Are you trying to get your kids into coding? Perhaps they already spend hours in front of the computer playing games—how about offering them the opportunity to make games for themselves?
Indeed, kids are drawn to computers. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, toy robot, or that old, boxy PC left in the corner, kids love the versatility that computers offer. But buying your kids a setup for learning coding sounds expensive, right?
Well, not necessarily.
This article explores how to set up a coding environment for your kids to offer them everything they need to get the most out of their thirst for learning.
Ready? Let’s go.
What type of computer do I need to encourage kids to code?
The good news is that you needn’t spend thousands of dollars on a new computer. In fact, for the most part, all that computing power goes to waste unless they’re learning quantum mechanics—and let’s leave that till they’re a little older, perhaps?
For many educational coding platforms, all you need is a browser and internet access. However, whether you choose a laptop, desktop, or tablet, always use the most up-to-date browser version the device can install.
Can my kid learn to code on a tablet?
The short answer is yes, your kid can learn to code on a tablet or smartphone. However, the longer answer is that having a keyboard and mouse is a significant benefit. Most modern tablet operating systems are designed for Bluetooth connectivity, so it’s easy to “attach” a keyboard and mouse combo to a touchscreen device.
While the touchscreen environment offers excellent tactility for learning, it doesn’t always provide the type of control that’s best for code-learning platforms. So, we recommend a mouse and a keyboard to get the most out of the learning experience.
What computer specs do I need for code-learning for kids?
Many code-learning platforms offer web-based apps, meaning you can use a relatively low-spec computer. Of course, the higher the clock speed, the easier it is for the machine to interact with the web browser, but on the whole, you don’t need top-of-the-range machines.
We would recommend a computer with:
- Processor equivalent to an Intel i5 (2008) or later, capable of 2.6GHz
- 8 GB of RAM or more
- Screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher.
What do these specs mean?
If you’re not sure what you’re looking for when buying a computer, these descriptions might help:
The processor
This is the computer’s ” brain, ” determining how quickly your computer can complete tasks and operations. The GHz number listed above refers to the processor’s speed.
In 2024, a top-of-the-range Intel processor (i9) is capable of 6.2GHz. Mac computers don’t tend to refer to GHz when describing their chips, but to give you an idea of the power of the M4 chip (their most powerful to date), it can perform up to 38 trillion operations per second.
Both of these are eye-wateringly fast but are probably wasted on anyone other than professional designers, computer-based musicians, and video editors.
One of the benefits of a faster processor (aka clock speed) is that programs will open, save, and close more quickly. But for what your kid needs to help them learn how to code, we’d recommend saving your money till they’re older.
RAM (or memory)
Think of RAM like a motorway. Two-lane motorways are good for low-traffic areas but will struggle during rush hour. Each new lane you add to a motorway offers the capacity to get more traffic through simultaneously. So, the more lanes you have, the faster the traffic gets through.
So, if your processor dictates your computer’s processing speed, RAM determines the number of tasks the machine can handle simultaneously. If you’re running more than one application, you’ll benefit from more RAM.
It’s a good idea to have as much RAM as you can, especially with web apps, which can demand a fair amount of processor power.
Screen resolution
Your computer’s screen is attached with a laptop or an added peripheral with a desktop machine. The resolution relates to the number of pixels the screen can display—a pixel is a tiny area of illumination on a screen, like the dots that build up a printed newspaper’s photo.
A screen resolution of 1920×1080 means that the screen has crammed in 1920 pixels horizontally and 1080 vertically. These days, screen resolution doesn’t necessarily refer to the screen’s size, so bigger isn’t necessarily better.
As a guide, an old-school standard definition television in 4:3 was typically capable of 640×480. A screen that’s capable of 1920×1080 is likely to be described as “Full HD”. 4K is 3840×2160.
Numbers aside, if your screen is capable of HD, it will be fine.
Don’t buy a top-of-the-range computer for your child
There’s a pretty convincing argument against buying a top-of-the-range computer for a child. Ultimately, the more powerful the computer, the more it’s capable of doing. And that means there are way more distractions for your child.
A super-specced computer offers access to super-fast video streaming, AAA games, and many other great fun (but distracting) features.
So, if you want a computer that’s great for learning with limited distractions, go for a less powerful model. It’s a win-win.
How much does a computer with 8 GB of RAM cost?
Of course, computer components vary wildly in terms of price. Let me explain how to get the best power for your buck.
Chromebooks
Chromebooks are powered by Google’s ChromeOS operating system, and they’re designed expressly for web apps, making these super flexible, affordable systems perfect for use with web-based code-learning platforms like CodeMonkey.
ChromeOS has moved on a lot since it was first introduced to rather lukewarm reviews in 2011. Initial criticisms suggested the operating system was barely more than a web browser, offering access to Google’s suite of applications.
The OS didn’t support the installation of heavy-duty applications, like video editing and music-making apps. And while that remains the case, ChromeOS now offers massive flexibility through Android and Linux support.
Chromebook computers tend to be among the cheapest machines on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re particularly low-powered.
How much is a Chromebook?
