Is computer science hard? Code.org and Makeblock empower kids to learn coding and computer science
Is computer science hard? Many lists rank computer science among the hardest majors, but what makes computer science so challenging? Some people find computer science easier to learn than others. Studying programming languages, algorithm theory, and computer systems design requires strong technical and analytical abilities. A solid mathematical foundation can make it easier to learn computer science.
Before signing up for computer science (CS) classes, learners must assess their strengths and abilities. They should also do their research. Finding the right CS program helps professionals break into the growing computer and technology field.
What is computer science?
The computer science field studies computers and computing systems. Computer scientists develop new uses for computing systems and solve problems with computers. They write computer programs, analyze algorithms, and create new computing technologies.
Within the broad field of computer science, professionals study database theory, data structures, computer security, and software engineering. Other specialties include artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction.
With computer science training, professionals work as computer network architects, software developers, information security analysts, and database administrators. Many CS jobs require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a closely related field.
How hard is computer science?
How hard is computer science? The field may seem overwhelming. Computer science professionals need solid coding skills and knowledge of computing systems and networks. But computer science also offers a wealth of learning resources, both through formal educational programs and self-learning resources.
Certain skills help learners pick up computer science. For example, strong attention to detail makes it easier to identify software bugs. Problem-solving skills make it easier to troubleshoot computer networks or systems. An aptitude for technical subjects also helps.
Some roles within computer science require advanced training. For example, specialists in machine learning and artificial intelligence often hold a graduate degree. Other roles, including software developer, quality assurance analyst, network architect, and database administrator, typically require a bachelor's degree.
Can you learn computer science without a programming background?
Do you need to learn how to code before taking CS classes? Most computer science programs offer introductory programming courses for students new to the field. Prospective CS majors can take free classes or teach themselves a programming language before college. Bootcamps also teach programming.
Is computer science a hard major?
Is computer science a hard major? CS has earned a reputation as a challenging major. And earning a degree in computer science tests students. Majors need strong technical skills, the ability to learn multiple programming languages, and exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Before declaring a CS major, undergrads should consider how to succeed in a computer science program. They must also consider whether their skills and career goals line up well with computer science.
During a computer science major, undergrads take several computer science courses. These classes introduce core and advanced concepts in computer science.
Programming languages: Computer science majors study a variety of programming languages. Java, Python, and the C languages rank among the most common languages taught in computer science programs. Students learn programming theory, complete exercises and projects, and build advanced programming skills.
Computer systems: Learners examine the structure and organization of computer systems. Drawing on their knowledge of programming, students examine how computer systems interpret information, compile programs, and communicate with users. Course topics may include low-level programming language training, memory management, and processor organization.
Mathematics for computer science: CS majors often take courses in mathematics. These classes focus on logic, discrete mathematics, and proof techniques. Math classes may also cover probability, number theory, and calculus. Coursework emphasizes the relationship between mathematics and programming languages. Some students find college-level math classes difficult.
Artificial intelligence: Artificial intelligence classes teach students about natural language processing, pattern recognition, and neural networks. Learners examine core principles and methods used to research AI. Thanks to cutting-edge advances, the course often includes new findings and challenging material.
Why learn Coding？
Coding gives a new way to look at the world — similar to English or any other language. A programming language, just like any natural language, has its own grammar and syntactic rules. Thus, learning to code is very much like learning a second language and provides many of the same advantages. Each new language gives us a new perspective that is uniquely attuned to a certain environment. In the 21st century, fluency in coding languages like JavaScript, Python, or Scratch gives kids excellent vocabulary for interacting with the world around them.
There are so many reasons to learn coding, it was hard to pick just 8 benefits of learning to code. From problem-solving skills, job opportunities, critical thinking, and creativity, there are so many reasons to learn programming. Let’s review why kids should learn to code.
Here are 8 reasons why coding is important to learn for kids:
1. Programming helps children learn to problem-solve
Understanding computers and learning the basics of coding helps children to develop an appreciation of how things work. It also teaches them how software engineers use math in order to solve problems in a logical and creative way. This is an important reason that coding should be taught in schools, so children learn these skills while they are young.
The ability to solve problems is a trait that is useful in life in general. We all want our children to become excellent problem solvers so that they can overcome any adversity they face. Learning to code gives children the chance to learn this type of skill while they are young and it can help them along the way in life. This is one of the big reasons coding is important to learn.
2. Computer programming gives kids a challenge and helps them develop resilience
When children learn to code, they develop the ability to bounce back after failure. They learn that failure isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and in fact, it can often be something positive because it serves as a learning opportunity. This is one of the most important reasons why kids should code, as they will learn quickly that ‘debugging’ your code is half the fun.
