5 Underrated Skills Programming Teaches

While knowing how to code is a skill that will get your foot in the door of a great career, there are other soft skills your studies will teach you that will help you become a more well-rounded person and team member. Coding is more than just a technical skill; it is a basis for becoming a knowledgeable and intuitive creator. The key to expressing this is to realize and incorporate these soft skills into your endeavors:

Empathy

Empathy is about more than understanding other people’s feelings and emotions. It also includes the ability to understand a person’s goals, intentions, and needs. This information is vitally important for you to understand when you begin a new project so that you can produce your best work (and perhaps make a solid professional connection along the way).

Logic

This one is a core soft skill that coding teaches. When you try to interpret or express information through written code, you adopt an analytical mindset that exercises your logic faculties on a regular basis. This will make you an even better problem-solver, both inside and outside of your coding projects.

Attention to detail

Knowing how to code requires you to understand how to create a comprehensive product, accounting for all of the small details that make a user’s experience as seamless and positive as possible. Learning this skill will also reaffirm your ability to notice errors and implement long-term solutions in correcting them.

Creativity

Understanding coding provides you with an expansive toolbox that you can use to express creative ideas through programs, apps, and other projects. This will lead to you creating some great results to showcase in your portfolio. If you have ideas and the skills in which to bring them to life, the possibilities are endless!

Perseverance

Coding is a challenge and can come with many frustrations throughout your various projects. However, staying consistent in your studies will teach you that you can make it through all of the roadblocks you may face and achieve your goals. It’ll also teach you that creating something successful requires time, patience, and commitment, which is a valuable concept for everyone to understand across all walks of life.

At first glance, the benefits of learning how to code seem very black and white, when in reality they are much more expansive than that. Many of the skills you will learn during your studies will transfer into your professional and personal lives, and will help you excel at being adaptable and successful!

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5 Projects to Help Practice Coding

Learning how to code is a constant and productive challenge of wrapping your mind around new concepts, patterns, and possibilities. This means that just like any other skill, if you want to excel, you’ll need to practice! The idea of beginning your own projects may seem daunting, especially if your long-term goals are big, but the reality is that you don’t have to jump right into them. Read on for some smaller projects that will help you build your coding skills:

Create a mobile app

Being able to create interfaces that are friendly to mobile devices is a skill that is absolutely relevant to your field of study. HTML and CSS can be used to create interesting and appealing layouts that can be integrated into an Android or iOS app. When brainstorming for this project, feel free to start out with a basic concept, such as a countdown timer, recipe manager, or interactive to-do list.

Virtual pet simulator

For those who would like more cuteness in their life, building a virtual pet simulator is a great project to start out with. First, choose a creature you’d like to design, and then give your pet characteristics such as age, health, happiness, and a name. Another step toward making this project functional is to program your pet to have responses to stimuli. The more interactive you make your pet, the more fun this project will be!

Build a calculator

This is one of the most popular projects for beginners to try. It allows you to practice creating a layout, as well as implementing logic that reads the layout and processes information to produce a result. It’s a very simple project to start, but also provides a solid challenge in building your core skills.

Create a rock, paper, scissors game

This type of project requires you to account for both user input and random result generation, making it a great standard project to use for practice. It provides novice coders with the instant gratification of being able to play the game immediately after it is finished, which can go a long way in maintaining long-term inspiration.

Build a basic HTML5 website

This is a project that has the potential to be immensely educational. Creating a basic website requires you to combine your knowledge of basic design principles such as web hosting, file linking, and coding logic. This project could also be a great example of your work to put in your portfolio.
Learning to code requires you to build upon your skills regularly. The key to this is maintaining a regular flow of projects that challenge you to expand your knowledge and encourage you to believe that you have the power to learn as much about coding as you set your mind to!

