What is the best way for kids to learn to code in 2016?
December 29, 2015 11:35 AM   Subscribe

When I learned to program computers years ago the only real option was a book and a compiler. Now it seems that a number of websites improve on that with better interactive feedback and assistance when one is stuck. Is that true? Which sources are best for teenagers and pre-teens who have little experience? I'm thinking that Java, Objective-C or a similar language might be best. Is getting an app on an Iphone possible for novices? Thanks.
posted by Space Dog to Education (10 answers total) 42 users marked this as a favorite
 
Every once in a while I pop for a month's subscription at Tuts+. Always worth it to me.

http://tutsplus.com/pricing
posted by humboldt32 at 11:41 AM on December 29, 2015


I've only heard positive things about code.org. You can start with pre-programming basics and work up from there. My five year old is learning some basic coding strategies right now and he loves it - there are also lessons like making a flappy bird game that teach you about event handlers.
posted by meggan at 11:53 AM on December 29, 2015 [4 favorites]


Set up a website with copied code from another website and make them play in it like a sandbox. The result of code modifications are highly visible. Next step would be a visual basic or visual c# experience (visual studio express is for free). You can set up a window with buttons and shiny things in ten minutes and little knowledge. It's all about building motivation.
posted by nims at 12:11 PM on December 29, 2015


I really liked Codecademy's javascript series. I was using it to be able to use Phaser a game engine, but think it goes over the basics really well and they teach a lot of useful web-type languages. The lesson modules make sense and are super interactive. More importantly, it's free! NYC has bunch of get kids into coding programs sponsored by various tech companies that offer free coding classes. If the teenagers reside in a major metropolitan area that may be an option as well.
posted by edbles at 12:16 PM on December 29, 2015 [3 favorites]


There is also this good post about python learning, although i won't recommend it for beginners (it bites).
posted by nims at 12:27 PM on December 29, 2015 [1 favorite]


Best answer: Swift may be a better, easier starting point for novice iOS developers than Objective-C. You could start with free course materials from Stanford. Some other online classes are listed here.
posted by a lungful of dragon at 1:03 PM on December 29, 2015 [2 favorites]


Best answer: If he wants to do mobile development for iOS, Objective-C is very much being "phased out" in favour of Swift—Apple's new, modern and recently open sourced(!) language. The introductory book to Swift has been open sourced, too.

While Objective-C has certain strengths, I would not recommend it over Swift at this time. For an aspiring programmer, I feel Swift is more in line with where programming languages are heading, concept and syntax wise. Being open source, Swift also has a better shot at eventually becoming cross-platform—or even a preferred language for a new platform that hasn't been developed yet.

Java is the preferred language for Android development.

I would not bother with attempts at cross-platform development for a learner (Xamarin, various JS-to-iOS/Android frameworks).
posted by flippant at 1:06 PM on December 29, 2015 [1 favorite]


Best answer: Why not start with Python to learn the basics? The resources are huge, the language is mature, and you can do just about anything with it.
posted by rockindata at 8:00 PM on December 29, 2015 [1 favorite]


Seconding Code.org. I've been teaching pre-teens and teens coding/programming for the last 6 years now and I recommend please not starting them with Java or C; I believe teaching beginners the coding fundamentals first (i.e. concepts such as sequences, loops, if/else statements) is far better than jumping straight into a text-based language.

A good way to do this (with adults too) is via something like Scratch (Scratch Jr and Hopscotch are available as apps - they're aimed at younger ages but still a good start), then the games-based activities on Code.org and then onto text-based coding and programming via Codecademy.

If you can spring for it, I also recommend the Lego Mindstorms robotics kits - these are a little wasted on ages younger than 10/11 I feel, who will build the model then forget it, but I find the older ages really get into the programming and having that instant real-world feedback is an amazing and really engaging learning experience for them.
posted by atlantica at 12:55 AM on December 30, 2015 [2 favorites]


Best answer: OP follow-up here. Thanks for the recommendations! My sense at this point is that the best online sources at low or no cost include:

Beginner: code.org
Novice: teamtreehouse.com
Advanced: Google's recommended curriculum with courses from Udacity, Coursera and others.
posted by Space Dog at 10:44 AM on December 31, 2015


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