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What Are The Best Coding Programs for Kids?

Learning to code is all the rage these days, and for good reason: Code is prevalent in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. This is why I���m so excited about the potential for the next generation to do something really incredible with code.

While some may view online banking and shopping apps as a simple convenience, computer programming is having a profoundly positive impact on our world. All of the amazing innovation happening in technology starts with someone writing code.

We���re seeing life-saving advances in fields as diverse as robot-assisted surgery, food and farming, environmental conservation, and space exploration. Coding is literally writing the future of our planet and species. That���s awesome!

This is why having the ability to code has never been more important for today���s youth. Whether they���re just starting school or entering the job market, knowing how to code has become an essential if not crucial skill to have in your toolbelt.

According to statistics from the US Department of Labor, ���software developers are expected to see the third-largest increase in jobs of any occupation over the 2021���31 decade.���

Getting familiar with code is crucial for kids who will be entering the workforce in the decades to come. The good news is that coding is fun for kids, and thanks to programs like those below, a coding education has never been more accessible. 

Coding Programs

The best coding programs teach children of all ages and experience levels how to code while making the process fun, interesting, and motivating. At its best, coding empowers young minds to become makers of technology. By bringing their imagination to life, coding gives them the ability to become creators and not just consumers.

In alphabetical order, here are some coding programs to consider for your child:

Bootstrap crafts free, research-based, integrated Computer Science and Data Science modules for Math, Science, Business, and Social Studies classes for grades 5-12. It���s one of the largest providers of formal CS education to girls and underrepresented students nationwide.

Codecademy helps children learn programming languages with lessons, quizzes, and projects designed for real-life scenarios; a hands-on learning environment designed so that you can write real code in your very first lesson.

CodeMonkey is an online platform that teaches kids real coding languages like CoffeeScript and Python. It doesn���t require prior coding experience and is designed for schools, clubs, and home use.

Code.org is an education nonprofit dedicated to the vision that every student in every school can learn computer science as part of their core K-12 education, focusing on increasing participation by young women and students from other underrepresented groups.

Scratch is the world���s largest coding community for children and a coding language with a simple visual interface that allows young people to create digital stories, games, and animations.

Khan Academy is a non-profit organization offering computer programming courses in JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and beyond.

Tynker is the world���s best learning platform for introducing kids and teens to the joy of coding. Our unique hybrid online approach with expert guidance from live coaches guarantees kids will get off to a fast, confident start on a successful coding journey. Kids as young as 7 can start coding with our unique story-based and visual block coding modules to easily create their own games, apps, art, music, animations, and more.

In learning how to code, children develop valuable, life-long skills like creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, organization, time management, and goal-setting.

The right coding platform can foster an environment where your child can explore their curiosity and understand how technology shapes the world around them.

It���s estimated that there are roughly 700,000 open computing jobs but only 80,000 computer science graduates every year. So let���s get coding to give your child an edge in school and beyond!

The post What Are The Best Coding Programs for Kids? appeared first on Lomit Patel.

Got Code?

Over the next fifty years, your child will  hear one consistent question throughout their working life, ���Can you code?��� It���s that simple. Can you type? Became Do you know your way around a computer? Became Can you code?

The ability to code has gone from novelty to necessity, as what was once considered an elective in school is quickly becoming a requirement. Meanwhile, tech is today���s fastest-growing job market.

However, for the supply to meet the demand, America has major hurdles to jump. A recent Washington Post article discusses the record decline in national academic achievement, pinpointing the problem to two major fronts.

As you may have expected, one is the significant drop in national test scores, regressing to where they were twenty years ago. The other is a noticeable increase in educational inequity, with lower scores in districts with greater poverty.

Taking into account the time lost to the pandemic, one solution being talked about is emphasizing learning in smaller groups or even one-on-one. However, this kind of tutoring will require significant federal funding.

As a country, it���s imperative that we close the skills gap. So to get the next generation up to speed, it���s critical that the entire community gets involved���not just the schools���to raise money.

The strength of the U.S. economy depends on helping students learn how to code���now. To meet the demand for jobs requiring technical skills, we need to democratize coding and guarantee access to coding instruction for all kids.

At Tynker, we���re opening up new worlds for students from every walk of life. In a recent press release, Tynker CEO and Co-Founder, Srinivas Mandyam stated:

It���s increasingly essential that every child develops coding skills to meet the demands of the digital economy over the next decade.

Tynker CEO and Co-Founder, Srinivas Mandyam

Computer programming and technology are the hammer and nails of this century. And what we���ve found at Tynker is the importance of working together, whether in-person or remotely, sharing ideas, building off other coder���s projects, and inspiring each other to push what���s possible without limitations.

Tech is growing exponentially, but that doesn���t mean your child is destined to sit behind a desk all day. They can get their hands dirty too. Even traditional businesses like farming are relying on technology when it comes to finding better seeds, soil, pesticides, water systems, lighting, and more. That���s a lot of code!

The ability to code will transform your child from consumer to creator. Playing video games is fine, but what if your child could make them? What if they could take something they���re interested in and combine it with technology, maybe even make a career out of it?

Going forward, coding will remain part of everyday life, from your coffee maker to your car, while also being a prime catalyst in global projects like addressing climate change and the search for habitable planets.

All these technological advances are written in a universal language that everyone can understand, and code. Quite literally, computer programming has become today���s canvas to create.  

