Platforms for Learning Computer Science for Children (1)

As the field of computer science is expanding more than before, with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning being in practice internationally, children in Myanmar need to understand the basics of computer science from an early age and get used to programming. In some foreign countries, children are introduced to computer science as a subject starting in middle school. By high school, students already started learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and already knew how to build a good website. However, due to the deteriorating education system in our country, children don’t still have access to computer science. In the past, not having access to computer science was not a big problem for children in Myanmar, but in the 21st century, it has become a problem not to know computer science.

Here are some simple online learning platforms for children in Myanmar to learn computer science online with their parents during their school holidays.

(1) Code.org

The one is a platform called Code.org. Some of you might have already known Code.org. Code.org is one of the most popular websites, offering free coding classes for children. This platform also categorizes courses according to the age of the children, so children can choose the one that suits them.

Each course includes sub-lessons that children can learn basic knowledge of computer science along with fun games. The lessons are fun for children as they contain complete, well-understood, and easy-to-understand tutorial videos. Each course will take about 15-20 hours. Photo Source https://web.facebook.com/RainbowTechnology.Myanmar/posts/563482335072510

Each course includes different games (Example games – Star War, Minecraft Maze Game, Ice Age, Angry Bird, etc.), so children can understand the basics of computer science while playing the games without getting bored. In addition, some tutorial videos feature famous computer scientists such as Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg who have taught computer science by themselves so children can learn their ideas.

The official website of Code.org is [https://studio.code.org]. Once you have signed up for the website, you will see games and lessons on how to build a website. Code.org starts with programming basics for children, followed by courses that allow them to create custom apps and websites using HTML, CSS, and JS. Internationally, Code.org can be used to teach children as young as four years old, but children in Myanmar should start learning from primary school.

(2) MIT Scratch

This learning platform was created by MIT, at a university in the United States. Children will learn about Scratch on this platform.

Scratch is a block-based visual programming language. Simply put, you have to join the blocks together. It is a programming language specifically designed for young children to learn programming codes. Children as young as seven years old can start learning Scratch.

Learning Scratch at an early age can increase children’s creativity, understand the sequence of a program, and improve problem-solving skills. That’s why in a country like the USA, children are taught Scratch at an early age.

The official website of MIT Scratch is [https://scratch.mit.edu]. The Scratch Course from MIT Scratch is a 100% free course, so it is a simple Drag and Drop Coding Language that can be taught to children at home without having to pay. For more information, you can visit their website.