Infinite Learning Academy

It is a step-by-step instruction that tells the computer what to do. Our everyday life is surrounded by various smart devices that all use a computer program. For example, when you type a message on your smartphone , when you play a game on your computer, when you call a friend from your smart mobile phone, when you press the remote of your smart TV, when you start a dishwasher or a washing machine. So where I can write such instructions to build a program? There are hundreds of programming languages such as Scratch, Python, Java, JavaScript, PHP, C, C++, C# (C Sharp), SQL, MATLAB, and many more. According to worldwide jobs on Indeed.com, Python was the top programming language need for recruiters in the year 2020.

To say the least, we can not complete a day without utilizing technology which uses some kind of coding behind the scene. Google, Facebook, Netflix, YouTube, Zoom, Alexa all use programming and the list goes on and on. Since most jobs in future wil be coding based including life sciences related it is imperative to consider programming as any other extracurricular activity like swimming, basketball, piano, gymnastics, skating and many more which build confidence and engage kids in learning skills. Coding is not only an extracurricular skill but has also become part of STEM education. It can be taught in a manner that kids have educational experience while having fun. The administration has placed a high emphasis on improving programming skills in K-12 students due to the shortage of skilled coders and programmers. Coding can help students in their other subjects, too since it can improve soft skills like perseverance and problem-solving often emphasized by educators. Coding is especially beneficial to students who would also like to improve their performances in reading and math due to its rendition of logical and critical thinking along with patience building. In addition, students often feel empowered when they can create digital media and share it with others instead of just being consumers of digital media.

STEM-based coding introduces students to the basic concepts of programming: commands, delays, repeat loops, conditional statements, and more. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics are tough subjects but when embedded in a gamified environment through coding students learn it easily without comprehending them as harder concepts. These basic concepts develop student's creativity, problem-solving, computational thinking, and much more. Students who are well engaged in early learning STEM activities tend to do better in their higher studies because they get equipped with these skillsets.

These courses are meant for K-12 students. There is no age limit to learn to code as it is applied and is considered a new sport that you can play from your own home. Grade level is marked on each course but when in a dilemma if you think your kid is ready to take a challenge opt for a next grade level course. For example, I have a 7th grader who is struggling in his MATH and Science concept and I want to decide whether to enroll in Robotics Adventure or Robotics 101. I would recommend taking Robotics Adventure. For another example, I have an 8th grader who did block programming for a few months and I want to decide whether to enroll in Robotics 101 or Learn and Play Python. I would recommend taking Learn and Play Python. Additional Example, I have an 8th grader but he/she makes learning a fun activity and honestly do his/her homework, I would recommend taking Learn and Play Python.

Of course, a stable internet connection and a PC or Mac with the latest version of a Chrome browser. Students should have a google account. We recommend having an additional monitor, PC, Mac, tablet, or Chromebook to watch the Zoom screen separately.