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4 Benefits of Working Remotely

The sudden circumstances that COVID-19 has created for businesses has required them to make changes quickly for the sake of their employees. One of these major changes is implementing remote work. While this type of work was already popular, its desirability has only increased in recent months, and for good reason. Here are a few reasons why you should consider continuing (or even beginning!) work from the comfort of your own home even after businesses begin returning to their offices:

Better work-life balance

Working from home really helps you be conscious of how many hours you dedicate to your job-related duties. If you’re known for overworking yourself, being home during the week will remind you of the other parts of your life that might want to make more time for. To make matters even better, many remote jobs offer the option of creating your own schedule, allowing you to more easily tend to the responsibilities of your personal life.

More job opportunities

Being a remote worker provides you with the ability to access professional opportunities across the country, not just the ones in your city. This can lead to better pay and benefits than what your local job market can provide. This benefit may be a bit difficult to reap while current travel restrictions are in place, since some remote positions require periodic business trips, but it will definitely be a great perk when circumstances begin to return to normal.

Less money spent

If you think about it, working in an office can add up a lot of extra expenses that you may not realize. Commuting to an office requires gas. The coffee you drink every morning costs money, and so do those breakfasts and lunches you may buy when you’re on-the-go every day. Working from home allows you to cut down on unnecessary expenses and will likely save you a lot of money in the long run.

A better workspace

While some employers may have restrictions on customizing your workspace in their building, you don’t need to worry about that when you create your own office. You can hang as many pictures of your loved ones as you want, as well as play music as loudly as you’d like. The ability to create your own comfortable office will allow you to relax and produce high-quality work.
While the pandemic has forced millions of workers to work remotely, there are many reasons apart from it to enjoy and continue this new trend. Go forth and discover all of the benefits and freedom it has to offer!

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Tech Tips to Increase Your Productivity

The pressure to produce more has become commonplace in most industries. Leading to less time to complete tasks and projects and more stress on workers. And since there isn’t a way to lengthen the day, not yet anyway, the key to getting your work done on time is efficiency. So, finding new methods to increase your productivity is vital in staying ahead in our modern busy world. Well, you’re in luck because we are going to provide four tech tips to make you a more efficient, productive worker.

Improved typing/keyboard shortcuts

Improving your typing speed and accuracy can make a big difference in your productivity. You may think you are a typing virtuoso, but even the slightest improvement can impact your output. Additionally, investing time to learn keyboard shortcuts will pay big productivity dividends. You’ll spend less time clicking and more time shortcutting your way to outstanding efficiency. Imagine if you will, putting together a proposal without looking at your keyboard and barely touching your mouse. Now that’s productivity.

Leverage the power of multiple monitors

Using only one monitor is so 20th century. According to a study conducted by NEC and the University of Utah, individuals using a two-monitor setup were 44 percent more productive than those using a single display. How about more than two monitors? That depends on your own personal needs. In most cases, two displays are sufficient.

Reduce distractions

As incredible technology is at increasing our productivity, the same cutting-edge machines tend to be great time wasters as well. Whether it’s the latest mobile game, or the temptation to see what’s happening on social media, distractions are everywhere. How can you navigate through this sea of diversions? First, put your phone away. Yes, smartphones are necessary for many occupations, but setting it aside for a time won’t lead to the end of the world. Also, consider avoiding social media while working. This includes watching videos of kittens and other hijinks. You’ll get more done, and you’ll still have plenty of time to watch your favorite YouTuber later.

Productivity Apps

If you want to produce more, and have fun, gamify your tasks. Productivity apps like Do It Now and Productivity Challenge Timer help you focus on the job at hand. Additionally, they provide a game-like user interface that motivates you to complete projects and stick to your goals. Seeing your progress will help you entertainingly stay on task. Being productive has never been so much fun.

Now that you are armed with these four useful tech tips, you’ll be more productive and maybe even have more fun. The best part, you don’t even need a time machine. Although that would be awesome.

