Coding has evolved a lot since it was first conceptualized, to the point where anyone can code with a computer at home and in the educational systems. This has led more people to experiencing coding than ever before and led to a wide variety of opinions about it.
Data was gathered on whether students liked or disliked coding, memorable experiences with it and how they would describe coding.
Form for what people think about coding. Out of 97 respondents, 6 said they really dislike coding, 13 said they dislike coding, 29 people said they are neutral, 23 said they like it, 8 people really like it and 18 people have never tried it.
For things people like about coding, many noted that coding can be used to bring a wide variety of ideas to life and foster creativity. Some people also note that coding can be interesting to learn and satisfying when you get it right.
“[It is] a way to learn and create new things. It helps develop problem-solving skills,” junior Dayana Perez Callejas said.
“I extremely adore how you can be creative via coding and its ability to create and help others,” freshman Marvielyn Gagarino said.
“I like that coding gives you a sense of accomplishment when the code runs smoothly and works,” senior Steve Galindo Rodriguez said.
“Being able to create what you want and solve problems while [coding],” junior Kai Carter said.
For things people dislike about coding, many people noted how coding can be very difficult, due to things like errors in the code, which can be very frustrating to find and fix, and how time-consuming it can be.
“Debugging, fixing errors – it can be really frustrating to find what exactly went wrong,” said senior Odbayar Janchivdorj.
“[It is] a very long, boring, and tedious process,” said senior Bridget Schaller. “[It is] very mind-numbing.”
“I dislike redoing the coding till I get it right. It stresses me out,” Callejas said.
“Coding is a skill that takes time in order to be fully sufficient, and it can be confusing,” said Gagarino
Coding can be quite memorable, and people noted many experiences, both positive and negative. For memorable positive experiences, many students commented on a project they made, often involving robotics or creating programs and games. However, people also had negative experiences with coding, often school related or finding it difficult.
“Coding camp! I made a LEGO pirate ship with a flag that waved and blinked. I also created a moving art piece,” senior Rebecca Sáenz said.
“I coded a browser by using coding techniques to enhance a better browsing experience,” junior Jazzmin Johnson Ramirez said.
“Coding with python–I [do not] like the other languages as I am not as familiar with them. Python is incredibly easy and fun for beginners,” Gagarino said.
“Coding Arduino projects for 8th grade robotics class,” was a memorable experience for Silas Ditter, a freshman at the school.
“I did a club after school in eighth grade and it was boring,” senior Emilia Ege said.
“[I remember] being stressed and bored,” senior Elliana Beglinger said.
“Coding is challenging but if you are willing to take this as a good thing and embrace it then you will thrive,” senior Steve Galindo Rodriguez said.
