As kids, we learn how to write, maybe play a musical instrument and draw. So why don’t we learn to code(编码) computer programs too? What coding has in common with writing, playing music and creating art is that it lets you bring your ideas to life. Coding is all about creativity and that’s why I love it.
Creating with code
CoderDojo helps young people around the world to learn computer programming for free. When I went to my first CoderDojo class in Dublin City University in Ireland, at age nine, I didn’t know anything about coding or even what it was. But I remember making my very first web page that first day, and being surprised that I could create such a thing. It was a great feeling that I think every young person should experience!
By going to CoderDojo every week, I learned how to make websites, apps and games. One of my apps is called Auto-Journalist. It can help journalists(记者) and interviewees do interviews even if they are both really busy or live in different time zones. It is still in development, and it first appeared at an event called Coolest Projects Awards, where young people get to show the public what they have created with code. It’s so much fun to share one’s creations, and to see what everyone else has made too.
Learning environment
For the past three years I have also been helping to teach other young people at CoderDojo DCU. In recent years I have also noticed many more girls attending CoderDojo DCU to try out coding. This has a lot to do with the CoderDojo girls’ classes—girls and young women take part in it with their friends, and it doesn’t feel like coding is a “boy thing”. It is really wonderful to see this, because we need more girls and women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). It’s a good way to learn more about technology.
Start early
One of the main things I have learned in the last few years is that coding is not only for adults, coding is for young people, too. And when you are a child, it is a great time to start coding, because your imagination is the limit(限制) for what you can create!
Want to learn more? Find out if there is a CoderDojo near you at www.coderdojo.com or set one up yourself! Also check out Code.org which has lots of fun drag-and-drop coding games.