes way beyond the computer.
As you can see, the benefits of learning to code are beyond learning how to program a computer. Learning to code is a highly valued skill that can help children throughout their day-to-day lives.
Parents and educators when you encourage your children or students to code, you are providing a way for them to gain not only technical skills but life skills as well. Thank you for giving the kids in your life the gift of learning to code and the opportunity to develop the skills that accompany it!
Download the free kid’s code guide and learn exactly what it takes to help your kids start coding their way into the future they desire, right now!
