iCodingClub to Open Bayside Program in Early March

iCodingClub, a new computer coding school located in Bayside for children in fifth grade and older, is scheduled to begin classes March 5. The facility will have a reception area, conference room and two classrooms that can each fit 12-14 students.

Coding is the set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Many different fields of work, including medicine, entertainment, and military, require at least basic coding knowledge, according to co-founder John Park. He added that by 2030, having no knowledge of computer coding will be similar to being illiterate today. Park, a coding instructor who has published a book on the topic, says he is opening the facility to help prepare students at an early age for future career opportunities that will require coding skills.

“We're trying to prepare the students. We've come up with a curriculum that no other school has,” Park says.

Students at iCodingClub will learn real codes of developing and designing a website using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, systems used to create websites. After a month of classes, each student will have created their own website based off his or her own name with a domain name email address. Students can choose their own content for their websites. Park says he also uses this lesson plan to teach coding in local schools and summer programs.

“While I teach them and have them practice the exercises, I tend to try to get them talking about their own lives, favorite colors, favorite TV shows, whatever they like. It doesn't really matter as long as they know how to do it,” Park says.

After students complete the first month, they can register for advanced classes that offer more in-depth instruction on coding.

Classes will take place after school and on weekends, and students are asked to bring their own laptops. Registration for various classes is now open.