When you fail and try again, you can learn from your mistakes. Coding gives children the ability to try and try again until they succeed and produce the result they are looking for.
3. Coding teaches children how to think
“ A computer is a bicycle for your mind” – Steve Jobs
Learning to code teaches children how to think. Computer programming isn’t just about teaching how to type lines of code. It is more about teaching children how to think differently. To be able to code effectively, a programmer needs to use logical thinking. They need to be able to see a large problem and break it down into smaller pieces in order to solve it in an effective manner. This is called decomposition and is one of the key features of computational thinking.
Children learning code must take a vague idea and use their creativity to make it something effective. If the first solution doesn’t work, they try another one. If that one doesn’t work, they try again until the problem is solved. Coding helps to develop this way of thinking and these types of thinking skills are highly sought after.
4. A child expands their creativity when they learn how to code
Coding is important to learn because computer programming teaches children to experiment and gives them the confidence to be creative. They will have the chance to design something that is entirely their own. Children thrive off of the feedback they get from creating something they love. Just like learning a language, or to play a musical instrument, children need motivation. Usually seeing results along the way is enough to cultivate this, and this is what happens when children learn to code.
Because coding is easy to pick up, for children, especially, confidence comes easily. When children learn how to code, it gives them the opportunity to be confident and create something in a fun and exciting way.
Why is learning to code so important? For us, creativity tops the list! We love the creative games and activities our kids can create with coding. Coding doesn’t have to be boring, in fact, coding can be fun! We will show you how to make coding fun for your kids in this post.
5. Computer programming is the future
When you look at how the world is developing, coding is an extremely useful skill to possess. There are an increasing number of businesses that rely on computer code, not just those in the technology sector.
A child who learns how to code will have the advantage in life with more employment opportunities available to them in the future, no matter which industry they decide to enter, whether it be in the technology sector, finance, retail, health, or other. This is an important reason why coding should be taught in schools.
6. Coding teaches problem-solving
Experienced computer programmers are in demand and with the advancement of technology, there are increasing career opportunities arising every day. Employees who can code are the future and are highly sought after in any industry.
Because qualified computer programmers are hard to come by, their salaries can be at a high level. If children learn to code at a young age, their experience starts young and they are more likely to grow up with an interest in the software industry, therefore contributing to our future.
7. Coding helps children learn how to have fun with math
Coding is the language of maths. Imagine coding being taught in every school. Learning to program involves many skills including organizing and analyzing data. Children can grow their math skills while coding, without even realizing it. Using their logic and calculation skills while creating something of their own can make maths more engaging and fun. Another big reason coding should be taught in schools.
8. Coding is learning while having fun
If you want to give your child something enjoyable to do which will also be educational and help them to learn, learning to code is the perfect gift. You can read about the reasons why coding is important, but one of the main ones is to give them a challenge while having fun!
Let Coding Be Easy and accessible: Makeblock x Code.org School Promise Project
Makeblock x Code.org School Promise project is initiated by Makeblock and Code.org. In this project, Makeblock donated $1-$10 to support Code.org's efforts to prepare more Computer Science educators and $3398 was raised in 2022. Makeblock raised awareness about computer science learning, and support the expansion and use of Code.org's free coding courses to increase student access to Computer Science globally.
About Code.org
Code.org® is an education innovation nonprofit dedicated to the vision that every student in every school has the opportunity to learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education. They expand access to coding in schools, with a focus on increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups.
As the leading provider of K-12 computer science curriculum in the largest school districts in the United States, Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign, which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world.
Code.org increases diversity in computer science by reaching students of all backgrounds where they are — at their skill-level, in their schools, and in ways that inspire them to keep coding learning. The vast majority of the students on Code.org are from student groups historically underrepresented in computer science.
Start Coding Young, Why not?
We've talked a lot about why coding is an important skill to learn. But at what age should you learn?
The younger the better, according to research from Harvard.
Like learning any language, we seem to pick up and integrate what we learn with the greatest ease and fluency at an early age. Integration isn't the only advantage to learning coding skills early. Coding affects brain processes, and the results spill over into other aspects of life.
3 reasons why learning to code early will have the greatest impact on your child:
1. Brain development
You can't train a brain in a day, or even over the 4 years of high school. The ideas a child most successfully integrates are those from their early, and ongoing, encounters. Below, you can see the brain develops the most in the first 12 years of life:
Brains build increasingly complex structures on top of existing, simpler structures. Exposure to programming at an early age builds these first structures, and continued exposure strengthens them.
