By Lewis
Knowledge of all things tech can give teens a major advantage when it comes to their future career prospects. Technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, and being able to keep up will help youth to access job prospects that are likely to be plentiful and highly in demand.
Keeping Up With the Times
Teaching teenagers about computer science now will prepare them for their futures in a million different ways. First and foremost, technology is always changing, and it’s essential to have a basic understanding of how computers work so that no matter what advancements come to fruition in the future, your teen will understand the foundation of the subject matter being discussed. For instance, they should be introduced to data ingestion. What is data ingestion? It involves taking information and funneling it into a central location, and it will be extremely beneficial for anyone going into a career where they will be working with computers.
Start With Toys and Games
Most kids love toys and games, so in introducing them to computer science, why not make the process fun? There are many different options when it comes to making learning aspects of computer science, such as coding, fun for teens.
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) toys are very popular and easy to find at most local stores as well as online.
Coding games come in the form of easy-to-install software and websites, and with these games, teens can learn how to code in several different languages such as HTML, Javascript, and CSS.
Enroll Teens In a Coding Class
A simple internet search can introduce you to many different options when it comes to coding courses that teens can enroll in. In these classes, not only do kids learn about different coding languages, but they interact with their peers, working as a team to solve problems, create projects, and learn how to divide responsibilities to conquer an assignment.
Benefits of Computer Science Training
First and foremost, learning about computers engages the brain of young people during a time when their brains are still developing, making this extremely beneficial for them. Similar to when they learn a language, it is far easier for people to grasp these concepts at a younger age than they would as adults. Additionally, the feeling of accomplishment that students will get as they work on coding projects will help them to feel more confident about taking on new and different types of tasks.
Specifically, learning to code encourages teens to think in different ways than they may be used to doing. Sequential thinking, problem-solving, and computational thinking are each aspect of coding that can also benefit learners. Growing those new connections within the brain will go a long way in helping students in other areas of their education, including math and music.
Additionally, learning computer science prepares teens for future careers. The tech world continues to grow as the world changes, and there are likely to be increased positions all over the world for the youth of today. Positions in this field will continue to grow for the foreseeable future, making this an excellent area for youth to train. The income potential is also quite good. The average computer science professional earns around $85,000 annually.
Learning about computer science is not always difficult and is not limited to teens who are incredible math and science students. Virtually anyone can get involved in learning some of the ins and outs of the coding world. Do not let this field intimidate you or your kids, as it is highly likely that the amount of learning that will take place will surprise you.