Want to Change the World? Learn How to Code!

Do you like using computers? Online games? Apps? Tablets? If so, you are not alone. Most kids today are big users and fans of technology.

But where do all of these awesome games, websites and apps come from? All of them, in some way, were created by computer programmers or “coders”.

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft is a coder. Mark Zuckerberg, the inventor of Facebook is a coder. Angry Birds apps, Minecraft and Twitter were all created by coders. This website, which uses a the computer program WordPress, was created thanks to coders from around the world.

Over the last 30 years, computers and coding have changed the world and have helped to improve peoples lives in many ways.  Helping people communicate with each other, support causes that matter to them and educate themselves are just a few ways technology has improved lives.

Learning how to code also helps you to develop new ways of thinking and solving problems.  So even if you do not want to become a coder, understanding how to code can be a great benefit for you.

Think you are too young or too old to learn to code?  Learning how to code can start as young as 4 years old!  Today there are many great websites, events and tutorials to help students get started. We have listed a bunch of these below. There are also lots of jobs available for coders and not nearly enough people to fill them.

Check out this great video from the folks at code.org and learn about why Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, musician will.i.am, an NBA star and many others believe coding is such an important skill to learn.

Additional Resources:

• Here are other great IMK stories about technology
• Learn more about Bill Gates on Kidsfront
• Check out some great quotes about the importance of coding on code.org

Topics for Discussion:

• What are 3 ways that computers and technology make your life better?
• After watching the video above, discuss how coding can benefit humanity.
• What do you think are some common character traits of great coders?
• What are 2 problems that have been caused by technology?  What are some ways to stop these problems?

Take Action:

• Try out a coding program at school or on your own.  Code.org provides and awesome list of learn to code programs and videos for all ages, including Robologic, Kodu and AppInventor
• Talk to your teacher or parent about coding and give them ideas on how to get started here
• Check out local events in your area to learn coding and meet coders at coderdojo
• Do you know someone who is a coder?  Talk to them about their job and what makes a successful coder

Teacher Features:

• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for elementary school students.
• Here is a link to a Critical Reading Skills worksheet that you can use for middle school students.