Tynker teaches code by catering to an individual���s interests in art, app building, music, robotics, drones, game design, web design, and more.

We���re empowering kids of all ages and experience levels to think critically, use their imagination, problem-solve, and become makers.

The right coding platform can foster an environment where your child can explore their curiosity and understand how technology shapes the world around them.

This article first appeared on TYNKER

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Top Tech Tools for Kids

Some of the most valuable skills your child can learn nowadays are in technology. The next generation of kids will grow up using digital learning technologies and resources at an incredible scale���a trend that accelerated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

As��Apple CEO Tim Cook��recently said in an interview:

I think everyone should learn programming before they graduate from high school, and I actually think it should be taught in elementary school. It���s the most important language you can learn.���

Apple CEO Tim Cook

Computer programming will tap into your child���s imagination and give them the power to express it through their own video games, websites, art, music, robotics, and more.

Just learning how to code will help them find new ways to solve problems by developing their critical thinking and time management skills, which will help them in school, as well as when it comes time to choose a career.

Today, there are��tools��online to help your child learn how to code in fun, innovative ways and many of them are free or require minimal investment. In addition, quite a few coding programs are self-guided, which means that parents can step aside and let kids learn on their own.

Here are some of our top picks:

Minecraft: Education Edition has a lot to offer kids in computer programming. It���s incredible to see a child���s interest in a game grow when they realize they can use the knowledge they already have and apply it in the context of a game they already can���t get enough of.

���The  real key  to teaching a child coding is finding the right motivation. Minecraft offers that as it combines a fun game they love, with a gentle introduction to coding functionality.���

Kids who play Minecraft not only become accustomed to the workings of a computer but also to the fundamentals of game development and the art of coding. The ���Hour of Code��� tutorials included in this exciting game give children a chance to make their own unique gameplay experiences.

Scratch is a fantastic tool for learning to code virtually anything that your child can imagine. The system involves block programming, allowing children to ���snap��� together coding blocks to make engaging visual stories.

Kids can use Scratch to code games, animations, and interactive stories, which they can share with others in an online community. The program���s goal is to challenge children���s creativity and teach them the value of teamwork.

Kids can try Alice, a free 3D programming tool, to make their own animations for online storytelling, games, and video projects. Alice���s primary goal is to introduce young children to the fundamentals of object-oriented programming. They can make simple video games and animated shorts, complete with characters and moving vehicles.

Hopscotch is an app that helps children ages 10 to 16 learn how to code by having them make their own games, animated stories, and works of art. Aside from that, this app instills an early appreciation for entrepreneurship. Seeds are a type of in-app currency that lets players ���tip��� creators for their work, encouraging developers to make even more apps.

By using block programming to solve puzzles, Blockly familiarizes novice coders with the fundamentals of computer science. It���s an easy-to-use tool that introduces kids to traditional text-based coding languages. There are eight different puzzles that kids need to work through by rearranging code blocks. To solve the puzzles without help from an adult, kids should be able to read on their own.

When it comes to coding for kids, Kodable is another popular option. Users can learn everything there is to know about Kodable with the help of the included tutorials. Various programming languages are featured; including HTML, Javascript, Python, CSS, and more. With the ability to pick a character and advance through levels, this game-like concept keeps young people interested while they learn.

Tynker���s award-winning platform has powered the creativity of over 60 million students and serves thousands of schools and educators worldwide. Their coding platform teaches children of all ages and skill levels how to be successful computer programmers through self-paced courses, interactive tutorials, creativity tools, and on-the-go mobile apps.

Tynker uses distinct pathways to coding excellence���tailored to the individual learner���with 300 lessons featuring six mastery levels. Kids can take interest-based electives such as Modding with Minecraft, Robotics & AR, and Game Design. And for more advanced students, Tynker offers courses in Image Processing and Art, AP prep with Java, and Data Science.

No matter which platform you choose, it���s important to foster an environment where your child can explore their curiosity and understand how technology shapes the world around them.

This article first appeared on TYNKER

The post Top Tech Tools for Kids appeared first on Lomit Patel.

How Coding Develops Resilience

Without a healthy dose of resilience, it���s unlikely that any project or task will get done. In fact, you could argue that resilience is more important than talent or IQ! As Albert Einstein famously��said, ���It���s not that I���m so smart; it���s just that I stay with problems longer.���

Between the sheer determination that it takes to finish a new coding project through the process of debugging it when it���s done, computer programming is a great way to practice perseverance and, in doing so, develop resilience.

Kids are at a critical age when it comes to learning how to bounce back from frustrations and setbacks. They���re also quite adaptable. Giving them coding as a tool when they���re young will teach them how to persevere, instilling a resilience that will benefit them in future pursuits.

In coding, failure is normal

Learning to code is a fantastic way to acquire the soft skill of resilience. The ability to bounce back from change or adversity stems from being able to persevere and display grit. Angela Duckworth, who defined the concept of grit and brought it to life through psychological studies, defines grit as ���passion and perseverance for long-term goals.���

Although the importance of resilience and grit are generally agreed upon, people debate whether or not these are skills that can be ���taught.��� With coding, resilience isn���t a lesson imparted in a classroom setting ��� it���s a natural byproduct of the learning process. When kids and teens code, they know that failure is okay and that, in fact, it can serve as a learning opportunity!

