Coding probably isn't one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of common hobbies for youths, but a new business in Okotoks is trying to change that.

Code Ninjas, a coding franchise aimed at introducing kids to coding, just set up shop in Okotoks.

According to the owner of the Okotoks location, Maheen Kapadia, it's rapidly becoming a popular pastime and a valuable one at that.

"It's a misconception that coding is a hobby limited to computer nerds. I'd say it's very good for students if the students start at a young age because that way their brains are developed and they are more interested in sequential thinking and problem-solving."

Of course, it wouldn't be much of a hobby if it wasn't fun too.

With kids being exposed to screens so often in their daily lives, Code Ninjas' goal is to provide a creative outlet that ties in with what kids are already interested in.

"Kids nowadays, they're very much glued to games. If we want to teach them a technology, why don't we just use that as an opportunity and teach them coding? It's a fun thing, building videogames, it's a very unique concept," says Kapadia.

A sensei presents a young ninja, Kahlia, with her yellow belt.

He says screen time is reduced for younger students (known as "ninjas,"), with more of a focus on robotics and simple circuits, with older students getting more time working with computers.

Code Ninjas Okotoks began excepting students in late-February, and have seen a steady flow since then.

Their class sizes have been staggered due to the pandemic, with only seven students allowed at a time, as opposed to the 52 their capacity could allow.

Despite that, Kapadia says they're off to a good start.

Video games tie in directly with their classes, with games like Roblox and Minecraft being utilized in some of their programs.

On top of that, students progress through "belt" ranks, similar to karate belts, starting at white and ending with black.

Teachers, known as "senseis" award coloured wristbands to students as they fulfill each rank.

Kapadia sees the strong need for kids to get exposed to this kind of tech at a young age.

"Even our Alberta province has acknowledged the fact that Alberta school systems have to introduce coding as a part of the curriculum. Currently, it's K-6, they're introducing computer coding as part of the curriculum."

Kapadia says it's a great way to introduce kids to the fundamentals of coding, which is sure to become a much larger asset as Alberta's tech sector grows.

 

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