Codefi helps children learn basics of computer coding

In a world where children can use iPhones before toilets, organizers at Codefi are betting a familiarity with nuts-and-bolts coding will only become a more useful skill.

So as part of their Techweek, Codefi held a coding workshop for children in grades 3 to 8 over the weekend.

And where does one start when tackling the underlying mechanics of the internet age? Angry Birds.

About 20 signed up for the event. Codefi partner Brian Holdman explained when it comes to coding, the sooner the better.

“I think it’s a really great idea to get these kids learning code early,” he said.

After the success of the first workshop, the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce agreed, and it helped promote the event.

“The goal was to start with zero,” Holdman said. “For someone who had never touched code before.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, several of the grade-schoolers had a basic familiarity with at least the concept of code from computer classes in school or just from kicking around the web.

“There are sites that will walk you through the basics,” Holdman said.

The workshop used one of those sites, coding.org, not to write original code, but to drag-and-drop coded elements to create a program.

“And then when they were done, they ended up with an actual game-type project they could play,” he said.

It was 12-year-old Tyler Abner’s first time touching code. He said it was less difficult than he anticipated.

“It was really fun,” he said. “At first, I didn’t understand it, but after a while, I got the hang of it, and it was actually fun.”

The one session didn’t make Abner an expert, but he said he has a pretty good idea of how the programming process works.

“Coding is something that helps you out and makes things easier in life,” he said. “If you want to do something or if you want to make a game, you need codes to do that.”

Like most people, Abner said he uses some sort of app or device that uses code every day. Holdman said the utility of code will be beneficial in just about any industry in which children plan to work.

“Even if they don’t grow up to be software developers,” he said. “Combines, tractors, those can all be GPS-controlled, and that takes programming, ... and the problem-solving skills that coding teaches are critical.”

As for what the future holds, Abner said he could see himself entering a field that involves coding.

“I think its something that’s really cool and really interesting how it works,” he said.

Holdman encouraged interested youngsters to come to the next coding workshop in September.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627