Debugging as an opportunity��to learn

Debugging is essential to coding. Sometimes adding in a missing semicolon in Java resolves a compile-time error, or perhaps rearranging a few Tynker blocks makes a project work. A study by Patrick J. Casey of the University of Hartford made a great point along this line of thinking, observing that ���many of the skills required for successful programming are similar to those required for effective problem-solving.���

Because of the similar skill sets, Casey found that ���computer programming ��� and particularly the act of debugging ��� provides a fertile field for developing and practicing problem-solving skills in an environment that is at once engaging and challenging.��� It���s the recognition of errors ��� and the perseverance to resolve them ��� that builds resilience.

Young programmers talk resilience��in coding

Young coders are aware of the need to develop and exhibit resilience. At the end of each Featured Maker interview, we ask our Featured Makers to give advice to other young programmers. Time and time again, they show a clear understanding of grit and express the importance of perseverance. Featured Maker��Caitlin��told us:

Never give up! Even if something���s not working, there���s always a way around it or another thing you can do. If something is really giving you a hard time, just move on to something else and come back to it.

This anything-is-possible attitude is a product of resilience ��� the very resilience that spurs kids to begin coding in the first place, gives them the determination to figure out solutions, and builds the stamina to stick with projects. For Featured Maker��Yaamini, resilience is integral to coding:

If something���s wrong, it���s fun for me to figure out; it���s like challenging myself. If there���s something wrong, it makes me more determined to fix it.

Resilience is a programmer���s best friend through every step of the process. Featured Maker��Timothy��demonstrated grit when he said:

I don���t know why, but my favorite project is the one I just can���t solve yet.

There���s no way for educators and parents to know what challenges their students and children will face. However, giving them the tools to build resilience through coding is a great way to prepare them for college, a career, and for life!

This article first appeared on TYNKER

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Python is a Must-have 21st-Century Skill for Kids

What can we do as parents to prepare our children for the many academic challenges at school while setting them up for successful careers? One answer is clear: Coding. Let���s look at programming courses that teach Python and see how coding can transform your child from consumer to creator.

What Is Python?

Python is the text-based programming language used by millions of professional coders at places like Google, IBM, and even NASA!

United Space Alliance���s��Senior Project Engineer, Robin Friedrich, was tasked with finding a better way to handle data management on��NASA���s shuttle missions��and quickly discovered that Python was the answer. ���Things just work the first time,��� says Friedrich. ���No other language exhibits that trait like Python.

Python��is fast enough for our site and allows us to produce maintainable features in record times, with a minimum of developers.

According to Cuong Do, a Software Architect at��YouTube.com:

Due to it being stable, secure, and flexible, Python���s straightforward syntax is the preferred language of Data Science professionals around the world, many of whom are developing groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applications. Python is also used in image processing and graphic design applications for 2D imaging software and 3D animation.

But why would my kid be motivated to learn Python?��According to the��UpGrad Blog, ���Python is the foundation for popular games like Battlefield 2, Frets on Fire, World of Tanks, Disney���s Toontown Online, Vega Strike, and Civilization-IV.��� Enough said? Probably, but there���s so much more!

Is Learning Python Easy?

It���s a Perfect First Programming Language. The rules of Python syntax are simple enough for anyone to learn, even coders as young as 9 or 10.

Tynker offers a great��live one-on-one class��with a private teacher for ages 12+ in which kids can solve real-world problems��in math and science, design games, & more.

Why Is Learning Python Important?

Worldwide Use in the High-Tech Industry. While Python can be used for simple tasks, millions of working programmers make a living writing Python every day.

Academics, data journalists, and researchers use Python too. The��US Department of Labor estimates��faster-than-average growth in hiring���predicting over half a million in new hires in tech over the next 10 years at fantastic salaries.

Why Should a Kid Learn Python?

Create Anything You Imagine.��Want to make games? Create a website or cool digital art? No matter what makes you excited about computer programming, Python���s wide variety of modules (also called libraries) make creating applications fast.

For example:

Draw using Turtle GraphicsManipulate images with Processing.pyMake charts and plots with Matplotlib,Find hundreds of useful modules to help you accomplish any task you want.You can even use Python to take control of hardware gadgets like the  BBC Micro:bit  or Doctor Who Inventor Coding Kit.What Is Python Used For?Explore Data Science

Python is also used in the world of Data Science, where analysts try to uncover patterns and gain insight into the data all around us. Take Tynker���s��Data Science 1��course and prepare for what some call ���America���s Hottest Job!���

Prepare for College

Python is king ��� it���s the most popular language choice for introductory college Computer Science courses. Get ready for college by learning Python ��� and of course, once you have one programming language under your belt, you can quickly learn more.

Can a Kid Learn Python?

Yes! A kid���s brain is like a sponge, absorbing information at a fast rate. Just like a foreign language, learning a text language like Python is best learned at an early age. Plus, Python is easy to learn, whether your kid has programming experience or not.

Python���s Welcoming Community

Learning alone can be hard. That���s why the Python community has a beginner-friendly attitude. Meet-ups,��online communities,��professional development,��documentation��and free tutorials, and much more are available worldwide.

More than that, you���ll be able to make connections with hundreds of thousands of first-time Python learners, just like you. Maybe you���ll even go to PyCon, the international meetup of Python developers and educators.

Tynker���s Community allows you to share your Python projects and quickly get feedback and ideas for improvement!

