Category Archives: Education

Education, Parenting, Skills

Boosting Time Management Skills in Kids: A Key Benefit of Our STEM Classes

Do you ever feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day? You’re not alone. Many parents find it challenging to instill effective time management skills in their children. At CodeREV, we believe that learning should extend beyond textbooks and classrooms. That’s why our STEM classes are designed not only to inspire a love of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics but also to equip kids with valuable life skills, including time management.

The Importance of Time Management

Time management is a crucial skill that influences a child’s academic success, extracurricular participation, and overall well-being. Kids who can effectively manage their time tend to perform better in school, have less stress, and develop habits that serve them well throughout their lives.

How Our STEM Classes Promote Time Management

So, you might be wondering, how exactly do our STEM classes contribute to better time management skills? Here are a few ways:

1. Structured Learning Environment: Our classes are designed with a clear structure that includes schedules and deadlines. Kids learn to organize their time effectively, ensuring they complete tasks and projects on time.

2. Project-Based Learning: Engaging in hands-on STEM projects teaches kids to plan, allocate resources, and manage their time wisely to achieve project goals.

3. Problem-Solving Skills: Our curriculum encourages students to think critically and solve complex problems. This fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages effective time management to tackle these challenges.

4. Prioritization: In STEM, it’s essential to prioritize tasks and allocate time and resources efficiently. Kids learn to identify what’s most important and how to allocate their time accordingly.

5. Independent Learning: Our classes promote self-guided learning, allowing students to manage their own time and progress at their own pace, which is a vital skill for future success.

time management for kids: STEM classes

The Long-Term Benefits

The time management skills that kids develop in our STEM classes extend far beyond the classroom. As they grow and face more complex responsibilities, these skills become increasingly valuable. Whether it’s managing homework, extracurricular activities, or future projects, our students are better prepared to meet these challenges head-on.

Join Us in Cultivating Young Time Managers

At CodeREV, we understand the importance of nurturing well-rounded individuals who excel in both STEM subjects and life skills. Our STEM classes not only ignite a passion for learning but also equip kids with the time management skills they need to thrive in a fast-paced world.

If you want to give your child an edge in their education and in life, consider exploring our STEM classes. Watch as they not only grow in knowledge but also in their ability to manage time effectively, setting them up for success in the future.

Conclusion

Time management is a skill that will benefit your child throughout their life. Our STEM classes offer a dynamic, engaging, and hands-on way for kids to develop these skills, setting them on a path to success. Join us in providing your child with the tools they need to thrive in a world that demands effective time management. Enroll in our STEM classes today, and let’s inspire the next generation of innovators and time managers!

Education, Parenting

STEM in Everyday Life: How to Spot Learning Opportunities

In a world where Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) play an increasingly vital role, fostering a love for STEM in Everyday Life has never been more important. The good news is, STEM learning isn’t limited to textbooks and classrooms. In fact, STEM surrounds us every day, and there are countless opportunities for our kids to explore, experiment, and learn. The challenge? Spotting these moments and turning them into exciting learning experiences.

Everyday Science:

Kitchen Chemistry: Cooking and baking offer a treasure trove of scientific lessons. From measuring ingredients to understanding chemical reactions, the kitchen is a hands-on science lab.

Gardening Adventures: Planting seeds and nurturing a garden is an exploration of biology, botany, and ecology. Kids can learn about plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and ecosystems.

Weather Watch: Keeping an eye on the weather presents opportunities to study meteorology, atmospheric science, and even basic physics. Create weather journals or follow meteorological reports together.

Technology Tidbits:

  • Gadget Dissection: When old devices break or are no longer in use, take them apart together. It’s a fun way to learn about the inner workings of technology.
  • Coding Quests: Explore coding through kid-friendly apps or games. Learning the basics of programming can be a creative and logical adventure.
  • Tech Troubleshooting: Next time a tech issue arises, involve your child in the problem-solving process. It’s a real-world lesson in critical thinking and debugging.

