Learning how to code had long been seen as an odd hobby for geeks who enjoyed tinkering around with their computers. But times have changed, and this is not the case anymore. What once started as a hobby has become a critical skill with some of the most well-paid professions. Learning how to code can lead someone to excellent career choices such as web and software developers, database administrators, and others.

But to become a professional, you need to spend much time first learning how to code. Thankfully, there are many online resources to learn a programming language, and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) are probably the best option.

The importance of coding

In the current digital age, coding is everywhere around us. From using applications in our smartphones or ordering lunch from our laptops, everything happens with the help of coding. For this reason, the demand for coding skills is high and having good programming knowledge almost guarantees job security and a good salary.

Learning how to code: The bad and the good news

But learning how to code is demanding and certainly not for everyone. If you are a prospective programmer, you need to spend countless hours in front of your screen, continuously writing and re-writing lines of code. You should do that until you get your code right or familiarize yourself with the programming language you are trying to learn. Someone has to put a tremendous effort to learn a programming language and be confident enough to use it in a professional setting. But those who do so successfully, the sky is the limit and has many benefits to reap.

Thankfully, there is also good news for those who think they have what it takes to learn how to code. Even though it is a significant boost for coding, it is unnecessary to have a university degree in computer science or any equivalent certifying your knowledge. And even if you do, it does not mean that you have the required skills to start working as a developer. Therefore, if you are interested in learning how to code, you don’t have to spend years and money to get a college degree. Many developers are self-taught or are college drop-outs and yet successful. Later, when you get hired, most company’s will use a developer time tracking tool so be prepared to spend your work time wisely.

How MOOCs come into play

Since becoming a software developer does not require following the traditional path of attending formal education (going to college), MOOCs play a significant part in teaching people how to code. There are many online platforms for coding that people can enrol in and start learning how to code.

No one can deny that MOOCs are great for learning, not just about coding but in general. Additionally, their quality is also excellent as the majority of those are productions of renowned Universities and organizations or from well-established professors or professionals.

In the specific case of programming, since it is something that you need to spend much time on your own and since a degree is optional, MOOCs are a great resource to learn how to code due to their benefits.

• Flexibility
• Convenience
• Blended learning
• Replayability
• Courses from top professors or professionals

Get to know m-Game European Project

The Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED) participates in the European funded Erasmus+ project m-Game. This project wants to bolster youth skills in Mobile Game Development by creating a MOOC for them to learn from.

As MOOCs are effective mediums to strengthen learners’ skills, the project partners hope to help young people learn how to code and push towards becoming game developers, as there are significant opportunities for employment in the sector.