What Is the Best Age to Learn Python?

Kids can learn to code Python as early as elementary school. Here���s how they can get started:

Type Everything.��You might be tempted to copy and paste out of a book or tutorial, but you should get familiar with typing by hand. Remember: Python is strict. You must be precise with spelling, punctuation, and even white space!

Try it out!��Want to know how a particular function or programming idea works? Try it out in a short program. You can���t break the computer, so just run some short experiments.

Go Easy on Yourself.��Unlike other tasks you might do in school, it���s very common to write an incorrect program the first, second, or third time! Be patient and expect to make mistakes.

Start Small. Looking to make games? Simple, old-school arcade games from the 1970s and 80s are a great start for beginners: Research and recreate classics like Space Invaders, Pong, and Centipede.

Don���t underestimate the satisfaction of actually completing a working prototype! Whether you���re coding a game or a different kind of project, try to create the ���Minimum Viable Product��� for your idea.

Make a Plan. When you start writing original programs, begin the process by working with pen-and-paper. For example, you might restate the purpose of your program in your own words.

Think about the program���s inputs and outputs. Write them down. Think about which variables are needed to complete the program. Give them meaningful names, so that the name helps someone reading the code understand the value that���s represented by each variable.

Divide and Conquer.��Break the program down into small parts. For each small part or feature, write the code that accomplishes that feature. As you write your code, add comments describing each code segment’s purpose.

Test Everything, Line by Line. Test your code as soon as you write it to cover all possibilities ��� try all the different inputs that a user or player might attempt. Once everything is working, think about what single feature you want to implement next. Write some more code, and test that feature, too.

Feeling Stumped?��Take a break, take a walk, or get a good night���s sleep and return to your code. The best debugger is a well-rested mind.

What Are the Best Python Courses for Kids?

Research shows that gamified courses and activities offered by companies like��Tynker��work best because when kids have fun, they���re motivated to see projects through to completion. In addition, they can pick up key fundamental coding concepts along the way, such as loops, conditionals, and syntax.

For example: Tynker offers��Python 101, an engaging interactive course suitable for readers of any age. Start by solving movement puzzles and brushing up on core coding concepts ��� before you know it, you���ll be designing games like��Snake,��Frogger, and��Tetris��(available to all Tynker users).

What is The Best Way for Kids to Learn Python? Python.org  ��� a great source for all things Python. Tynker ����� self-paced gamified courses and activities inspire kids to create their own video games, art, and websites with Python. Udemy ����� a selection of Python courses, classes, and bootcamps. Codecademy ����� online Python courses and forums. CodeWizardsHQ ����� online coding classes with a live instructor. Hour of Python ����� free Python lessons and string challenges from Trinket. HackInScience ����� free Python exercises. Real Python ����� Articles, podcasts, tutorials, and tricks for Python fans. Python Tutor ����� Visualize your Python code���s execution, step-by-step. Invent with Python ����� Free Python books for beginners.

Your child will love discovering the many benefits of using Python, and you���ll love that they���re learning valuable real-world skills that will prepare them for AP Computer Science, college, and maybe even a rewarding creative career.

Check out Tynker���s Curriculum��and learn more about inspiring the next generation to change the world through code.

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Why Learning to Code is Crucial For Growing Children

Computer programming education is quickly becoming a necessity for today���s students. In particular, learning to code improves a child���s:

Critical Thinking SkillsExecutive Functioning AbilitiesOverall Academic PerformanceCoding isn���t just communicating with a computer ��� it���s learning how to think

As children learn to code, they develop hard skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving while increasing their capacity to communicate and manage their time (executive functioning). In addition, coding courses build academic skills like math and reading. Together, these valuable skills play key roles in improving overall academic performance. And, as an added bonus, the ability to code will open up new and exciting career opportunities.

In recent years, computer programming or coding has become an integral part of our daily lives. Coding is the method of giving a computer instructions to perform a specific task, whether it���s running a refrigerator or water heater or the sophisticated programs necessary for self-driving cars, robot-assisted surgery, and online banking. Plus, coding is a language that can be used to change our world for the better, as exemplified by new life-saving apps or the formula to recycle plastic.

To help understand the many benefits of coding and the impact it can have on a child���s academics, Tynker recently conducted a study of over 1,000 parents *1 with children between the ages of 5 and 18 as well as nearly 140 teachers *2.

Learning to Code Improves Critical Thinking

When kids code their own video games, art, and websites with Tynker, they���re developing valuable skills like critical thinking. Coding helps kids understand the cause-and-effect relationships used to make strategic decisions. When programming, kids must consider all the blocks or commands that can fit in the code. From there, kids must use critical thinking to decide what fits best!

Well over 90% of teachers and parents surveyed believe that coding helps children develop their critical thinking skills as well as their creativity and ability to problem-solve.

I think schools should make coding mandatory for children from 3rd grade to college. It improves the thinking of a child. It lets imagination flow free and allows the child to create amazing things.

Tynker Parent ��� 9/2021

There���s no better motivation for children to learn how to problem-solve than the realization that learning to code can bring their creative dreams and visions���and video games to life.

Learning to Code Improves Executive Functioning Skills

Executive function is a set of mental skills necessary to control behavior. In our survey, both teachers and parents noticed that learning to code increases a child���s soft skills such as teamwork, collaboration, communication, organization, and time management.