Engineering Excitement:

  • LEGO Adventures: Building with LEGO blocks isn’t just play; it’s an introduction to structural engineering and design principles.
  • Bridge Building: Using household items like spaghetti and marshmallows, challenge your child to build bridges and explore the physics behind them.
  • Cardboard Creations: Cardboard boxes are the perfect canvas for constructing anything from simple structures to elaborate cardboard cities.

Math Moments:

  • Grocery Math: Make shopping a math lesson by having your child calculate costs, measure items, and estimate totals.
  • Board Game Bonanza: Many board games involve strategic thinking and math skills. From chess to Monopoly, they’re great for sharpening young minds.
  • DIY Puzzles: Create your own puzzles or riddles for your child to solve. It’s a playful way to engage their mathematical thinking.

Encouraging Curiosity:

  • Ask Questions: Encourage your child to ask “why” and “how” about the world around them. Answer questions to the best of your ability or explore the answers together.
  • Explore Together: Be curious with your child. Investigate insects in the garden, watch the stars, or take apart an old appliance to see what’s inside.
  • Celebrate Mistakes: Show that it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, learning often comes from trial and error. Embrace the journey of discovery.
STEM in Everyday Life

Remember, STEM learning doesn’t always require a formal lesson plan. By recognizing the STEM opportunities in everyday life, you can foster your child’s natural curiosity and help them develop essential skills for the future. Encourage questions, exploration, and hands-on experiences to make STEM a part of your daily adventures.

Every day is a chance for your child to become a scientist, engineer, or mathematician-in-the-making. So, embrace the learning moments that surround you, and watch your child’s excitement for STEM bloom.

Let’s make learning an everyday adventure! Join us on this amazing learning adventure 🌟🔬🌿

Coding Education, Education, Skills

STEM and Creativity: How They Go Hand in Hand

When we think of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), we often envision formulas, calculations, and technical concepts. However, there’s a common misconception that STEM is devoid of creativity. In this blog post, we’re here to debunk that myth and explore the rich interplay between STEM and creativity.

STEM and Creativity
STEM and Creativity

1. Creativity within the field:

STEM fields thrive on creativity just as much as they rely on data and equations. From designing innovative solutions to complex problems to imagining the next groundbreaking video game, creativity is the driving force that pushes STEM forward.

2. Solving Real-World Challenges:

Creativity in STEM is about identifying unique approaches to solving real-world challenges. Think of engineers designing sustainable buildings, scientists developing life-saving medical technologies, and programmers crafting a code. Each of these endeavors requires creative thinking to develop efficient and effective solutions.

3. Exploring New Frontiers:

Curiosity and imagination are the cornerstones of scientific discovery. Scientists and researchers often push the boundaries of knowledge by asking daring questions and proposing novel hypotheses. Indeed, this creative process leads to breakthroughs that transform our understanding of the world.

4. Innovation Through Collaboration:

Collaboration between individuals from diverse backgrounds fuels innovation. The exchange of ideas from various perspectives encourages creative problem-solving. STEM projects often involve teamwork, where each member contributes their unique insights to achieve a common goal.

5. Art of Design in Engineering:

Engineering is a prime example of creativity within STEM. For instance, engineers not only solve problems but also design products, systems, and structures that are functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. Balancing these factors overall requires a high degree of creativity.

6. Coding as a Creative Language:

Also, coding, often associated with logic, is also a creative process. Writing code involves constructing intricate sequences of commands to bring ideas to life. Like composing music or writing a story, certainly coding is a language of creativity.

7. STEM Education’s Creative Approach:

Finally, educators emphasize creative problem-solving in STEM education. Also, students are encouraged to explore multiple solutions, think critically, and express their ideas through projects and presentations. This approach nurtures not only their analytical skills but also their imaginative capacities.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, STEM and creativity are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are intertwined in a dance of innovation and discovery. The essence of creativity lies in thinking beyond conventional boundaries, and STEM fields offer a canvas for such imaginative thinking. We believe that embracing creativity in STEM education, we foster a generation of individuals who can tackle complex challenges, shape the future, and truly transform the world. 

