Coding is a Child’s play

Are you looking for a career in the industry? Starting a new hobby? Or, do you just want to
understand technology? Coding can be the answer to all your queries. Coding is a list of step-by-
step instructions that make computers do what you want them to do. This logic-based, problem-
solving technology helps people resolve several issues with real-world impact. Small wonder,
coding has become crucial now as technology has overtaken our everyday lives.
Young minds have the unique ability to grasp technology swiftly, so efforts are being made to
ensure that coding becomes part of children’s lives so that over time, India becomes a
superpower in technology.
Starting early
Recently, the Central government announced the New Education Policy (NEP) which has several
unique features. Experts say it will bring major reforms in the Indian education system. Its
significant feature is that classes on coding will be initiated for students from Class VI.
Through coding, students can learn and create games and applications for multiple platforms
like Android, Windows, and iOS. Experts say coding as a language in the middle school will go a
long way in harnessing the creative potential of students. Using artificial intelligence in
education will take education to a whole new level, they add. Coding will help students inculcate
the habit of curiosity. Students have a unique quality to observe, question and analyse. It may,
therefore, break the archaic system of classroom education.
Learning online
Going by the trend, several online courses have been started for children.
Hindustan Times is launching India’s first-of-its-kind coding initiative for school children, HT
Codeathon is an ideal platform for the students to learn coding and showcase the talent of
young budding coders thereby putting them on an accelerated path to success.
It provides an opportunity to enhance the coding skills of a child and be ready for a competitive
future. Students will need to be registered first in HT Codeathon. Based on the student’s
Standard /Class the course will be assigned automatically.
At the initial stage of learning, students will be asked to watch videos to learn Website designing
using HTML CSS & JS (for Classes VI-VII) and Game Development with Python (Classes VIII-IX).
This way students can enhance their knowledge and sharpen their skills to become a Codeathon
Champion.
Students will then prepare for the largest coding championship in India. In the qualifier stage,
the student will cross this hurdle to compete with the best in the country. All participants at this
stage will get a certificate of achievement and a chance to appear in the Finale and become
Codeathon Champion.