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In today's rapidly evolving world, digital literacy has become an essential part of education. Across India and globally, schools are increasingly focusing on equipping students with skills in coding, programming, and computing. This shift highlights the significance of coding not just as a technical skill but as a fundamental way of thinking to solve real-world problems.

Anurag Gupta, Co-Founder of STEMROBO, highlights the significance of coding, AI, digital literacy, and the importance of interactive and experiential learning in modern education. Here, you can check Anurag Gupta's opinion.

Many still harbor the misconception that coding is a niche subject, only relevant for those pursuing careers in engineering. However, coding is a critical component of STEM education, intertwining with subjects like math, science, and social studies to foster a comprehensive learning experience. The recent updates in the CBSE curriculum reflect this, with coding and AI now being taught as horizontal skill sets across various subjects. This approach transforms traditional theoretical subjects into interactive and practical disciplines, preparing students for future challenges.

Several Ed-Tech organisations are leading the way in integrating coding and AI into the teaching of math and science. These organisations demonstrate how coding can be used to enhance understanding and engagement, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable for students.

The impact of coding on education is not just a future prospect; it has already begun to reshape how students learn and apply knowledge. Students are creating various projects based on apps and robotics, frequently using coding to solve real-time problems. For example, in the recent INSPIRE Award, a prestigious school-level competition, numerous projects featured apps or electronic hardware designed by students to address real-world issues.

Coding enables students to develop community-based projects with practical applications. One noteworthy example is a student who developed an app to help his grandfather remember to take his medication on time. This app was a direct result of his coding knowledge and showcased how coding can address everyday challenges. Such examples underscore how coding has become integral to daily life and how it will continue to shape the future.

In the future, math classes will not only teach theoretical concepts on the board but will also integrate coding exercises to solve problems. Imagine the excitement of students as they write code to find solutions to mathematical problems in real-time. This integration will make computer classes more interactive and intertwined with traditional subjects, rather than treating computer science as a separate discipline.

Experiential learning, facilitated by coding and AI, is set to become a cornerstone of education. Coding will become an integral part of science lessons, with concepts like Newton's laws being taught not just as experiments or theories but also as algorithms to be coded and explored. This approach will provide a deeper understanding and practical application of scientific principles.

One of the unique aspects of coding is that it cannot be memorised or rote-learned. Coding requires students to think conceptually and understand the underlying principles. For instance, writing a code to find the least common multiple (LCM) can only be accomplished by students who grasp the concept of LCM, as they need to translate the steps into an algorithm. Thus, coding serves as a powerful tool to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In conclusion, coding is not just a skill for future job markets; it is a vital component of modern education. By integrating coding into various subjects, we are preparing students to think analytically and creatively. This digital literacy is essential for nurturing innovation and ensuring that our youth are equipped to navigate and shape the technologically advanced world of tomorrow.