Lastly, we invite you to explore our game design, coding and engineering classes for kids at https://www.coderevkids.com/onlineclasses.php

Education, Parenting

Parent’s Guide: Nurturing Your Child’s Curiosity in STEM

As a parent, you hold the key to unlocking a world of curiosity and exploration in STEM for your child. When it comes to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), your support can make all the difference in igniting a lifelong passion for these subjects. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can play an active role in nurturing your child’s interest in STEM and empowering them to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Nurture Your Child's Curiosity in STEM
Nurture Your Child’s Curiosity in STEM

1. Embrace Curiosity in STEM Together:

Encourage your child’s natural curiosity in STEM by engaging in their questions. When they ask about how things work or why the sky is blue, take the time to explore the answers together. Curiosity is the foundation of STEM learning and by showing your own enthusiasm for discovery, obviously, you create a positive environment that encourages them to ask more questions.

2. Foster Hands-On Exploration:

Additionally , you can provide your child with opportunities for hands-on exploration. Simple science experiments at home, building projects with everyday materials, and even cooking together can spark their interest in STEM concepts. These activities allow them to see science and math in action, making the subjects more relatable and engaging.

3. Encourage Critical Thinking:

Challenge your child’s problem-solving skills through puzzles, games, and brain teasers. Critical thinking is at the core of STEM subjects. Consequently, by regularly engaging in activities that require logical reasoning and analysis, you’re preparing them for the challenges they’ll encounter in STEM learning.

4. Expose Them to STEM in Everyday Life:

Point out STEM elements in everyday situations. From the technology in the games they play to the design of buildings, show them how STEM is all around us. This helps them understand that STEM is not limited to a classroom—it’s a part of their world.

5. Celebrate Mistakes and Learning:

Create an environment where making mistakes is part of the learning process. When something doesn’t go as planned, help your child understand that failure is an opportunity to learn and improve. This growth mindset is crucial in STEM, where experimentation and iteration are key components.

6. Explore STEM Resources Together:

Utilize books, documentaries, online resources, video games like Minecraft and even visits to science centers or museums. These experiences can introduce your child to new STEM topics and expand their horizons.

7. Support Their Passions:

Pay attention to what specifically sparks your child’s interest within STEM. Whether it’s robotics, space exploration, coding, or something else, support their passions by providing related resources, kits, or classes. (Check our robotics, game design and engineering classes here)

Conclusion:

In conclusion, as a parent, you’re a guiding force in shaping your child’s outlook on learning. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a positive attitude toward challenges, you’re setting the stage for a lifelong love of STEM. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert; your enthusiasm and involvement are what truly matter. We’ll walk with you and your child the journey of STEM discovery together, and watch your child’s skills flourish. 

Education, Uncategorized

Code like a girl!

Does your daughter love any STEM subject? Girls who learn how to code may help preserve and boost their confidence. Here’s why and how to start coding like a girl:

Girls have been historically underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. According to a recent study from Florida State University, many young girls who love STEM subjects may wind up abandoning these interests before high school or college. 

The study shows that part of the problem resides in a tendency among girls to underrate their own abilities in subjects like math or engineering, which later leads them to pursue other interests instead. That’s why girls need extra encouragement regarding STEM interests. And the sooner the better because often girls begin to drift away from their STEM-related interests as early as fifth or sixth grade.

That’s a shame because STEM education and careers play a vital role in shaping the future of our world and improving the quality of life for people. It also means that many highly-intelligent girls won’t explore their talents in the job market for these fields—ones that typically offer excellent job security and higher-than-average salaries.

Code like a girl

So here are some reasons why it’s important for girls to be encouraged and supported in STEM:

Diversity:

Women bring unique perspectives, experiences and problem-solving skills to STEM fields. Gender diversity leads to a more innovative and effective work environment.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap:

Women who work in STEM careers often earn higher salaries than those in non-STEM fields, helping to close the gender pay gap.

Improving the Representation of Women in Leadership Positions:

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers can help increase the representation of women in leadership positions, leading to a more balanced and inclusive workplace culture.

Solving Global Challenges:

STEM fields are at the forefront of solving some of the world’s biggest challenges, such as climate change and access to healthcare. By encouraging girls to participate in STEM, we are giving them the tools to make a positive impact on the world.