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7 Images That Will Inspire Both Novice and Pro Coders

Coding is an amazing ability — and it is becoming an increasingly important skill for all professionals to understand as we evolve into a digital world. Learning to code requires logic, creativity and (above all) a lot of patience. Whether you’re a novice or a pro coder, it’s important to stay inspired and remember why you began learning in the first place. Read on for our favorite motivational images for coders.

1. Coding offers job opportunities galore — and parents agree!

2. The late Stephen Hawking offered his wisdom on the importance of coding.

3. Unlocking new possibilities begins with the press of a button.

4. What will you create? The opportunities are endless and vary depending on your unique perspective — give the gift of your ideas to the world.

5. Although coding is heavily math-based, it also takes creativity to turn a vision into a reality.

6. Want to change the world? Code.

7. Taking an abstract thought from your mind and weaving it into a logical formula for the world to see is one of the many incredible abilities of a coder.

 

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Four Ways Video Games Help People

Video games. If you are an avid gamer yourself, then you know the excitement and joy that comes with playing your favorite game. In fact, many gamers decide they love the interactive entertainment so much that they not only want to play — they want to create! Video game programming and design can be an incredible outlet for bringing both coding and creativity to life, while providing a source of entertainment that truly helps people. Yes, you read that correctly — video games can help people. Read on to learn how.

Improves brain function

Scientific research has discovered that video games improve brain function. According to research published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, partaking in video games increases attentiveness in several different areas — including sustained attention. Additionally, the same study found that gamers are more efficient in general attention activities, which can positively impact one’s day-to-day life.

Relieves stress

You’ve had a long, stressful day at work or school and to you, nothing beats sitting down and playing Call of Duty or World of Warcraft. It’s vital in our modern society to have an outlet to destress, and video games are a perfect medium to let the problems of the real world melt away. A Dale TV survey showed that 55 percent of gamers agree with that assessment. Additionally, 47 percent of respondents in the same survey believe playing games positively affects their lives. That sounds like a win-win.

Opens a cool career path

If you decide to get into a career making amazing games, you may even inspire MORE people to seek a career making amazing games too — and the cycle of creativity continues on! It’s natural for those playing video games to wonder, “how do these games work?” That curiosity can lead to an amazing career in coding, and that’s just the beginning. When one decides to venture into the world of coding, a host of career opportunities opens. From software development to computer programming to business intelligence analysis, coding provides you the tools to opt for a rewarding career in just about any industry. To think, this can all begin from playing video games.

Promotes social skills

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), video games of all genres may positively affect children’s social skills in addition to boosting their learning and health. But beyond science, those of us in the know, understand that video games are a social event. You sign online and interact with others and even learn how to interact as a team.

Video games are great for entertainment but as we have just learned, they can also positively impact people’s lives. Whether it helps you relieve stress or leads to an amazing career, video games are incredible.

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Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home Study Area

It’s time to say goodbye to frigid temperatures and blowing snow and welcome warm sunshine and tranquil breezes. Spring is the time of year that marks new beginnings, so it makes perfect sense to shake off the chill of winter and put your best foot forward. And can you really say you’re giving the world your best if your study area looks like it endured a blizzard or two over the past few months? We’re going to help you clean up your act and make your study area look as pristine as a freshly bloomed tulip.

Clean but don’t overwhelm yourself

If your study area isn’t too cluttered or untidy, this section doesn’t apply to you. However, if your home study area is an absolute disaster, please take note. When attempting to spring clean your study area, or anything else for that matter, don’t overwhelm yourself. Make a cleaning plan and take your time. If your spring-cleaning efforts encompass a day, or two, or even three don’t fret. Just get the job done right.

Declutter and organize

More clutter equals more distractions and when you’re trying to be serious about your work, distractions are your worst enemy. Remove the unnecessary trinkets and decorations that do nothing more than sway your focus and only add items that won’t act as the proverbial shiny object. Furthermore, get rid of piles of paperwork and books and organize them in a file cabinet or bookshelf. Try to have a system so you can find important papers. The toss to the side and forget them method will only serve to frustrate you in the future.