It’s possible to pick up a brand-new Chromebook for around $150, maybe less. It might only have 4 GB of RAM and may have a smallish hard-drive capacity, but for the needs of a child learning to code, that should be OK.
And the low price point has put Chromebooks at the top of the list for educational purposes.
Raspberry Pi
The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a UK charity aiming to build better access to computing and computer education. Their flagship product, The Raspberry Pi, is a super-affordable single-board computer that runs Linux and is used worldwide by people learning to code and build their own hardware.
The original Pi was a single-core computer with a small amount of RAM, but the most recent iteration has a quad-core CPU, which runs at around 1.8Ghz, with 8GB of RAM, making these build-your-own machines easily powerful enough for a child’s code-learning environment at home.
What does a Raspberry Pi look like?
These mini-computers look unlike any computer you’ve probably seen because they’re little more than a circuit board. At its most basic, the Pi operates without casing, which perhaps sounds a little concerning, but they’re safe and super flexible.
The circuit board offers a range of ports to connect dual 4K displays and as many USB devices as you can squeeze onto the tiny circuit board. They’re massively expandable, making them all the computer you need for coding and learning.
How much does a Raspberry Pi cost?
Well, this is where things get really interesting. Are you sitting down?
A Raspberry Pi starts at around $25 (or £19.99 if you live in the UK). You can buy basic versions with more RAM, but at that price point, you can probably afford it.
They don’t come with monitors, keyboards, or a mouse, so you’ll also need to buy those. But think about second-hand if you’re on a tight budget.
Windows computers
Windows is probably the world’s most recognizable operating system. And these days, Windows offers tremendous variety and flexibility, making them great machines for learning to code.
Again, you don’t need to opt for a top-of-the-range model — you’ll find some great value Windows 11 laptops from around the $250 (£200) mark. Of course, you can pay a lot more for higher-spec computers, but if they are not going to be used for high-end gaming, you’re wasting your money.
Don’t waste your money with top-of-the-range
Top-end laptops and desktop computers are typically wasted on most users. The super-powered machines are work-stations for processor-heavy activities like video editing and music creation.
If you use your computer to surf the net, write documents and spreadsheets, check your email, and organize your diary, you can get that functionality with a decent low-end model.
The Asus Vivobook range is incredibly affordable at the low end, and the computers are more than adequate for a child learning code from a web app like CodeMonkey.
Apple computers
Apple doesn’t typically do “low-end”, although their new Mac Mini range is remarkably affordable for a mighty computer. Their laptops start at $999, so they’re not really catering to the entry-level market.
However, iPads start at around $350 for the entry-level model, which will offer ample power for learning code, but you might consider investing in a keyboard and mouse to get the most out of web-app functionality.
You don’t need to buy Apple keyboards and mice, which are expensive! You can buy a massive range of excellent quality Bluetooth peripherals from brands like Logitech and Anker that offer exceptional durability, functionality, and value for money. In fact, some of these alternative brands offer better peripherals than Apple for the price.
Certified Refurbished products
While buying second-hand computer products can be a false economy, many brands offer Certified Refurbs, which is a safer bet.
Many certified refurbished products have been tested and cleaned through strict regimes to ensure they work and are brand-new products.
Apple Certified Refurbs are outstanding value — the outer shell is typically new and includes a new battery. The only visible difference is the box they’re supplied in. This makes them a better investment than buying a second-hand machine because you potentially inherit poor battery life and a slow operating system if you don’t know the machine’s history.
What kind of coding can a child learn?
One of the great things about code-learning platforms is that they provide structured schemes of work that teach real programming languages like CoffeeScript and Python, which are widely used in a range of professional environments.
But what makes the code-learning environment so attractive to kids is the colorful character-based platform, engaging them in block-based and text-based coding exercises that feel like a video game.
How young is too young to start learning coding?
Kids as young as 5 can use platforms like CodeMonkey to solve scaffolded puzzles and build their very own games. The younger your child starts, the more naturally they take to learning new learning approaches.
Tips for Encouraging Kids into Coding.
You might be concerned about screen time. But learning coding isn’t all about sitting in front of screens.
Learning coding offers three main benefits that mean they can learn away from screens:
- Promotes critical and logical thinking — coding is about putting tasks into logical order and troubleshooting instructions (or algorithms) when programs go wrong. So, there are plenty of logic-based games to play away from the screen, from writing lists and instructions to arranging physical objects into logical order.
- Promotes creative thinking and focus — coding requires creative thinking because it’s often about problem-solving, asking learners to “think outside of the box” to develop new, more efficient ways of getting things done.
- Promotes resilience and independent thinking — coding requires precision, and that can encourage teamwork, troubleshooting, and not giving up when things don’t go well. Seeing a child solve a problem with coding is hugely satisfying — it boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to work unsupported.
Are you ready to build a coding environment for your child?
Coding is a valuable “learning enabler,” offering kids a structured way to “learn to learn.” Children who understand coding concepts develop excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think analytically. These are transferable skills that facilitate learning in the broader curriculum.
So, it’s never too early to introduce your kids to coding.
Try one of CodeMonkey’s free Hour of Code activities today. Your kids won’t even realize they’re learning.