Encouraging Creativity and Innovation:

STEM careers encourage creativity and innovation, helping girls to develop important skills that can be applied in many different fields.

In conclusion, it’s essential to support and encourage both boys and girls to pursue STEM education and careers. Exposing children to different learning experiences increases the opportunities for them to find the right fit for what they like to do. By doing so, we can create a more diverse, equitable, and innovative future. Check out our STEM classes and camps so your daughter can code like a girl!

Coding Education, Education, Skills, Uncategorized

Computer Science Learning Statistics

With COVID-19, Computer science education has become more important than ever. The pandemic has highlighted our need for computing use and its power to help us all innovate and adapt. From small businesses to families, companies, and education, we all relied on the advantages of technology to survive unprecedented times. Yet, at the same time, it has shown the disparities, especially, in schools to provide students with computer education.

Today, computing-related jobs are the number one source of new wages in the U.S. economy. In fact, there are currently 400,000 open computing jobs across the United States. Yet, the problem is that the education system as a whole still isn’t actually providing the needed access to this crucial subject.

Take a look at some of the most relevant statistics about Computer Science taken from the Annual report on K-12 computer science in the United States.

Every child should have the opportunity to access high quality computer science lessons that will eventually help them develop foundational 21st-century skills for their future. Sometimes, the best way to get this is by learning from experts in the field, like the people who may teach after school enrichment and camps. Check our After-School Classes where your child will find coding, design, animation, math and many other computational skills to explore in a safe environment guided by our industry expert mentors.

Education, Skills

Text-based and block-based coding for kids

Tech has become inevitably present in our everyday lives and will become even more so a few years from now. In consequence, tech or XXI century skills have passed from novelty to an actual necessity. Learning how to code has quickly become a must in every school, rather than just an elective. Coding enables children to express their creativity through another language, the language of the future.

You may be wondering if a child of any age can learn how to code…. well, believe it or not, the answer is yes. Even kids who can’t read and write yet can do it. Yes, as surprising as it might sound, it’s true. This is possible because there are 2 types of coding languages: block-based and text-based (line) code. Let’s explore a little bit more about the coding languages that your child can start with.

Block-based coding

About 20 years ago the MIT Media Lab introduced the concept of block-based code with a language named Scratch. The objective was to create a way to program computers by simply dragging and dropping puzzle blocks that represented complex programming commands. This new method opened the doors for kids to create through programming without having to write a single line of code. With block-based code, teaching and learning the basics of computer science became accessible to young learners.

Text-based and block-based coding for kids

But how does block-based code work? Block-based code, or visual coding, uses colorful drag and drop shapes in a workspace to simulate the coding. Children can create sequences of actions according to the color-coded categories they choose. There are movement blocks, control or events blocks, blocks for adding loops, variables, and functions. 

Block-based code is the simplest and most fun way for kids to start learning the logic of coding. The best thing about this is that despite being a simplified form of code, your children will be able to create and run games, apps and animations. Besides, block-based code will give them a solid basis to understand text-based code later.

Scratch is one of the most popular block-based coding languages out there. We actually use Scratch in some of our Micro Coding Classes because it favors pattern recognition, enhancing the understanding of the structure and logic behind programming. Additionally, block-based coding is a great first step for kids to go from the basics of programming to a more advanced level with text-based line code used by professionals.

Text-based coding

On the other hand, we have text-based line coding. This type of coding language is basically typing instructions while following syntax. Syntax, just like in spoken languages, is the grammar and spelling rules of a coding language. It can easily be introduced to kids after they understand block-based coding or if they are at an appropriate developmental age.

Learning the syntax of text-based coding languages is easier when kids recognize that each section of text-based code corresponds to the blocks they learned with block-based code. This is where kids will start understanding text-based coding languages and applying real computer science knowledge.

In simple terms, text-based programming languages are typed using a keyboard and stored as text files rather than the drag and drop style that block-based code uses. Some of the most popular text-based programming languages are Python, Java (used in Minecraft), and JavaScript.

With text-based coding, kids, and even expert coders, can tackle some typical problems while starting coding. Some of the most common ones are Syntax Errors, Code Styling, and Readability. These are small and very common errors that learning how to face can help kids better understand the languages and processes they are learning.