Coding with computers requires logical, well-organized communication. Learning to think and communicate in this way can boost interpersonal skills such as the ability to collaborate and work with a team. And when kids learn to code, they quickly discover what it means to be organized and manage their time, key skills for any endeavor.

The majority of teachers and parents agree that coding is having a positive impact on the types of skills that can really make a difference for children in school and potential work environments.

Coding speaks to students in a way that traditional teaching does not. Students become stronger problem-solvers on their own and they are more engaged when completing coding activities.

Tynker Teacher ��� 9/2021

Learning to code Improves Academic Performance

In addition to these developmental skills, computer programming also has a positive effect on academic skills. Our survey shows that almost 9 in 10 teachers and parents believe that learning to code improves overall academic performance, especially in mathematics, while almost two-thirds saw better grades in reading and more than half in writing.

Of course, coding and math make sense together, but there���s more to it. For example, when students program a game they use variables and arithmetic. And, when they make shapes with a pen drawing, they use geometry.

However, learning to code also reinforces a student���s core reading and writing skills, since coding demands the same accuracy that is fundamental to comprehension. As a result, more and more schools are beginning to add coding to their core curriculum.

Coding Builds Self-Esteem and Empowerment

It���s clear from the data that a majority of teachers and parents feel coding is essential to a child���s education, stating the importance of both boys and girls learning computer programming for their future. However, concerns were expressed about equality in the opportunity to learn to code.

We need females to contribute to the CS world. Both genders are needed to complement each other in any successive project environment.��� Tynker Teacher 9/2021

Girls need to know that they can be successful in programming and that their attention to detail is vital in coding.

Tynker Parent 9/2021

Teachers believe that it���s important to make sure girls feel empowered to learn how to code and enjoy its benefits. Additionally, they say that coding builds self-esteem, showing girls that they���re just as good as boys in math and science, and that tech can be a viable career option for them too.

I don���t think it���s important whether it���s a boy or girl; yes there is a lack of women in tech, I am also a woman in tech, everyone is entitled to pursue their interests. It is more important to nurture their interest/curiosity in coding. Then provide them platforms like Tynker to explore/discover/innovate/create.

Tynker Parent 9/2021

Teachers and parents were clear that both boys and girls should be taught coding to improve not just their education but also their future career opportunities.

Top 5 Broader Benefits of Learning to Code

A Summary of Parent/Teacher Thoughts:

Critical Thinking

Coding trains your brain to approach problems and their solutions differently by building the capacity to monitor, evaluate, and control thinking while completing new tasks.

Problem-Solving

Coding requires a trial-and-error approach that improves your ability to solve problems. If a particular piece of code isn���t working, you���ll develop methods to think through the individual issues and steps in finding a solution.

Creativity

Creativity just needs to be channeled and released. Steps in the creative process include observation, asking questions, drawing connections, experimenting, and getting different perspectives. Each of these elements empowers the imagination to create original coded projects.

Mathematics

Computer programmers pick up math skills while learning to code. For example, when students program a video game they use the variables, expressions, angles, and numbers key to arithmetic and geometry.

Teamwork

There are a lot of opportunities to build projects together in coding communities, where programmers learn to manage their time and team with discussion, compromise, and negotiation.

When asked to finish the sentence ��� I want kids in school to learn coding concepts, teachers and parents most often talked about skill-building, career opportunities, and developing skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving.

Coding is an increasingly beneficial skill that will open their eyes to future employment opportunities. It also supports our core academic content in a fun and novel way.

Tynker Teacher ��� 9/2021

Teachers and parents agree that coding develops the necessary hard and soft skills for school while opening up countless career opportunities in a fast-growing tech industry that���s in constant need of creative and knowledgeable programmers.

To learn more about inspiring the next generation to change the world through code, check out these Tynker articles:

What is Coding?How Coding Develops 21st Century SkillsCoding with MinecraftBenefits of Learning Python for Kids

We can���t wait to see what your child will create with code!

1* August 2021 Tynker Survey: n=1055. Tynker parents globally that have a free or paid account

2* August 2021 Tynker Survey: n=139. Tynker teachers globally

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5 Ways to Get Kids Interested in Stem

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These four areas of study have become crucial for students who want to be part of an innovative, rapidly growing industry with excellent career prospects. Fortunately, many amazing ways to get your kids involved in STEM!

The occupational trends are worth understanding. However, it���s not just about becoming the next tech baron or getting your stock options. It���s about developing our human potential. In short, STEM helps us tackle significant global challenges.

The��U.S. Department of Education��states that:

If we want a nation where our future leaders, neighbors, and workers can understand and solve some of the complex challenges of today and tomorrow and meet the demands of the dynamic and evolving workforce, building students��� skills, content knowledge, and literacy in STEM fields is essential.

U.S. Department of Education��

What Are the Benefits of Learning STEM at a Young Age?

Short-term benefits:

Improved grades and academic performanceGreat Foundation for college-level courseworkEssential skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity

Long-term benefits:

Entrepreneurial mindsetChoice of innovative, well-paid careersBecoming a creator, not just a consumerTools to navigate a world run by technology and scienceWhat Are the Trademarks of a Successful STEM Education Program?The integration of topics ��� no field is considered in isolation but explored in how they relate to one another, with an emphasis on real-world applicationsProject-based-learning and inquiry-based learning approaches encourage student curiosityCreativity, trial-and-error, and even grit are shown as part of the scientific process

The addition of computer science to the K12 curriculum is a big change, one that business leaders, teachers, parents, and state governors agree is worth pursuing. Read more about the��CEOs for Computer Science initiative here.

