Why teach coding?

Coding isn't just for "techies" or kids who want to work on computers. There are lots of
compelling reasons for all students to learn to code.

First, it teaches students how to be digital creators -- to create their own websites, apps,
and programs. Coding allows students to wield the full power of the internet -- and
multimedia -- to share their ideas, talents, and creativity with the world.

"Most people won't grow up to become professional computer scientists or programmers, but
those skills of thinking creatively, reasoning systematically, working collaboratively … are
things that people can use no matter what they're doing in their work lives."

Coding also provides students with skills that apply across content areas. By learning to
tell machines what to do, students engage in problem-solving and computational
thinking, which apply to academic and professional disciplines across the board. As
computer scientist Mitch Resnick from MIT explains, "Most people won't grow up to
become professional computer scientists or programmers, but those skills of thinking
creatively, reasoning systematically, working collaboratively … are things that people can
use no matter what they're doing in their work lives."

Learning to code also teaches students in a concrete way how the technology they use
every day works. Students get a better understanding of what apps are actually coded to
do and, in turn, what some of the larger consequences of using them are.

For example, consider heavily used platforms like Instagram or Amazon. These platforms
use algorithms, which are coded formulas, designed to get users to use the platform as
much as possible. Knowing that these platforms are coded this way helps students
understand the larger ramifications of their use: The platform is able to collect more and
more data, and there is potential for overuse and for being manipulated into using the
platform more than is healthy.

Coding can also be lots of fun and provide students with a creative outlet, and it will give
them a leg up when they begin pursuing a career and other professional goals.