Kids

5 Differences Between Computer Classes and Coding Classes

by Kevyn Gohu
February 22, 2023

Before enrolling our kids into a coding class, here are the things we need to know about it and if it’s the same as a computer class.

Not to discourage anyone from taking coding classes but, there’s a big difference between coding and computer classes. A part of us may think that it’s included in the curriculum, but there are some basic functions of a computer that kids need to know. Also known as tech literacy, computer literacy is making sure kids actually know which button to press and what thing to plug in so the gadget doesn’t explode!

Here are some things that make computer classes different from coding classes.

1. Coding Class teaches logic, and Computer Class teaches the how-to’s.

We often think that’s included in Coding Class, but it’s not. Coding class uses particular programs like Notepad++, Brackets, Visual Studio, and other things that help the user visualize what they’re telling the computer to do. Whereas, computer class teaches users about the different applications and buttons on the computer. From all the keyboard shortcuts, what Microsoft programs there are, and parts of a browser

2. Coding class serves as a good basis for computer programing or game design.

If your kids dream of building their own video game then, coding classes will teach them how to use the different “assets” (i.e. pictures, models, figures) as they call them to make them move, interact, and do things. Coding, however, is only one aspect of game design. There’s also concept design, art, 3D art, storyboard writing, etc. that goes into it. Most game developers learned how to create games through Unity but are slowly transitioning into a more defined one: Unreal Engine, which is the source of all our kids’ most wanted games.

3. Computer classes made your millennial kids your one-man IT Team.

As a teacher, one thing I noticed is how some kids of today are still struggling to use the computer even though they grew up around it. The funnier part is that it’s a parent’s first instinct to yell for their older sibling (if they have any) to fix the computer problem so that the younger one won’t start freaking out. When computer classes were part of the curriculum back in the day, we learned how to use certain apps to make the computer do things for us. All the more if the millennials became gamers, they wield computers faster than we sometimes can process.

4. Computer class serves as a good prerequisite to coding class.

Some computer classes before used to offer HTML, an old form of design and coding (although some programmers scoff at it being called “coding”) which people could use to design websites from scratch. Although we now have WordPress and other site-creating programs, learning the HTML language in computer class has helped a mighty lot in creating websites, especially in making websites easier to use. Those who are familiar with the language can even make it more fun to use when WordPress doesn’t offer that function.

5. Computer class =/= gaming

Some may think that computer class is about gaming. It’s not; it’s more on how to navigate around Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel — all of which are important for schoolwork, homework, documents, and all. Gaming is just a byproduct of learning how to use the computer. Realizing how much a computer can actually do encourages kids to keep figuring out their computers.

The difference: How-to-use vs. What-to-do

Coding is more of a “what-to-do” course, teaching kids what instructions to give a computer. While that’s useful in teaching logic, it, unfortunately, doesn’t teach kids the how which leads to more broken gadgets than we can afford. It’s also why kids cry in frustration when the computer doesn’t do what they need it to do. They’re not familiar with the buttons, apps, etc. which is why it’s good they also take a bit of computer class before moving on to coding.