All of the devices we interact with everyday use coding. Nowadays, it's important to understand how these technologies function to effectively participate and communicate in today's society. There are many ways you can provide opportunities for your teen to get exposure to computer science and develop coding skills to prepare them for the future - either through free coding classes, paid courses, or online self-guided resources.
Learning how to code teaches teens problem solving skills, skills for future job opportunities, creative expression, and digital literacy skills. Take a look at these resources that are great for learning coding for 18 year olds and students in grade 12.
Explore Coding for 18 Year Olds
Let's take a look at some programs that can help high school seniors develop a passion for computer science and lifelong learning. This award-winning coding curriculum is designed by experts from Google, Stanford and MIT, equips students with the skills to create websites and mobile apps, develop games, explore data science concepts, and understand how the technologies they use every day works. Some classes also prepare your student for AP Computer Science exams and give them the opportunity to earn college credit!
We recommend starting with foundation classes, choosing intermediate classes based on interests, and completing advanced classes for ambitious learners. In particular, Python is an excellent language for a beginner 18 year old programmer to start with because it's easy to learn, yet widely used by companies from Netflix to Google.
Top Free Coding Programs for 18 Year Olds
Create & Learn offers free classes that allow students to gain exposure to a new programming language or computer science skill. They provide a basic introduction and help spark students' interest in expanding their knowledge. In these classes, teens develop a complete and fun project that they can show off to their family and friends!
There are also many other free coding classes to try. Explore these other free coding classes to see what sparks your teen's interests.
1. Free Intro to Python Coding
Python is a beginner-friendly programming language that allows students to create a variety of programs while exploring personal interests. In the Free Intro to Python Coding class, students are introduced to the Python programming language and learn how to create a simple animation, in a small group setting. Students explore some of the fundamentals of Python, such as printing, data types, and calling functions to create cool drawings.
2. Roblox Studio Intro - First Project
Students who are interested in creating Roblox games but have no experience with Roblox Studio will want to take our Roblox Studio Intro - First Project class. Students learn how to install and activate Roblox Studio and build their first interactive project. Coding in Roblox is done using Lua.
Top Coding Classes for 18 Year Olds
If your student is ready to expand their knowledge, they can take one of our paid courses to develop their coding skills beyond the basics. Since our classes are small, students are able to obtain a personalized experience and support. Classes are taught by experienced instructors with expansive K-12 teaching and industry experience. We offer classes throughout the afternoon and evening to accommodate different schedules and that cover a wide range of computer science topics and interests. Here are the top coding classes we recommend for 18 year olds, and you can also find out more about online coding classes for teens.
1. Mobile Coding for Apps and Games
The Mobile Coding for Apps and Games course teaches students how to create fun apps and games for mobile devices. Students will learn to develop mobile apps using Thunkable, a block-based programming environment that is easy to use and helps students learn the fundamentals of mobile app development. This is a great course for students who are interested in mobile apps and how they work.
2. Python for AI
The Python for AI course teaches students the Python programming language and how to develop AI programs. Python is one of the most popular programming languages and is used in web development, game development, machine learning, and data science, so it is a valuable language for your student to learn. In this course, students learn to create animations, games, and real-world projects.
3. Modern Website Design with Wix
In the Modern Website Design with Wix course, students use Wix to develop interactive and engaging websites. In this course, students learn the general website structure and navigation, choose colors and design elements, and how to collect payments. Websites are constantly in high demand, and we use websites every day. Not only will students gain the skills needed to develop websites professionally, but they will also have a deeper understanding of how the websites they access and use function.
4. Coding with Roblox Studio in Lua
If your teen loves Roblox, the Coding with Roblox Studio in Lua course is a great way for them to learn how to create their own games and interactive experiences. Students who are interested in game development will also enjoy this course and benefit from learning the concepts that are introduced. This course is ideal for students who have experience with block-based programming, but the step-by-step approach of the course makes it easy for students who have no programming experience to also learn.
5. Computer Science Principles
The Computer Science Principles course exposes students to a variety of computer science concepts and basic programming skills. Students learn about topics like data and compression, algorithms and efficiency, networking and the Internet, and computing bias. This course also prepares students for the AP Computer Science Principles Exam offered by the College Board, providing an opportunity to earn college credit.
6. Data Science with Python and Pandas
Data analytics is critical to the success of modern businesses, and can be really fun to learn for kids and teens. No matter whether your student wants to become an entrepreneur, a lawyer, a journalist, a doctor, or an engineer, it is important for them to gain the power to analyze and utilize the data to gain business insights and make decisions. The Data Science with Python and Pandas course teaches students these key skills and expands on their knowledge of Python to use the Pandas library.
7. Unity Game Development
Unity is one of the most popular game engines used by game developers. Unity is behind many of the most popular games such as Crossy Road, Among Us, Angry Birds, and a lot more. It also has become a powerful tool for VR and AR development. Our Unity Game Development course teaches students how to use Unity to develop games and learn the C# programming language used for implementing game logic.
8. Cloud Computing for Web Apps
Cloud computing is used to power nearly every website on the Internet, as well as most mobile applications. In our Cloud Computing for Web Apps course, students learn how to create interactive web applications using Google Cloud Platform and Firebase. These are the same tools used by professional software engineers! By taking this course, your student will learn how to host their own websites and web apps that will empower people across the world to interact with one another in real-time.
9. Intro to Java Programming
The Intro to Java Programming course introduces students to software engineering and object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. Students learn how to design and implement solutions to problems and how to use data structures to organize large sets of data. This course also prepares students for the AP Computer Science A Exam offered by the College Board, providing an opportunity to earn college credit.
10. Android Game Building with Java
In our Android Game Building with Java course, students learn how to develop real-world Android apps using Java. Students learn the Java programming language while exploring mobile development concepts and the Android operating system.
11. AI Creators
From dancing robots and protein folding to Siri, artificial intelligence is intelligence given to machines, similar to the natural intelligence demonstrated in humans. Our AI Creators course provides students with the opportunity to create simple and practical AI apps using a variety of tools - from the Python coding language and open source packages to commercial AI. This course is great for developing a firm foundation in key technical concepts used in coding AI, and creating models representative of a variety of data.
12. Intro to Computational Biology
Computational biology is a field that bridges the gap between biology and computer science. Our Intro to Computational Biology course is great for 18 year olds who are curious about understanding how we humans work inside and are interested in learning how Python coding can lend a hand in understanding the world of DNA, RNA, and proteins.
Self-Guided Coding for High School Seniors
If your student prefers to supplement their live class education, there are also coding books for teens. Your student could also use the interactive W3Schools platform to teach themselves to code. Students can use these resources to learn the basics of a programming language they are interested in before taking one of our paid courses, or can also explore a different programming language while learning another in our classes. We also encourage students to use these resources for additional practice while taking our classes to strengthen their programming skills and expand their knowledge of programming concepts.
Enjoy Coding for 18 Year Olds
There are many ways your 18 year old can learn coding. Your student can get started with free coding classes, expand their knowledge in our paid courses, or explore self-guided resources. If you're interested in learning more about helping your teen learn Python, you can check out Python Coding Resources for Parents or you can explore some Computer Science Summer Programs for High Schoolers.
Written by Jamila Cocchiola who has always been fascinated with technology and its impact on the world. The technologies that emerged while she was in high school showed her all the ways software could be used to connect people, so she learned how to code so she could make her own! She went on to make a career out of developing software and apps before deciding to become a teacher to help students see the importance, benefits, and fun of computer science.