The question about when we should start teaching our kids text-based coding often arises. And the answer is, there’s no specific age to start with. To use text-based code, kids should know how to write and read, but other than that there’s not a specific age when to start. Actually, just like in any other spoken language, the earlier a child is exposed to it, the easier it is for them to catch it. 

Conclusion

Learning to code at a young age is a fundamental skill that will grow in children as they enter into adulthood. It enables children to understand the technology that surrounds them, becoming not just users, but developers and creators of their own reality. 

Animation, Coding Education, Education, Skills

Best coding languages for teenagers

Coding is an incredibly useful skill for almost everyone. It helps you understand how things work, solve problems, find innovative solutions, attention to detail, and plenty more. Learning to code at a young age can really improve the development of these fundamental life skills and open new career and job opportunities for the future. But, deciphering all the different coding languages available for teenagers can seem intimidating, especially if they are just getting started!

Since coding is an essential 21st-century skill, there are numerous coding languages designed to teach youngsters how to start coding. Choosing the right coding language for your child’s age can open a window into the world of programming. The better your child understands one of these languages (including its syntax and grammar), the more likely they’ll be able to create, design and code whatever they want. But, before finding out the best coding languages for teenagers you might want to know “what’s a coding language?”

What is a coding language?

A coding language is a language we use to give instructions that a computer can follow. Those instructions allow us to develop software programs, scripts, or other sets of instructions for computers to execute. Like in spoken languages, such as Spanish or Italian, coding languages can share similarities, but each one has its own rules. In coding languages, these rules are called syntax. And unlike spoken languages, if there’s a slight error in your syntax, the computer won’t be able to understand what you want. That’s why coding requires so much dedication and attention to detail.

Fortunately, there are plenty of options out there for every skill and experience level. Usually, block-based code is used to introduce kids to code since it’s less intimidating because it involves dragging “blocks” of code with the instructions you want to give to the computer. But, more advanced coders can start exploring text-based code with coding languages designed especially for them.

Best coding languages for teens - Minecraft

Below, we’ll break down the characteristics, advantages, and level of challenge of the coding language we think are best for teens to engage with code. Java, Lua, and C# are among the most popular, so let’s take a closer look at each one!

Java:

Java is the coding language used in Minecraft and one of the most widely used coding languages in the world. This makes it a great option for kids that love playing Minecraft as they will be more motivated to stick with it since they can use it to actually modify the game of Minecraft. It is also the perfect approach to get a better understanding of coding and keep growing in the matter in the future. 

Java works on different platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, etc.), and is also easy to learn and simple to use. Besides its versatility, Java is secure, fast and powerful, allowing its users to make game engines, Android mobile apps, large backend environments, and much more!

Recommended for:

  • Teens who play Minecraft and want to level up their game experience
  • Teens who want to explore programming concepts
  • Teens who already have a background in coding and want to strengthen their skills

Featured courses: Modding in Minecraft

Lua:

Lua is a powerful and fast coding language that is easy to learn and use. That’s why it is probably the perfect language to start learning with. Lua is lightweight and designed essentially for embedded use in applications. One of the most popular examples is Roblox. Roblox uses Lua to develop actions in the game such as conditionals, loops, variables and more. 

Lua is a multi-paradigm language, which means that it has a set of features that can be applied to many issues. The popularity of Lua comes from its multiple applications. You can not just find Lua in Roblox, World of Warcraft, and Angry Birds but also use Lua code. 

Recommended for:

  • Teens who play Roblox and want to improve their game skills 
  • Teens who want to learn to code quickly
  • Teens  interested in game design

Featured course: Roblox Studio Game Design (Macro)

C#:

C# is the perfect solution for learning to code while making 3D games. C# is a popular coding language used to develop everything from mobile applications and video games to enterprise software. C# it’s very similar to Java, which makes it easier to learn for someone who already knows this coding language. 

C# is a great way to start diving deeper into the world of coding. Because of the multiple applications it has, C# is the fourth most in-demand programming language for jobs.  This makes it an amazing option for middle and high-school students who want to pursue a career in STEM fields.

