Coding for Kids
VentureBeat
08/06/13
Without a coding education, your kids are missing out on a huge life-opportunity.
But, very few schools actually offer computer science courses for middle and elementary schoolers. So, today Tynker launched its code-at-home browser program that teaches your children coding basics in a visual and accessible way.
Tynker’s original product launched in April and targeted schools. Despite private companies like Tynker making it easy to develop a computer science curriculum, however, the majority of schools across the country have not adopted these programs. So, Tynker is handing the technology over to you, the parents.
The app starts a child off with a drag-and-drop interface, which helps students understand what fits together and how different bits of code can work in tandem. As a child goes through the 16 different chapters, they will learn the fundamentals of actual coding languages.
Characters help guide your child through the different steps and offer up games and challenges to motivate them.
The home version is “self-paced,” according to Tynker, and never expires. The company says that since its launch, students have created over 100,000 web apps, including games and art apps.
There are, however, some programs that already exist for teaching kids to code at home. As GigaOm notes, competing programs Scratch and Hopscotch are both available for free. Tynker, on the other hand, will run you around $50, which the company considers “tuition.” The kind of job your kid could get on the other side of his or her education, however, is worth the Ulysses S. Grant (did you know he was on the $50 bill?).
