Why Teach Coding To High School Students?

As technology touches every aspect of modern life, the demand for software developers is constantly rising. In the foreseeable future, those with technology skills will have a competitive edge over others. Techies can work in multiple sectors and roles, and the job opportunities come with several perks.

 Besides the compensation and benefits, techies can rise to the leadership ranks. They can also become knowledge workers who work remotely and collaborate with multiple companies. Another growth path is for techies to launch their startups and build world-class company that solves scalable problems. Passionate coders are powering some of the most important businesses of today’s times.

 Though, companies today struggle to find talent and fill various tech-related positions. This gap has inspired some forward-thinking schools to introduce a core Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subject like coding into the school curriculum.

Why are some schools teaching coding?

Research indicates early exposure to STEM helps children build a strong foundation in these core subjects. In addition, coding is integral to STEM because technology enables innovation in every sphere of life. It is also a building block for a vibrant career in software development.

 On the other hand, even if one does not want to pursue a career in software development, coding is a handy skill for any professional today. Coding skills unlock problem-solving abilities, creativity, the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and confidence.

 It enables professionals in other domains to also leverage technology for growth. For instance, a writer with exposure to coding skills can quickly build their website instead of being dependent on another professional for this input.

 The growing relevance of coding makes it essential for schools to include coding in the curriculum. However, due to several challenges, most schools are yet to introduce coding into their respective curriculums.

Common challenges faced by schools

• They may not have buy-in from the teachers, parents, and key stakeholders about teaching a contemporary subject like coding into a traditional board curriculum
• The school may not have the capabilities to develop a coding curriculum from scratch
• Unlike other subjects, students will need access to a computer laboratory equipped with modern devices where they can learn and practice coding
• A subject like coding needs to be taught by skilled educators with industry experience
• Self-learning is an essential aspect of coding. Students must practice and work on live projects with classmates, and schools do not always have an environment that encourages independent, hands-on learning.

How virtual schools are bridging gaps

Despite skill-based interventions being introduced at the college level and when freshers join the workforce, cultivating a skill-based mindset takes significant time. Hence, skill interventions must start in school, during a child’s formative years.

 Skills-based education is an emerging trend, and virtual schools like 21School are prioritizing the teaching of STEM skills. STEM subjects like coding are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, thus giving students a competitive edge in the modern world. Students learn via a mix of on-demand online content, live sessions, and collaborative projects with their classmates worldwide.

While coding is a skill in itself, it also triggers the cultivation of other highly valued skills in the world of work. These include analytical skills, a problem-solving mindset, and the ability to think creatively and develop innovative solutions.

Impact of coding skills

The impact of children learning coding skills is a unique journey in itself. Children develop a constructive mindset, eager to use their abilities to solve problems. For instance, in a world where people constantly use apps and devices to perform a whole range of functions, children take the initiative to develop products that solve modern-day problems.

 Tools and resources like Apple’s coding apps language Swift and MIT’s App inventor make it easy for them to build products they feel passionate about.

 Early on, children also get interested in domains like robotics and software development, which can lay a foundation for a future career.

 Another unique benefit is for children who struggle with Maths. Resistance to learning Maths is a common problem experienced by children. However, engagement with coding is known to make Math more fun and easier to understand. Before long, children can understand the fundamentals of Math and excel in it.

 However, the most significant benefit is that a knowledge of tech gives children an edge in a world increasingly dependent upon technology across all areas of life.