How Parents Can Augment Their Child���s STEM Learning

When it comes to your child���s STEM education, it���s imperative to pursue available resources.

Clubs

Ask around your school or neighborhood for existing clubs or activities.

Snapology����� Provides STEM/STEAM programs featuring tecLEGO�� bricks and K���Nex��NASA STEM Club����� Explore the mysteries of outer space science with fun projectsScience Explorers����� Offers both virtual and in-person after-school clubs

2. Books

Many libraries provide digital access to thousands of free technology ebooks (via��oreilly.com��or similar services) in addition to kid-friendly STEM books in their regular library.

Rosie Revere, Engineer����� This book inspires girls to see themselves in engineering and STEM. Part of the Questioneer series. Ages 3-6.Tynker Activity Books ��� Tynker has a great series of books detailing inspirational block-coding projects. Ages 8-12+.Maker Lab����� Hands-on activities that you can do with household objects, part of a series from DK Publishing. Ages 8-12+.

3. Museums

Local museums can also be a fantastic way to supplement STEM learning.

San Francisco���s��Exploratorium��is a public learning laboratory exploring the world through science, art, and human perception.The mission of Philadelphia���s��Franklin Institute��is to inspire a passion for learning about science and technology.Chicago���s��Field Museum��has a Dozin��� with the Dinos program where kids can spend the night at the museum, enjoying activities like dissecting owl pellets and learning the steps of Egyptian mummification.

4. Zoos, Nature Centers, Aquariums, and Universities

Prospect Park Zoo��in New York has a STEM Gone Wild program for k-5 students with activities that include science experiments, data collection, hands-on activities, animal observations, and more.The Mystic Aquarium��in Connecticut has a STEM Accelerator Program that includes activities in building boats, programming and coding, constructing towers, launching toy cars, solving math puzzles, and more.

5. Diversity in STEM

Many new resources have been developed to get the most diverse range of voices in STEM, though women in general only represent about 26% of technologists according to Women Who Code.

Girls Who Code����� To close the gender gap in technology, they offer a series of inspirational and educational books!Black Girls Code����� An interest group aimed at inspiring young women of color to become coders.Women@NASA ��� Read the inspirational stories of women working at NASA.Women in STEM ��� This Tynker blog series highlights women���s achievements, past and present.@BrownStemGirl ��� This is the Twitter handle for Alena Analeigh, the Brown STEM Girl founder.STEM: Majors & Degrees

Regardless of their major, STEM students usually take courses in fields like biology, chemistry, calculus, statistics, and engineering.

Popular STEM Majors:

Mechanical EngineeringBiologySoftware EngineeringBiotechnologyComputer ScienceInformation Technology

Popular STEM Degrees:

Bachelor of ScienceBachelor of Applied scienceBachelor of Engineering

Some educators have begun adding Arts to the STEM acronym to form STEAM, which emphasizes connections to visual arts, music, and creativity. For some learners, it can help inspire them to pursue technical fields ��� and see the beauty of mathematics.

Currently,��it���s estimated that��there are roughly 700,000 open computing jobs but only 80,000 computer science graduates every year. According to a recent article in��Best Colleges, engineering is the most in-demand major in 2022. Citing the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for��computer hardware engineers��was $119,560 in 2020 and $92,620 for��biomedical engineers.

Americans with a strong foundation in STEM have electrified the Nation, harnessed the power of the atom, put men on the Moon and rovers on Mars, developed the internet, designed computers that fit in your pocket, created imaging machines that reveal the inner workings of the body, and decoded the human genome.

These stunning achievements have transformed the human experience, inspired generations, and fostered the strong public support for STEM education and research.

A statement from the National Science and Technology Council:

In the last thirty years, we���ve seen remarkable advancements in technology, which are profoundly impacting how we live and ultimately how we educate our children. Teaching science in high school, of course, is nothing new. So what���s changed?

The T in STEM, Technology, holds the clue. Computation and computer science have touched nearly every aspect of scientific innovation, including agriculture, biochemistry, astrophysics, medicine, and ecology.

When students learn to understand how and why scientific or mathematical ideas apply to a situation, they���re more likely to acquire a deeper understanding of the material. That���s why, whenever possible, today���s teachers try to link scientific discoveries and innovations to their students��� everyday lives.

Check out��Tynker��and learn more about inspiring the next generation to change the world through code.

The post 5 Ways to Get Kids Interested in Stem appeared first on Lomit Patel.

How to Manage and Motivate GEN Z

A new workforce generation is here, one who is raised on a completely different set of values, ethics, and morals. Along with the evolution of technology and social media, Gen Z has taken it upon themselves to shatter the status quo and establish distinct ideals in more than just their personal lives.

Making up about 24% of the current global workforce, this unapologetically vocal and digital generation is entering work with a different set of expectations. That begs the question: how do we manage and motivate Gen Z employees? 

Though every generation is unique, the rapid rise in technology has further exacerbated the generational gap between Gen Z and others. From memes to TikTok and everything in between, the nuances that make Gen Z challenging to connect with indeed translate into the workplace. This generation that uses non-traditional methods of communicating and living also requires non-traditional methods of management. Good leadership starts with a more robust and in-depth understanding of Gen Z and its communication, trust, and growth values.

