Learning to code is important. Everywhere we look, we’re implementing technology and/or software into everyday things to improve our lives and change the world. Computers are now used to automate everyday tasks, make us more efficient, build amazing things or help us keep in touch with loved ones.
Everyday household items like your lights have code in them to save energy and set the correct ambiance in whichever room you want it to. Our cars have software in them to make parallel parking easier, connect to the internet and eventually drive themselves. Who would have ever thought a company like Airbnb would change how we traveled or Uber would change the way we got around the city? It’s an exciting time as industries such as finance embrace technology to make it easier to manage our finances and prevent unnecessary fees.
While learning to code is extremely important, learning to think is the primary benefit of learning to code and what really ends up impacting the world. The process of learning to code lends itself to a new way of thinking that has resulted in everyday improvements in life we never thought possible. Some of this, such as the hyperloop or the smartphone, are straight out of a sci-fi movie. When you learn to code you can literally think something into existence!
Check out this TED talk video called “Teaching Creative Computer Science” for kids, a great talk about how Comp Sci education for kids is focusing too much on the technology, and not enough on ideas. Sure, learning Java or Python is great – but how about that big picture?