Is Your 10-16 Year Old the Next Bill Gates or Marie Curie?

Technology will transform more in the next decade than it has in the past fifty years. As parents navigating the virtual-school era, whether by choice or necessity, we’re familiar with the routine. We find the classroom links, set up the computer, provide a snack, and let the online tutors take over. It’s convenient, often highly effective, and when kids learn an in-demand skill like coding or STEM, it’s also fun!

However, we soon realize that basic tasks like communicating through a screen, sharing screens, or switching between tabs—which are second nature to us—can be quite challenging for kids. Adding the complexity of learning to code can make it seem less convenient. 

When Kids Learn to Code Online, Magic Happens

In our increasingly digital world, some may doubt the true benefits of online learning. Yet, studies show that virtual learning offers more than just keeping kids occupied at home.

1. Boosting Motor Skills and Emotional Development
   Surprisingly, 1-5 hours of online gaming in e-learning environments can improve academic performance. According to CBC, gamified platforms enhance social and emotional learning, fostering problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Even learning basic tech skills like screen sharing proves immensely useful.
2. Opening Doors to 21st Century Skills and Careers
   While your child’s future employability might not be top of mind, it’s noteworthy that 74% of professionals are expected to work remotely. This makes the advantages of online learning evident. The demand for STEM skills is predicted to rise by almost 10% in 2022, compared to 3.4% for other occupations.
3. Fostering Teamwork and Collaboration
   Online STEM learning allows kids to connect with like-minded peers from anywhere. Studies indicate that online interactions enhance engagement and emotional development.
4. Meeting Mentors They Wouldn’t Otherwise
   Coding tutors, like those at Junior Engineers, often hail from top universities, providing valuable real-world insights and knowledge to their online students.

Learning to communicate clearly, solve problems, and prepare for a digital future are just a few of the benefits. Online coding classes also empower kids to become creators.

Empowering Kids to CREATE, Not Just Consume

Kids are capable of more than we imagine. When given the chance to create, invent, and innovate, they show us anything is possible. With online learning, barriers are removed, allowing kids to create and modify the technology they love. For example, 9-year-old Krish Mehra led a TED talk showcasing how STEM education led him to create two published apps on the iOS App Store. He pointed out that most digital activities involve code, yet only a small percentage of people know how to code. As Marie Curie once said, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood" - and the same goes for coding & learning online!

In online learning environments, especially in coding, STEM tutors at Junior Engineers often praise their students. One tutor, Alex Wan, says, “It’s amazing to see the kids work together to find the bugs or errors in each other’s code. They share their screen and communicate their decisions and ideas clearly, which doesn’t come naturally. They really challenge themselves.”

Kids walk away with skills that equip them for the future, becoming creators rather than just consumers.

Online Learning is Leading the Way for Our Kids to Make a Real Impact

Junior Engineers tutor Diana loves seeing kids come to class with new code they created in their free time. “It’s so cool to see them confidently present their ideas. It’s easy to collaborate when you can just share a screen.”

Now is the perfect time, as Bill Gates notes:

Technology is going to change more in the next 10 years than it has in the last 50.

So, set up the computer, provide a snack, plug them in, and see the amazing digital creators your kids can become from the comfort of your home!

So could your child be the next Bill Gates or Marie Curie? Try an online coding class with Junior Engineers here.