Communication styles vary from person to person. To Gen Z, good communication goes beyond a phone call or text message and into radical transparency. Opening up different communication lines allows for a safe space to ask questions, learn, and grow. That enables Gen Z to feel more comfortable, which fortifies their personal and professional growth.��

As the social media generation, Gen Z needs community and trust.

Because Gen Z is socially branded as being children, they are often overlooked and undermined. Motivation and encouragement are all the more critical in building and maintaining a sense of trust with Gen Z — enabling them to gain the confidence they need to excel. As a manager, providing oneself as a resource for any questions or concerns that may arise will boost Gen Z���s confidence in the workplace.

As digital natives, Gen Z���s lives have been broadcasted for the world to see. This transparency has allowed their voices to be amplified — leading to a rise in ���cancel culture.��� Though cancel culture can be toxic, Gen Z���s need for accountability and growth stems from prioritizing values at work.

Facilitating a type of environment where growth is a priority allows Gen Z to learn from its mistakes and create a growth culture. Ultimately, the goal is for Gen Z to adapt, pivot, then utilize the knowledge they gain to grow.��

By knowing what motivates Gen Z employees, managers can better manage and retain this amazing young generation of talent.

This article first appeared on HackerNoon

The post How to Manage and Motivate GEN Z appeared first on Lomit Patel.

Meet Lottie ��� The Open-Source File That Is Changing Animation As We Know It

Digital marketers, app developers, and other content creators know that when it comes to grabbing people���s attention, video is king. In fact,��92% of marketers��said that video is an important part of their marketing strategy ��� and for good reason.��Research shows��that��visual information is processed 60,000x faster than text��and simply including a video on a landing page can improve conversions.

Armed with this information, marketers have turned to animation as a proven effective way to grab customers��� attention by allowing designers to convey important information in engaging and visually appealing ways. But animated files, just like other video formats, have often been expensive and labor-intensive to produce ��� resulting in large files such as GIFs, MP4s, or PNG sequences ��� that weigh down your page, don���t maintain
quality, and can often end up looking pixelated or result in a lag. That no
longer needs to be the case ��� thanks to��Lottie animations.

Getting started with Lottie

So, just what is��Lottie? Put simply, it���s a JSON-based animation file format that allows you to build lightweight, scalable, and interactive animations. This file type is comprised of code that can be easily changed to alter how the animation looks and moves without needing to recreate the animation. For example, if you wanted to speed up or slow down your animation, you would just change the code in the animation that affects the rate at which your animation moves.

Perhaps most importantly, Lottie solves some of the problems presented by some older forms of animation. It allows for high-quality animations on multiple platforms and high resolutions by mixing vector and raster elements and applying transformations at run-time. Even better, the smaller file size ��� about 600% smaller when compared to the GIF ��� won���t weigh down your app or website. In a time when speed is everything ��� both for user experience and SEO ��� using Lottie can ensure you don���t compromise on speed and quality, creating much better experiences for end-users.

Most Lottie animations can be exported right from within Adobe After Effects, using the extensions Bodymovin or LottieFiles for After Effects. It is through these extensions that a design can be exported to a Lottie. There are also tools like the��SVG to Lottie converter by LottieFiles��that apply animation presets to static SVGs transforming them into simple Lottie animations.

Platforms like Webflow, Figma, and Elementor have plugins that make it even easier to add Lottie animations to webpage designs (and this can be done with absolutely zero coding).

One of the main benefits of using Lottie, however, is the ability to free up designers to get creative. Implementing tools like LottieFiles can help you save even more time.

���Instead of spending dozens of hours learning Xcode or Android studio, I use LottieFiles to test and share. Now I use those hours to make my animations as dope as I can,” says Salih Abdul-Karim, Lead Motion Designer at Airbnb.

Lottie makes animation possible for apps

���In the past, building complex animations for Android, iOS, and React Native apps was a difficult and lengthy process,��� wrote Abdul-Karim in��a blog post. ���You either had to add bulky image files for each screen size or write a thousand lines of brittle, hard-to-maintain code. Because of this, most apps weren���t using animation ��� despite it being a powerful tool for communicating ideas and creating compelling user experiences.��� But Lottie has changed all of that. In fact, Airbnb is just one of the tops apps that have come to embrace Lottie, after many years of avoiding animation.

���LottieFiles has helped hundreds of thousands of developers and designers from over 65,000+ global fortune companies (Netflix, Disney, Airbnb, Google, ByteDance, Amazon, Grab, etc.) ship interactive animation faster and more effectively,��� says Kshitij Minglani, Co-Founder and CEO of LottieFiles. ���This has made LottieFiles one of the largest and most active communities of animators, developers, project managers, and marketers who understand the power that animation and interactive content holds in boosting user engagement and conversions.���

It���s estimated that some��65% of people are visual learners, which means
the ability to embrace animations by apps like Duolingo ��� which helps users learn a foreign language ��� has been a game-changer. “LottieFiles plays a critically important role in our animation pipeline here at Duolingo,��� says Kurt Hartfelder, Animator at Duolingo. ���Without it, I don’t know how I would get my work into our app! I can animate in After Effects and proof my own work before handoff all while keeping file sizes very low. Additionally, I’ve been using LottieFiles for over two years and their product just keeps getting better.”

