Technology is an essential tool in today’s society. As a result, it has become a valuable resume building asset for students interested in STEM, business and many other fields. Whether your teen intends on majoring in STEM or not, coding can be an important skill that demonstrates critical thinking, problem solving abilities, and even persistence. Fortunately, with all of the online sources available today, learning to code can be a relatively simple process. We have compiled below a list of the most popular and effective websites that teach coding to students with varying levels of experience, and allow them to work at their own pace. All of these offer Python, which is a common introductory coding language that is notable for being easy to learn. More experienced coders can learn languages such as Java and C++.
Code.org
Code.org is a nonprofit website geared towards teaching school aged children (K-12) how to code online for free. They offer several courses in basic programming languages that are easy to digest for younger students, but also have a section of their website dedicated to recent high school graduates. A full course list can be found here, with search filters to find the one that fits your teen the best. They also have courses that teach students how to code for apps, games, and websites using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS.
Cost: Free
Pros: Free
Cons: More useful for younger teens
Skillcrush
Skillcrush is a beginner friendly coding resource that delivers emails with bite-sized, 5 minute courses. Purchasing “blueprints” allow students to combine these classes into comprehensive courses. Each blueprint costs either $399 up front, or three monthly payments of $149. Here is a list of available blueprints. Upon completion of a blueprint, Skillcrush provides a letter of recommendation, a portfolio of code, and an official Certificate of Completion. Students can also purchase individual skill courses, which cost $175 each. They have a frequently updated blog that provides useful information on topics such as how programming can be incorporated into careers and the types of coding languages.
Cost: Free email service, but courses cost a one time payment $399, or three monthly payments of $149 -- additional skills can be purchased for $175
Pros: Low time commitment for email service, in-depth courses may be purchased
Cons: Cost, may not be the best option for experienced coders
Codecademy
Codecademy is a free online platform that offers programming classes in Python, Java, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL, C++, HTML, and CSS. It provides interactive lessons for daily practice. Codecademy is notable for teaching real world programming skills through different learning modules called “career paths” such as web development and data science. These paths offer a comprehensive learning experience, where the students are taught how to apply real world programming skills. The estimated time it would take to complete each career path, as well as additional information, is listed here.
Cost: Free, but a premium version with additional features is $19/month (free trial is available)
Pros: Cost, “career paths” options
Cons: Does not give official Certificate of Completion that may be useful to list on a resume
Udemy
Udemy is an online learning platform that has over 2,000 user-created courses dedicated to coding. While most online instructors are not legally and fully qualified, the ratings for each class are good indicators of how effective it is. There is a fee for most classes but many of the short beginner coding lessons are offered for free. Paid classes typically offer Certificate of Completion. Udemy regularly offers discounts, so be sure to check their website or search for discount codes prior to signing up. While prices range from $9 - $300 per month, about 90% of Udemy’s users find discounts that will lower the price.
Cost: Free options available, paid options range from $9 - $300/month
Pros: Large variety of coding classes, frequent discounts make it budget friendly
Cons: User-created - online instructors may not be fully qualified, hence certificate of completion is not recognized by employers, requires a subscription -- meaning you must pay until the course is finished (based on time to complete)
MIT
MIT Open Courseware is part of MIT’s goal to make all of their education materials from their courses free, which happens to include several courses on coding. Students can learn Java, C++, and even MATLAB through video lectures and assignments. A complete list of introductory programming courses can be found here.
Cost: Free
Pros: Free, accredited institution
Cons: No professional Certificate of Completion
Coursera
Coursera has online courses in a huge range of subjects from accredited universities and programs and offers over a 100 courses in coding alone. Completion includes an official certificate, and there is a great diversity of choices in course difficulties. While students can work at their own pace, it usually takes about 12 hours to complete each course. Interactive courses are supplemented by videos. Students may also pursue a specialization or professional certificate, like this one from IBM, that consists of a series of courses that teach coding and other analytical skills. They can take a month or more to complete.
Cost: Free to audit, fee for graded assignments and to earn a Certificate. Monthly subscription of $39-79/month available to access a collection of courses - “Specialization” -- a free week trial offered
Pros: Offered by accredited universities with official Certificates of Completion, offers need-based financial aid
Cons: Requires a subscription -- meaning you must pay until the course is finished (based on time to complete)
EdX
EdX is another online platform with courses often backed by accredited institutions, including companies such as Microsoft and elite universities such as Harvard and MIT. There are many free classes, although just as many require a subscription. This search engine can be used to narrow down classes and view prices. Courses are once again conducted interactively, with videos to supplement. Similar to Coursera, professional certificates are available.
Cost: Many free courses, $50 - $300 to obtain a verified certificate
Pros: Offered by accredited universities with official Certificates of Completion, EdX offers need-based financial aid
Cost: Some courses can be more expensive
For additional information and insights, check out our blog:
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