In a recent episode of the Thrive in EDU podcast, host Rachelle Dene Poth had an engaging conversation with Jonathan Schor, the CEO and co-founder of CodeMonkey. The discussion centered around the significance of coding education, its role in shaping future-ready students, and the ways educators can integrate coding into their classrooms effectively.
The Journey of CodeMonkey
Jonathan Schor shared the origins of CodeMonkey, an educational platform designed to teach coding in an interactive and student-friendly manner. The inspiration behind CodeMonkey was to bridge the gap between traditional education and the growing need for computational thinking skills. Schor emphasized how coding is no longer an optional skill but a fundamental literacy for the digital age.
“We wanted to create a platform where kids could learn to code in a way that feels like play, but at the same time builds real-world programming skills,” said Schor.
Why Coding Matters in Education
The conversation highlighted why coding should be a crucial part of the curriculum. Schor noted that coding not only equips students with programming skills but also fosters problem-solving, logical reasoning, and creativity. These are essential skills that extend beyond the field of computer science and apply to various aspects of life and future careers.
Addressing Common Barriers to Teaching Coding
One of the significant barriers to coding education is the intimidation factor—many teachers feel they need to be expert programmers to introduce coding in their classrooms. However, Schor reassured educators that CodeMonkey is designed with teachers in mind, providing easy-to-follow lesson plans, tutorials, and hands-on activities. He stressed that educators can learn alongside their students, making the process less daunting.
“Teachers don’t have to be coding experts. The key is to create an environment where learning happens collaboratively, and students feel empowered to experiment,” Schor explained.
The Importance of Gamification in Learning
A key feature of CodeMonkey’s success is its gamified approach. Schor explained how integrating gaming elements into coding lessons makes learning more engaging and accessible for students. By transforming coding into a fun, challenge-based experience, students develop resilience and motivation to keep progressing.
Real-World Applications of Coding Skills
The discussion also touched on the real-world applications of coding skills. Beyond traditional software development, coding knowledge is becoming valuable in various fields, including medicine, finance, engineering, and even the arts. Schor emphasized that introducing coding at an early age prepares students for a wide range of opportunities in the future job market.
Encouraging Diversity in Coding
Another crucial topic covered in the podcast was the need for inclusivity and diversity in coding education. Schor pointed out that coding should be accessible to all students, regardless of their background. CodeMonkey and similar platforms are working towards closing the gender gap and ensuring that students from underrepresented communities have the opportunity to explore technology-driven careers.
How Educators Can Get Started
For educators looking to integrate coding into their classrooms, Schor recommended starting small. He suggested using beginner-friendly platforms like CodeMonkey, engaging in professional development opportunities, and collaborating with fellow educators. He also highlighted the importance of fostering a growth mindset among students—encouraging them to embrace challenges and learn from their mistakes.
The Future of Coding in Education
Looking ahead, Schor expressed optimism about the future of coding in education. With the increasing demand for tech-savvy professionals, he believes that coding will become a standard subject in schools worldwide. He also mentioned the potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality in enhancing coding education.
Final Thoughts
The conversation between Rachelle Dene Poth and Jonathan Schor reinforced the importance of equipping students with coding skills for a rapidly evolving digital world. As technology continues to shape industries and daily life, fostering coding literacy in schools is more critical than ever. By breaking down barriers and making coding accessible and engaging, educators can empower the next generation to innovate, solve problems, and thrive in the future.