But as designers are freed up to put more time into imagining great content ��� and less into learning new coding languages ��� the truth is that the sky’s the limit for these lightweight files. ���We see use-cases of Lottie animations from app loading and wait screens, to gamification, user onboarding as well as to websites and apps that want to serve meaningful content to its users,��� says Nattu Adnan, Co-Founder and CTO of LottieFiles.

Whatever your use case may be, it���s clear that Lottie animations may be just what you need to capture user imaginations with interactive video. Even if you���re on a tight budget, you���re in luck, because it���s currently an open-source tool. ���It���s not often a revolutionary format comes about and disrupts an entire industry, saving tons of precious design and development hours,��� says Minglani. ���We didn���t want to stunt the adoption of Lottie by monetizing early on.��� So if your design team has been stymied by stodgy, old animation files, it���s time to give Lottie a try.

The post Meet Lottie ��� The Open-Source File That Is Changing Animation As We Know It appeared first on Lomit Patel.

How Leaders Inspire and Lead Remote Teams

From people’s values to the way businesses operate, this pandemic has forever changed our world. That includes how we work together as teams. 

And while the pandemic accelerated the demand for remote teamwork solutions like Slack and Zoom, there are few signs the ���remote team��� genie is headed back into the bottle anytime soon. Remote work will be a fact of life��long past the pandemic.

But the switch to remote teams isn���t easy���you can���t operate remote teams the same way as you might a more traditional team that works together in the same physical space. Leading and motivating remote teams will be crucial to being a successful leader in this new hybrid world. Let���s explore what it takes to be a good leader in this brave new world.

Are you listening?

One of the most important yet easily overlooked tools is simply listening to your employees to motivate a team. As a leader, listening and understanding employees��� motivations and goals allows for better decision-making and problem-solving.

With remote work, being in a position to listen isn���t always easy. No longer are office ���sidebar��� conversations or ad hoc brainstorming sessions in the hallway. Some teams may not even have the proper systems to allow team leaders to ���listen��� effectively in this new reality.

In the remote world, chat, email, and video calls are your primary communications tools. Each of these communications channels has its nuances, baggage, and ��� you guessed it ��� opportunities to improve your listening game.

Good leaders figure out their employees��� preferred communication style and boundaries and develop a system that works for everyone, like in the office. If you are unsure where to start listening to your employees, asking them how they want you to listen to them is a great place to start.

Once a healthy communication system has been established, it���s time to listen to your team.

One of the simplest ways is to meet with each team member and check in on how they are doing���however, this can be very time-consuming, especially with large teams. With larger teams, conducting a survey can be fast and efficient but easily come off as uncaring or cold.

Provide Flexibility

Your team is still human ���they are just behind a screen. Mindlessly holding team bonding events with uninterested employees could risk causing drama driving the team further apart. For example, hosting a
virtual happy hour may sound like a good solution, but when the team is already expected to be online over 45 hours a week, it will come off as insensitive and performative.

Employees will be more participatory and open to change if they feel heard and their concerns are addressed rather than jumping straight into band-aid solutions, like ���team bonding��� or ���a fun competition.��� Having this process be collaborative will determine the best solution for everyone.

Unlike the office, working from home blends the personal and professional space. Every Zoom call becomes a glimpse into an employees��� world, whether you are invited to look or not. Every employee may have a different circumstance and may require a different solution. Leaders
should find the balance between acknowledging these factors and not distracting from the work at hand.

According to��Harvard Business Review, remote workers are generally less motivated than their office worker counterparts. This can be due to several factors; social isolation, lack of work-life balance, etc.

One of the most critical factors they point out is flexibility.

The lack of flexibility could be detrimental to employee motivation and exacerbated by poor communication or feeling left out of the conversation. On the other hand, increasing flexibility in the workplace allows employees to thrive.

Instinctively, a manager may be tempted to clamp down on work culture when the team is spread out. But having employees explore and find joy in their new work environment can increase their overall motivation. After all, an unconventional situation like a pandemic calls for unconventional solutions.

Celebrate the wins

The Harvard Business Review pointed out that social and economic pressures can also affect employee motivation, especially in a pandemic or economic crisis. For them, work can become an additional stressor for them to overcome.

While specific tasks may be tedious and unchangeable, leaders can work with employees to change work from something that induces anxiety to an activity that gives assurance and stability. Especially in the face of global catastrophe, hopelessness can be one of the worst feelings for employees to face. In this situation, showing employees the positive impact and purpose of their work can be incredibly inspirational.

Leaders need to acknowledge their team���s value rather than have the team justify it themselves.

Recognition may sometimes not be enough either. Leaders should also take time to celebrate the big and small wins amongst their team.

At the top, the best leaders connect their team���s contributions to a greater purpose, which coincides with the company���s mission and vision yet goes beyond it���solving a problem that the world needs. Not all work activities need to move projects forward; without reflection, a team can lose its reason for working and thus losing motivation.

In a world where remote work will be the norm moving forward, it���s no longer nice to know how to lead a remote team: it���s a requirement. Understanding your team���s motivations, providing them flexibility and room to grow, and acknowledging and showing their impact are ways of making sure your team feels heard and actively contributes to a cause they feel strongly about, one that���s energizing to them. Only the best leaders will successfully bridge this global shift, and those that empower their teams to go beyond will rise to the top.

This article first appeared on HackerNoon

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