How to Start Your Child’s Journey in IT: Insights from Tech Experts
How to Start Your Child’s Journey in IT: Insights from Tech Experts
Are you considering IT for your child but feel overwhelmed by the complexities? Don’t worry, you don’t need to understand everything. Your child can make the choice themselves. All you need to do is provide them with the opportunity. But how? We discussed this and other common parental concerns with Elena Dinman, the director of the IT school Myfreedom. Plus, at the end of the article, there’s a special gift from Myfreedom for our readers—summer IT programs for kids.
At What Age Should Children Start Learning IT?
Early exposure to programming courses can help develop algorithmic thinking in children. If a child becomes accustomed to thinking in algorithms, learning any programming language will be much easier for them later. It’s similar to learning a new language: the earlier you start, the easier it becomes. At Myfreedom, we have both children’s and adult schools, and we can see the difference. Adults find it much harder to grasp programming because algorithmic thinking is entirely new to their brains.
When it comes to career guidance, it’s worth considering IT from the age of 12 or 13. At this age, a child can better understand if the IT field suits them. Even if they don’t choose a career in IT, the knowledge gained will still be useful. We live in a digital world where interdisciplinary connections are in demand, and understanding technology is a necessary skill. For example, if they become a doctor, these skills can help them contribute to developing an app that assists people.
My Child Struggles with Math. Should We Even Consider IT?
Programming is not about math; it’s about algorithmic thinking. A child can struggle with math but still excel in programming if they have strong algorithmic thinking skills. Additionally, people learn in different ways. Some thrive through theory, while others learn better through practice. Those who learn through practice might struggle in school but excel in IT professions because of the direct connection between tasks and results.
Moreover, IT is not just about programming. There are over 100 professions in this field, so everyone can find something suitable.
Why It’s Never Too Early to Explore Different Professions
Many adults today feel lost and are switching careers because they didn’t have the chance to explore different professions at the right time. They spent years studying without truly understanding what they would be doing, only to realize later that they don’t enjoy their work. Changing careers becomes much harder when you have a family and children.
The best investment in your child is giving them the freedom to choose and the opportunity to try different fields while still in school. This way, they can quickly discover what suits them and what doesn’t. Of course, they will need to continue learning throughout their lives. But building on existing knowledge is much easier than starting from scratch.
Exploring the Diverse World of IT Professions
IT is not just about programming. There are over 100 professions in this field, including frontend developers, backend developers, 3D modelers, web designers, and digital artists. Each role plays a crucial part in project development. For example, creating a website involves business analysts, project managers, designers, frontend and backend developers, and testers. Each professional contributes to making the final product functional and user-friendly.
Game development follows a similar process but includes additional roles like digital artists and 3D modelers who create visually appealing and realistic graphics.
Choosing the Right Programming Language for Your Child
With so many programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, C++, and Scratch, it can be challenging to decide where to start. Scratch and similar programs are designed to teach programming basics to young children but don’t perform practical tasks. Frontend development is a good starting point for beginners, with JavaScript being the primary language. Backend development often uses languages like PHP, Java, and Python, which is currently popular due to its simplicity and wide range of applications, including website development, chatbots, and artificial intelligence.
Once a child learns one programming language, learning another becomes much easier. It’s like learning languages from the same group; they have similar grammar and structures.
Guiding Your Artistic Child in IT
Contrary to popular belief, not all designers need to be artists. Many designers have never drawn with a pencil. Designers need a good sense of aesthetics, attention to detail, and logical thinking to create user-friendly products. 3D modelers, on the other hand, need spatial thinking and attention to detail to create realistic environments and characters in games.
Computer graphics, often used in printing and photo editing, is a declining profession. It’s essential to explore different fields to find the best fit. Sometimes, a child might discover a passion for a profession they hadn’t considered before.
How to Determine the Right IT Profession for Your Child
To help your child find the right IT profession, consider having them take a career orientation test specifically for the IT field. Additionally, give them the opportunity to immerse themselves in various IT areas to see what resonates with them. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in making an informed decision.
For more information, visit the Myfreedom IT school.
