Showing posts with label tech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tech. Show all posts

Computers And Tech For Kids – How To Raise A Child Who Can Code

 

Teaching kids how to code can be a challenge, especially for parents like us who do not have any technical background in computer science. But, thanks to new learning materials, apps, and software, we do not need to have extensive knowledge in the subject in order to guide our kids in their learning journey.

Nowadays, online learning tools and programs are becoming more and more accessible for everyone. On top of that, many parents are now starting to realize the importance of coding in today’s digital age.

With that said, we have created this guide to help you raise and guide your kids towards their learning journey to coding and programming.

 

Provide Access to Different Learning Tools

Gone are the days when kids have to learn coding by memorizing blocks of code just to print “Hello! World.” When you look at the modules or course syllabus for many coding programs these days, you would find that they no longer rely on the traditional method of teaching. Rather than read off of textbooks, beginners are now being introduced to the world of coding through programs and software like Scratch, Blockly, Swift, and so on.

That said, it would be a big help if you would help your kids gain access to the learning tools that they need. Doing this would not only make the learning process a lot easier but it would also give your kids an impression that you are supportive of their learning journey as well.

 

Make it Fun

Many parents often support their kids' interest in coding by enrolling them in different learning programs.

But before you enroll your kids in any coding for kids programs, you have to make sure that the learning program is good enough to sustain their interest in the long run. One of the many reasons why kids often quit halfway is because they start to get bored with the lesson and start to lose interest in coding.

So to avoid this, you have to make sure that the learning program is fun and enjoyable. Thankfully, several online coding programs are a lot more fun these days because they make use of games for educational purposes like Roblox, Minecraft, and many more.

 

Let them Explore on their Own

Given that coding is more of a trial and error process, it mainly teaches kids soft skills like perseverance and patience. But, other than that, coding also enables your kid to be more creative, curious, and independent.

Remember that coding is a complex subject and there are lots of areas to explore. For instance, they can learn different coding languages like Python, C, Java, Lua, Ruby, and many more.

Once your kids finally learn the fundamentals of coding and programming, you should start to introduce them to other areas that they might be interested in. Even if they are still undecided which coding language or subject areas they want to learn, it is still a great idea to keep their option open and let them know that there might be other topics that are more suitable for them.

 

Encourage them to Share Their Projects

The great thing about learning how to code these days is that there are tons of kids who are interested in coding as well. That said, the community around beginners and kid coders is vibrant and very encouraging.

So to boost your kids' confidence, you can encourage them to share their projects for other people to play or use. Doing so would not only boost their confidence, but it might also motivate other kids to learn to code as well. Other than that, other coders might also recommend a few tweaks that might make their project even better.

That said, sharing your kids' projects online is a win-win situation for everyone. It would boost your kids’ confidence, make them learn from other coders, and even motivate other kids to start learning how to code as well.

On that note, we, as parents, still have a big part to play in our kids’ learning journey to being a coder. Because no matter how interested they are in the subject, it is still up to us to keep their motivations up so that they can successfully learn.  

 


Getting it Done with the Acer Aspire One Cloudbook 14

Thanks to my friends at Acer for inspiring today's post with a sample!

As a stay at home mom by day and a work from home business owner by night, I rely on a great computer to help me stay in touch with friends, family and clients. I use my laptop as a communication tool, a source of entertainment and to my laptop provides the platform for my livelihood. 

Recently, I hooked up with the people at Acer to try out the Acer Aspire One Cloudbook 14. I had not used the Windows operating system in many years, so I was more than intrigued to see the computer in action. Let me tell you a little more about  The Aspire One Cloudbook 14. It features a 14-inch HD display, Intel Celeron processor and 32GB of internal storage.  It also provides up to 14 hours of battery life and weighs just 3.5 pounds and runs Windows 10.
The computer display was the first thing that caught my eye. I love generous size of the screen. It is perfect for streaming Netflix. It is incredible for me to use when I am working on a design or editing images. The clarity of the screen is fantastic. Really fantastic!

The best feature? The one I cannot get enough of? Cortana! Yes, the  The Aspire One Cloudbook 14 allows you to talk to Cortana with the click of the mouse! This is awesome, amazing, fun and completely stole my heart.

If you are not familiar with Cortana, she is like the other notorious assistant but so much better! Cortana on my Cloudbook makes the experience of using the device incredible. She will answer questions, open files, look things up online for you and so much more.

While the Cloudbook features all of these great things like an HD display, Cortana and Windows 10, there is one thing it does not feature... and that is a hefty price tag! Retailing for $199 at Walmart, this is a great option for school, work or fun! It makes a great first computer for your middle school students. It is also a great option for someone like me, that relies on a great computer for many parts of life.

I found the Acer Aspire One Cloudbook to be user-friendly. It is my go to computer for traveling and for using with my Silhouette portrait as well as for working and watching streaming videos. If you are looking for a great computer at an affordable price, I recommend this one. I have been very happy with my Acer One Cloudbook with Cortana and I think you will be too! I am getting things done with my Acer Aspire One Cloudbook! Connect with Acer to learn more.