Early development of logic and language skills will change a child's view of the world. According to Science News for Students, doing something over and over again doesn't just make it easier. It actually changes the brain.
Coding at a young age is important because much like learning a foreign language, a child's brain more plastically picks up and integrates the skill. It's never too late to benefit from learning to code, or learning another language, but those who start as young children have a massive advantage. Building those early circuits changes the brain's natural tendency for language and logic, and provides a higher platform for future knowledge to build off of.
Early changes are the most critical in shaping the person your child is becoming, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Experiences in the early years of childhood affect the development of brain architecture in a way that later experiences do not.
Harvard agrees. As the maturing brain becomes more specialized to assume more complex functions, it is less capable of reorganizing and adapting to new challenges. Plasticity in a child's developing brain means it's easier and more effective to influence their brain's architecture than to rewire parts of its circuitry in adult years.
2. Future career success
Today's world is changing dramatically all around us. Ten years ago, cell phones didn't exist as we know them today. Tech is essential in the workplace today, and associated skills will only grow as necessary, according to Wirebox.
Across the board of work environments, coding, and technological skills are more than a must; they are the most important skills for future jobs.
A current estimate shows that around 50% of all jobs paying more than $58,000 require coding skills, and that number is only expected to grow.
3. All-around communication skills
One of the biggest benefits of coding isn't part of a far-off, career-oriented future. As mentioned above, coding is a language—a very special language.
When kids learn how to code, they learn how to talk to computers. Coding teaches kids how to break down complex ideas and arrange them in a way that computers can understand. Communication is an absolutely essential skill throughout school, work, and life in general. People who can clearly communicate complex ideas in simple terms tend to be more successful in all walks of life.
Here's the bottom line: coding leads to diverse forms of learning. Science authors Quinn and Yasmin say it best: coding is the language of the future, and children engaged with the process are immersed in unprecedented exploration of language, problem solving, and social interaction.
The Best STEM Toy Gifts for Kids of Multiple Ages
If you want to spark the imagination of your kids and help them hone the tech skills they'll need as adults, check out this list of the ideal STEM toys. Not only will these toys elicit wide eyes and squeals of joy upon opening, but they’ll also be the ones they return to play with for weeks, months, and even years down the line. Below are the helpful guidelines as you’re doing your holiday shopping this year to help you decide what toys are right for your love at different ages.
4 to 6 Years: Remote Control Coding Robot Kit
There's a tremendous explosion in learning ability at this age, and it's a good time to introduce interactive educational toys that teach math and verbal skills. Makeblock mTiny will be a perfect fit for it. Fun interactions motivate kids to progress Makeblock mTiny has an adorable look, more than 10 pre-set emotions, and hundreds of sound effects. It guides and encourages children to observe, discover and think in games, and motivates them to progress in their own way.
6 to 8 Years: Coding Toy Robot
Your child is gradually developing their own interests now. Friends are becoming increasingly important, and your child will start asking for a particular toy (if they haven't already) because "everyone else has it." At this age, kids often become huge fans of computer games, but they also enjoy having friends over to play sports and board games and build things. Makeblock Codey Rokey is a well-designed and ready-to-play robot toy. Kids can create, build and transform it with LEGO bricks into different trucks and cars. Check out what parents say:
8 to 12 Years: STEM Programmable Robotics Kit
Kids this age gradually acquire adult-like interests, abilities, and hobbies and may develop a particular passion. Many of them enjoy creating and studying things. "These years are all about doing things that give kids a sense of mastery and competence," says Szymanski. They are also increasingly able to work on longer projects, some of which might take days to complete.
Try Makeblock mBot2: as a next-generation STEAM education robot for kids, it is designed to carry out interactive and innovative learning that is engaging, fun, and reflects real-world applications with cutting-edge technologies. Compared to mTiny and Codey Rocky, mBot is more challenging and can bring kids a stronger sense of accomplishment.
Age 12+: Smart Robotic Kit Device Specially Designed for Teens
Your child is a child because he is still a minor, but he faces a stage of great changes that will lead to coming of age; The changes range from the most obvious aspects (physical, social, intellectual, ...) to hormonal development and brain maturation. Unless you have indications that they may have a serious problem, you should not interfere; You are still a family but the contribution of adolescents changes compared to previous stages.
Get your kid a Makeblock mBot Ultimate, and he or she would be immersed in it. This robot-building kit has more than 160 mechanical parts and electronic modules which can be used to build kids’ own robots for different robotics projects. It also provides 26 cases and activities that help your teens to use, learn and create independently.