What is coding? Coding is a skill where you take instructions, specifically a step in a task, and translate it into a language that a computer will understand. This language is called BINARY and it is uses 0’s and 1’s. Coders write the instructions using a programming language and this language translates human code into computer code known as software.

Coding is the basic literacy in the digital age. It is the building blocks of everyday tech and is present in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Which is why it's so important for kids to understand and be able to work with the technology around them. Having children learn coding at a young age prepares them for the future.  Coding teaches them that finding a solution to a problem often involves a logical sequence of steps or actions. It helps to develop problem-solving skills such as perseverance, trial and error and understanding of cause and effect, analytical thinking and reasoning skills, as well as math and language skills. It also challenges children to think creatively and to pursue innovative ideas and solutions. with that in mind, here are some of the best coding resources for children to use online.

Tynker: Coding for kids

Tynker offers a lot of useful online resources to help kids learn to code. Though most of their coding games for kids are subscription-based, their online gaming community has 10 free levels and 20 free activities appropriate for children aged seven and over. The coding games were designed to include players of all levels, and ease them in with a graphic programming interface. They can then gradually move up to more advanced and complex languages, such as JavaScript and Python.

Coding with Google 

Google has really stepped up with coding courses aimed at children. Code with Google helps to ensure that every student has access to the collaborative, coding, and technical skills that unlock opportunities in the classroom and beyond – no matter what their future goals may be.

Google also has its own coding app called Grasshopper. The app lets complete beginners easily learn coding fundamentals for free. In as little as five minutes a day, students can complete fun lessons and visual puzzles on their phone to build their coding skills.

Scratch

Scratch is a free online coding game for kids that allows players to create their own interactive stories, games, and animations. If users want, they can also share them with the online community. It may seem a bit intimidating at first; however, it only takes a bit of time and practice for kids to learn the basics of the system before they experience the fun of it.

Code Combat

Code Combat does a good job of combining competitive online games with teaching coding to kids. This coding game allows players to control their actions with lines of code. As the game progresses to more levels of difficulty, players are required to have more coding knowledge. In order to keep playing and winning the game, players will have to learn more about coding and then return to the game to continue. By playing the game, they are able to practice what they have learned and improved their coding skills.

Get started with Vodacom fibre

OF course, without a strong connection you may find yourself unable to take part in any of these courses. Here’s a handy article on getting started with fibre that will give you guidelines on how fast your connection should be. When choosing how many GB to budget for each month, remember that, inevitably, the better your connection, the more you’ll want to surf, as you discover the joys of streaming on Showmax and Netflix! Uncapped fibre gives you the option to stream, surf and listen to music to your heart's content, without ever worrying about running out of data.

Next, check out fibre coverage in your area, and brush up on Vodacom’s latest fibre offers.