Clean

This is spring cleaning, after all, so the actual cleaning part does have to occur. While you are decluttering and organizing, break out the vacuum, broom and dust cloth. Before adding items back to your study area, make sure everything is tidy and dust free. Vacuum around (and under) your desk and try to deep clean. You want to welcome in this beautiful time of year with a beautiful study area.

Add some life and color

Although you don’t want too many distractions, you also don’t want your study nook to feel drab and boring. After you have completed your cleaning, decluttering and organizing efforts, add a bit of color with a painting or a vibrant vase of flowers. You want to set an upbeat mood before and during your study time. The quest for knowledge doesn’t have to dull and colorless.

Upgrade

If it fits into your budget, a new desk or computer can really give your study efforts a nice morale boost. You can also spruce up your study area without breaking the bank. A nice used bookshelf or cool vintage lamp can provide a new look on a budget. Just remember to keep your new and old equipment and furniture clean.

Maintain

Once everything is clean and ready to roll for countless successful study sessions, do your best to maintain. Set a weekly time to dust and vacuum. Additionally, consider continually organizing so the next time you decide to perform a deep clean, you won’t have nearly as much work. You’ll thank yourself.

A clean study area won’t guarantee an A+, but it can at least make your work more pleasurable. So, don’t be afraid to bring out your cleaning supplies and get to work. We’ll give you an A+ for effort.

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4 Tech-Savvy Skills to Learn

It’s no secret that having technical savvy can go a long way in furthering your career or helping you land a job. But do you know which skills can set you apart from the competition and improve your chances of being a superstar at work? You are about to discover four vital areas you need to master to become the envy of coworkers and the apple of your boss’s eye. You’ll even impress yourself.

Keyboard shortcuts

Your mouse can come in handy, but don’t let that little gadget get in the way of increased efficiency and productivity. It’s time to reduce your mouse habit and learn the secret most advanced computer users know, keyboard shortcuts are awesome. You probably already know shortcuts like Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V (well hopefully anyway) but there is a whole tech-savvy world filled with shortcuts you haven’t even imagined. Research and discover the plethora of keyboard shortcuts that will make your mouse almost seem unnecessary.

Coding

Even if you consider yourself a bit technologically challenged, you can learn how to code. It may seem intimidating but it’s not when you find the right teacher. An excellent coding school can set you on a path to learning the ins and outs of creating incredible apps and software. And if you’re not interested in discovering the next big thing in mobile applications, having at least a basic understanding of code can help you become a better business owner or employee.

Microsoft Office

Like it or not, most office workers will need to delve into the productivity staple known as MS Office. For instance: When your boss wants a stellar presentation on your newest project, what do you turn to? PowerPoint. Did your coworker just send you a file filled with raw data? It’s time to open Excel. Oh, and speaking of that email you received from your coworker, you probably used MS Outlook to open it. You don’t have to be an expert at Office, but in today’s working environment, having at least an intermediate grasp is vital. If you feel uncomfortable learning Office on your own, find an instructor or school that can help educate you on this important software solution.

Improved typing

In the past, typing was a nice skill to have, in our present day, it’s a must. But it’s a skill we tend to learn and then fail to hone as time passes by. Don’t allow this to occur. Improving your typing speed, and accuracy can skyrocket your productivity. Admit it, how many times have you backtracked because you made an error in your presentation or article? Maybe, you still need to look at your keyboard from time to time. There are classes, apps and even games that can break you free from mediocre typing and help you become a keyboard master.

With an investment in time, and a little effort, you can master these four vital skills. Just be forewarned, once you do, you’ll be in high demand. Hopefully you won’t forget the little people.

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Why Now is the Best Time to Learn How to Code

You’ve been working from home for weeks, just about every recreational activity you normally enjoy is closed and your choices for entertainment are starting to dwindle. Finally, when pacing around your house and walking the dog for the 10th time is no longer an option, you figure it’s time to tackle a new challenge. But what are you going to do? Why not try to learn a cool new skill? Quite frankly, there is no better time to dust off your hippocampus and become a student. And there is no better skill to learn than coding. Here’s why.

