In our ongoing effort to expose our readers to innovative educational models, we'd like to share this podcast with Nikhil Abraham from Codecademy, the leader in online coding education. Codecademy's model shakes the foundation of traditional education. What is the future of new educational models? How will Codecademy affect traditional modes of education?
Nikhil Abraham, head of business development and growth at Codecademy, joins Michael Waxman-Lenz, CEO and co-founder of Intead, in an exciting discussion about how Codecademy is “…rethinking education from the bottom up. [Codecademy is] building the education the world needs - the first truly net native education.” Digital technology and education accessibility are exemplified through the work of Codecademy. What does this mean for traditional modes of [higher] education? How does Codecademy exist within the dominant educational model?
Codecademy was founded in 2011 and has quickly become the easiest way to learn to code through an online eduction provider. In the last three years 25 million students from around the world have received lessons through Codecademy’s online platform. These 25 million learners represent extreme geographical diversity. Many of the learners fall into the age 13-21 year bracket and use Codecademy to supplement or augment their traditional classroom experiences. Another large segment of the learning population is 21-34 year olds who want to add coding skills to their skill sets. They are professionals, generally working in non-tech fields. Other learners include retirees and older adults who seek additional skills for pleasure or resume building purposes.
Codecademy is different from other online learning platforms as it focuses solely on coding education. Traditional universities can look to Codecademy as a substitute, supplement, or completely different educational path. There are circumstances in which all three of these identities apply to Codecademy.
Mr. Abraham notes that “coding is a new literacy.” The place of coding within existing pedagogical models will likely change in coming years. Codecademy’s model is based on practical and applied knowledge. Many high school and college coding courses focus on theoretical learning. Both sets of skills are important but for those who would like to learn to code and apply their skills quickly, Codecademy provides a unique model of learning.
The conversation includes discussion of:
1. Codecademy’s free educational platform
2. Ways in which traditional brick and mortar institutions can consider the innovative approach of Codecademy
3. Future Codecademy plans
4. Mr. Abraham’s forthcoming book: Coding for Dummies