Recommended for:

  • Teens who are interested in designing video games
  • Teens who would like to explore developing apps for cellphones and tablets
  • Teens who already have explored Java with Minecraft

Featured course: Unity 3D Game Design

We hope this guide helped you obtain a better understanding of the coding languages that can make your children excited about coding. If you need help to decide which one would be a better fit for your child’s skills and interests, you can reach out through our social media accounts. 

Education, Parenting, Skills

STEM skills for the future

STEM-based education teaches children more than math or science concepts, it puts an emphasis on preparing children for the future. The skills that STEM education gives to students extend beyond these fields. In fact, STEM helps children develop valuable skills that enable them to be successful in any industry or field they choose. But what are those valuable skills and how can they use them for a better future?

Before stepping into the skills derived from a STEM-based education, we should understand what STEM really means. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The term STEM has become recurrent in school’s curriculum, education policies and skills needed for employment.

STEM skills for the future

STEM is a method of education where these subjects are taught together and not individually. It shows the bridges between these valuable subjects by putting students at the core of the experience. STEM focuses on hands-on experiences, making children active learners instead of passive listeners.

Skills Derived from STEM-based education

The focus on hands-on learning that STEM education encompasses, added to real-world applications, helps children to develop fundamental skills for their future. These so-called 21st-century skills include media and technology literacy, initiative, flexibility, productivity and communication. Perhaps even more importantly, STEM-associated skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, decision making, and acceptance of failure are inherent to this learning style.

Regardless of the interests, passions, or future career paths considered by children, these skills are preparing them to be successful and innovative wherever they go. 

Problem-solving

One of the skills that really makes the difference in any life situation your child could face is problem-solving. One can think of all of life as a series of problems of different complexities, in addition to the problem-solving nature of school, university, or in careers: society requires more problem-solving skills than it ever has before. STEM develops problem-solving skills like no other subject because it encourages kids to experiment, make mistakes and learn from their own experiences to find or create solutions.

Creativity

The ability to think creatively and change standards are the basis of innovation. Creativity isn’t as simple as it sounds, but it is not a skill you are simply born with either; you can train creativity. Learning how to think outside of the box can change the way you approach different situations on a daily basis. STEM-based education teaches how to look at a problem from a different perspective while fostering creativity.

Flexibility

In a world where advances in technology, inventions and knowledge change by the day, flexibility is definitively a much-needed skill. Since technology and science change so quickly, flexibility is also integral in success in STEM-related education since they’re always updating themselves. The ability to be flexible will prove incredibly valuable to keep updated in the ever-changing environment around us. Last, learning to adapt quickly will help your student to adapt to a fast-paced career and job market. 

In addition to these life-changing skills, there are also solid numbers related to the increase in STEM-related job opportunities as shown below.

Projections of  STEM-related occupations:

  • According to PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) 75% of fast-growing occupations require STEM skills.
  • Employment in STEM occupations grew by 10.5% or 817,260 jobs, between May 2009 and May 2015. Compared with 5.2% net growth in non-STEM occupations.
  • Computer occupation is showing the highest number of STEM jobs because of the consistent progression in the digital sector. 
  • As a result of the increasing participation of consumers and businesses in the digital economy, computer-related occupations are expected to grow exponentially in the next 10 years. 
  • STEM workers command much higher wages and are also less likely to experience joblessness than their non-STEM counterparts.

-U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Jan, 2021

(Here you can dive even deeper into the stats surrounding STEM-related occupations)

The data above is solid: needs in the job market are changing. That’s why we place so much emphasis on the importance of learning to code from a young age. Preparing children today to become the innovators, inventors, designers and coders of tomorrow begins with a STEM-based education. From schools, camps, and after-school programs we can create hands-on and real-world experiences to prepare our children for a lifetime of success. 

Let us know how you feel about STEM in the comments and if you’re interested in another blogpost about how you can start exploring STEM skills from home!