Coding is cool

We may be biased when it comes to this opinion, but coding is downright cool. You get to be a member of a technological community that creates amazing things like apps, games, software and websites. Not only do you get to create but you also have access to the latest cutting-edge technology. Admit it, what part of that doesn’t sound cool?

Coding makes your resume more appealing

Instead of binge watching another crazy documentary on your favorite streaming service, why not make your resume pop? When you can feature an appealing skill like coding on your resume, hiring managers will take notice. Furthermore, if you are looking to change careers entirely, coding allows you to consider job opportunities you couldn’t have in the past. Occupations that allow you to create and have fun.

Increase your earning potential

When you can boast having coding skills, you’ll earn more money. According to one study conducted by Course Report, graduates of coding bootcamps enjoyed a 44% increase in their salaries. Investing an hour or two a day to learning this amazing skill can pay off.

Coding careers are flexible

From flexible working hours to the ability to work anywhere you’d like, a career in coding enables you to work and live the way you want. As current circumstances have taught us, the ability to perform your job functions from home is not just a luxury but during challenging times can be a real lifesaver. And when life returns to normal, working from an exotic beach doesn’t sound too shabby either.

More time for side projects

You have dreams that go well beyond your occupation, and when you have a flexible schedule you can pursue those aspirations. Whether you have a great idea for an app that will revolutionize an industry or even a business idea that isn’t specifically related to coding, your new skill will greatly increase your chance of success. Feel free to dream big.

These were just five reasons to help convince you that right now is a great time to learn coding. You can probably think of countless more. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning.

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Tips for Teaching or Tutoring Your Kids At Home

Teaching children, although rewarding, is not an easy task. It requires patience, an eye for detail and the ability to stay calm when the learning process goes sidewise. So how does a parent who doesn’t have the formal education to instruct children take up the reigns and become a teaching superstar? We’ll go over five tips that will give you guidance in teaching your children coding or any other subject. You’ll just have to provide the patience.

Succeed by planning and scheduling

There’s a theme when it comes to doing just about any task, plan and schedule. Although you have heard it a thousand times, it’s always worth repeating. Before you teach or tutor your children, craft a lesson plan and schedule. If you are teaching your children in place of school, try to adhere to a normal school day routine. Be specific in your planning and ensure there is enough time to tackle all the subject matter you have scheduled for the day. If only one subject is on the agenda, say like coding, most of your efforts will be in the planning phase rather than scheduling. However, regardless of the number of subjects, put effort into your planning.

Meet with your children

Sometimes a meeting can’t be an email. Meet with your children and discuss the day’s lesson plan. Talk over expectations and give them a clear idea of what they will be learning. Utilizing a visual aid, like a tablet or the old-fashioned route, a whiteboard, can help your children see what the day will have in store. There is no need for surprises when it comes to learning.

Take suggestions

Education should be an interactive process. Ask your children for suggestions on everything from lesson plans to teaching techniques. Discovering how your children learn will lead to more success. Which in turn will make your job as the teacher much simpler.

Ask for help

Do you have a friend or acquaintance who is a teacher? If you do, fabulous, because you have someone who has the knowledge and experience to lend you a helping hand. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you feel stuck or confused. Advice from a professional can give you that boost of confidence to become an awesome at home teacher.

Don’t forget the breaks

You may want to power through the subject matter at breakneck speeds but remember, you are teaching children. This is especially true if you are teaching an entire course load of material. Schedule enough time for breaks and don’t forget the food and drinks. Nutrition is vital for young learners

Teaching your children may be challenging but it’s not as daunting when you are prepared. Plan, schedule and allow your children to provide input. With some effort and an investment in time, you and your children will enjoy the entire process. You may not even need as much patience as you originally thought.

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