AD
Episode
362
Interview
Web News

Should Kids Learn to Code? With Jonathan Schor

Recorded:
February 25, 2025
Released:
April 3, 2025
Episode Number:
362

On this episode of HTML All The Things, Jonathan Schor joins us to discuss why coding may be the next essential skill for kids in our tech-driven world. We explore the gamification of coding education, how it engages young learners, and why it could transform traditional teaching methods. Jonathan shares insights on whether coding should be part of elementary school curriculums and addresses concerns about AI’s impact on the future of coding careers. Plus, we look into CodeMonkey’s exciting plans and how it’s shaping the future of coding education.

Listen

Also available on...
...and many more, check your podcast app!

Who’s in This Episode?

Show Notes

How to support the show

Patreon

Prices subject to change and are listed in USD

  • Support the show from as little as ~$1/month
  • Get a shoutout at the end of the episode (while supplies last) for just ~$3/month
  • Help support the HTML All The Things Podcast: Click Here

Scrimba Discount - Coding Courses!

Learn to code using Scrimba with their interactive follow-along code editor.

Join their exclusive discord communities and network to find your first job!

Use our affiliate link for a 20% discount!!

  • Click the link to take you to the Scrimba site
  • A pop-up should appear on your screen with the discount amount and instructions on how to claim it
  • Discount is for new accounts only

We receive a monetary kickback if you use our affiliate link and make a purchase.




Interview Questions

  • Coding tutorials, guides, and lessons seem to be largely directed at teens and adults, but not really kids. 
    • Question: Do you think it’s important that people learn to code at a young age?
    • Question: Should coding be something all kids learn, or just those that show interest in tech and computers?
      • Follow-Up: Do you believe that coding should be introduced into standard curriculum in elementary schools?
  • There’s a common belief that if you start playing chess at a young age that you almost have an unfair advantage when it comes to playing at a high level. Some even believe that you’re actually incapable of reaching certain heights if you don’t start playing by a certain young age.
    • Question: Do you believe that this concept could be applied to kids and learning to code? Or is it more of a “practice makes perfect” situation and you can start anytime?
  • Coding tutorials are generally straight to the point so that the person can learn and move on. But CodeMonkey has gamified the learning process.
    • Question: How important is gamification when teaching code to kids? Are there any other special considerations when teaching code to kids?
    • Question: Should gamification be used when teaching teens and adults how to code?
  • AI is a topic that we hear too much about, but it’s also something that should be addressed because it’s shaping how many professional software developers approach their work. Some people believe that coders are going to be replaced by AI in the near future and so they may have concern that their children are learning a skill (coding) that will quickly become obsolete after they get into the industry - or that coding will be obsolete before they even reach the workforce.
    • Question: If a parent (prospective customer) was interested in having their kid use CodeMonkey, but had concerns about AI and the longevity of the skill, what would you tell them? Should they be concerned?
    • Question: We saw the trucker industry take a hit in the new recruits department due to self-driving vehicles, do you see a common way of thinking happening now? Are there less people signing their kids up to learn how to code?
  • Future plans for CodeMonkey
    • Any new updates coming soon?

Jonathan's Links




Timestamps

Timestamps are machine generated, there may be errors

  • 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
  • 00:49 Meet Jonathan Shore: CEO of CodeMonkey
  • 01:13 The Importance of Learning to Code at a Young Age
  • 09:54 Gamification vs. Game-Based Learning
  • 15:01 The Impact of AI on Coding Education
  • 28:19 Future Plans for CodeMonkey
  • 31:19 Conclusion and Contact Information
  • 33:17 Patron Acknowledgements and Outro