Education

Summer Coding Camp: Online vs. In-Person

Summer is here, and you might be struggling to decide whether to join an Online or In-Person Summer Coding Camp. Because of COVID-19, most summer camps have updated their in-person programs or have turned them into virtual or hybrid experiences. Unsure about signing your child up for Online or In-Person Summer Coding Camp? Take a deeper look with us to make the best decision for your child. 

Summer is the perfect opportunity for kids —and parents— to change their online school routines. Traditional in-person summer camps can be an incredible experience for kids because of the hands-on and outdoor activities involved as well as the friends kids can make. On the other hand, online summer camps allow kids to interact and learn with their peers from the comfort of their home. Virtual camps also enable you to choose programs that could be based anywhere in the country or even the world.

Rest assured, there is a Summer Coding Camp experience awaiting that’s perfect for your child. So…, let’s take a look together at some of the pros and cons of Online Summer Coding Camp and In-Person Summer Coding Camp!

Online vs. In-Person Summer Coding Camps
Online vs. In-Person Summer Coding Camps

Online Summer Coding Camp Pros and Cons:

Due to the pandemic, online education became the main solution to keep delivering education during the past year. Online Summer Coding Camps have increased their popularity since they are interactive, often lower in cost, and typically allow smaller instructor-to-student ratios than school or similar programs. Apart from that, here are some of their main characteristics you can weigh to make an informed decision.

Offers Greater Flexibility

Taking an Online Camp gives you a kind of adaptability that isn’t accessible with conventional in-person strategies. Usually, the only requirement for an online coding camp is a computer with internet, audio, and video. You can join from anywhere, access recorded classes and choose a wider range of times than in an in-person camp. 

Gives Greater Variety

During the last year, the offer of online programs has increased notably. In the virtual field, you can find literally all kinds of classes from sports to arts and music to technology. A summer coding camp works very well in a virtual format, as it often has smaller instructor-to-student ratios, allowing more online one-on-one time between campers and teachers.

Is Often Less Expensive

In general terms, online education tends to be less expensive than in-person learning. In an Online Summer Coding Camp you don’t just save on transportation costs, but also save on the cost of the camp itself. Usually virtual camps are cheaper because paying for facilities costs and maintaining staff for on-site camp is more expensive than offering an online program.

Although there are many pros related to e-learning, there are some things to consider before signing up for an online camp. One of the most common cons is that kids, and especially parents, may not want more screen time right now. Also, some kids are tired of being at home and want to get away from the house. 

(Here, you can also find 7 Lasting Benefits of Virtual Summer Camp)

In-Person Summer Coding Camp Pros and Cons:

More Hands-On Experience

The experience of an In-Person Summer Camp after a year of online learning can be thrilling for your children. Being able to interact with instructors and other kids face-to-face, to touch, make and create with their own hands has been proven to have several benefits in kids’ overall experience and learning process.

Facilitates Connections

Despite the options we have to interact through online tools, they can’t always be compared with the experience of being on a campus. The buzz of camp surrounding kids, or a group game can be unique to being at an in-person camp. In an In-Person Summer Coding Camp, students can connect in real-time to strengthen their social skills such as through teamwork. While this is also possible in virtual camps, for some children, it isn’t quite the same as being there with peers. In-person training provides greater opportunities for group activities and interactive projects if your child’s learning style suits an in-person format better.

Allows For a Change In Environment

Both children and parents have had a long year of working, learning and studying from home. An In-Person Summer Camp is the perfect opportunity for kids to change their everyday online school routine. Going to a new place and enjoying outdoor activities with kids their same age can be refreshing and exciting. This isn’t just a perfect getaway for kids, but also for parents who could use a full-time summer camp in order to focus on work….and on themselves!

While In-Person learning has multiple benefits both for parents and children, it’s important to recognize your child’s learning style. Some kids find speaking out in public or meeting new people intimidating, limiting the possibility of enjoying the in-person format. There are also always greater Covid risks, though you should check the camp’s Covid precautions taken, when joining an in-person camp right now.

In conclusion, there are benefits and drawbacks to both in-person and online summer coding camps, though both are net positive. Before making your decision, it’s important to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of each camp format. But most importantly, choose the option that best fits your child’s learning style and preferences to give them an amazing summer camp experience.