What is HTML?

HTML is an abbreviation for “hypertext markup language” and it is a coding language that aids to create pages that a web browser can display. Most, if not all, web pages on the internet are saved in a HTML file. For this reason, it is popularly referred to as the internet’s backbone.

We are in an age where content creation is rapidly becoming a necessity for every individual. We each have content to offer others and one of the most accessible ways to ensure anyone can easily access content is by having it hosted on a web page. Based off of these demands, many no-coding based products have been developed to aid people with little coding knowledge easily build websites. In fact, this blog is built on top of WordPress which requires no coding effort on my part. However, in order to build more sophisticated web products and have a greater degree of control over design, knowledge of HTML and other related technologies is essential. Hence should coding be thought in schools?

Benefits of Teaching Coding in Schools

• Coding teaches Vital Critical Thinking Skills, children learn how to approach a problem and develop a solution.
• Coding encourages Creativity since pupils gain the opportunity to design unique ideas independently.
• Coding enhances Math Skills as children are exposed to logical concepts that boosts their analytical skills.
• Coding informs children on Cause and Effect. Young children quickly learn actions have consequences and are incentivized by taking appropriate actions.
• Coding helps children practice Problem Solving, as they are exposed to methods of breaking down a problem into smaller bits and solving.
• Coding helps children get Comfortable with Technology. Especially in this digital age, familiarity to technology is essential for success.
• Coding helps build resilience and Grit. Students are able to learn from coding mistakes, and bounce back. The key isn’t to be perfect, but to learn from mistakes.

Why Children Don’t Need to Learn Coding in Schools

• Coding is prospected to be an Unnecessary Skill. Since technologies change quickly – coding may become a skill that is no longer demanded. Powerful design tools already exist that do not require coding.
• Careers associated with coding is on a declining trend. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sited that employment for computer programmers is projected to decline by 10% from 2020 to 2030.
• Coding robs children from being kids. There are a host of other important basic human skills that children can acquire to become successful. John Dvorak gives in commentary on how Teaching Coding to Kids is a Scam.

Teaching Resources for Coding

There is a wealth of online resources that can be useful for educators interested in learning or teaching coding. These resources range from basic courses for rookies to curriculum builders for instructors. You may be interested in integrating computer science principles into other aspects of teaching – even in humanities. All these are possible with the aid of online tools like Code.org. If you are interested in coding tools for students of all ages, commonsense.org is a great site for you. The sites lists about thirty of the top coding technologies that has aided instructors teach coding to their students.

My Experience with Coding

I have a strong coding background as I have always wanted to work as a Software Engineer prior to college and I’ll be graduating with a Computer Science degree this May. Despite this, I decided to disregard all my prior knowledge so that I may gain some new relevant skills to help improve my craft. I want to know more than just coding, I’d like to learn about good accessible practices. To do this, I had to put on my novice-hat and tap into that creative part of me that I have always struggled to leverage.  I decided to use a simple text-editor like the HTML5 Editor to build a simple “Back To School” flyer. Although I was bothered that this editor restricted my coding options by only accepting in-line styling, I endeavored that I must abide by those restrictions to see if I can produce something fun and creative. Visit Back to School Code to duplicate my code results.

I do consider coding to be a great skill for everyone to have. I enjoy coding as it allows me to improve my creative and analytical skills. Interestingly, codding careers are currently one of the few financially fulfilling ones with great work-life-balance. Although there are valid arguments against learning coding, I do believe coding is a relevant skill that should be pursued if interest arises.