Computer coding program takes off for Tulare County kids

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- By using special programs in class, some first-graders in Tulare County are learning how to code.

Coding is what you do to create computer software, apps and websites. At the basic level, by writing the code kids are able to tell characters in a game where they want them to go.

Amy Rose Lardner from Kohn Elementary uses a game called "Osmo," and kids have to use code to move its main character, Awbie. Another game can program a device called Bee-bot to find his spelling words.

"As a teacher, you have to be able to grow with them," she said. "If I stay stagnant then I'm doing my students a disservice. If I grow with my students, we learn off each other."

Educators say connecting kids with technology in the classroom reinforces the four C's of 21st-century skills - communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity.

By the year 2020, experts say there will be 1.4 million jobs available in computer science and only 400,000 college graduates in the country to fill those to fill those positions.