National Coding Week

From 1st September 2014, the National Curriculum changed to include a new computer science coding programme. In the simplest of terms, coding tells a computer what to do and is taught in primary and secondary schools across England to children aged 5 to 15. 

Learning to code for many is like learning a foreign language. As our world is increasingly run by software, it is becoming more important for children and adults to learn to code. After all, over the next 8 years, it is estimated that there will be 1.4 million jobs in computer sciences and only around 400,000 graduates are expected to be qualified. 

Coding powers our digital world and our digital world is increasing more and more each year. In order to operate devices, coding is needed - every website, smart phone app, computer programme, calculator and even microwave! All of these will do exactly what you tell them to do (through coding).

National Coding Week aims to inspire people to learn coding and other digital skills during the week, particularly adults. Some adults may feel left behind as many missed out on the digital revolution at school but it is never too late to learn to code. To support the week, we have provided some information below to help those that are interested in learning to code.

So, we know how increasingly important coding is becoming, but how can we learn it? 

There are a number of events being held throughout the UK, some of which are in schools, for National Coding Week and you can attend these sessions to learn about coding. For these events, visit the Coding Week website and see if there is one near you. 

For additional online support, The Open University provides 7 step by step guides on how to code: 

1) Simple Coding - Introduction

2) Simple Coding – Sequence

3) Simple Coding – Selection

4) Simple Coding – Iteration

5) Simple Coding – Functions

6) Simple Coding Iteration (again)

7) Simple Coding Summary 

So if you are interested in learning something new then why not take on Coding so you’re up to speed with your student’s new lingo! Start with half an hour or an hour a week and see how you get on.

Below are some more online resources you may find helpful:

Skill Crush, 2016 – This provides 64 free web design and development resources including course, tutorials, videos etc.

Life Hacker, 2016

PC ADVISOR, 2016 

We hope you get on well with coding and please let us know how you find it! 

Perhaps you want to help children learn something more simple, like reading? Have a look at this fantastic infographic for some ideas!

Sources:

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/coding-classroom-what-coding-why-it-so-important-1463157 

https://codingweek.org/