Switzerland is facing a growing digital skills gap.
According to a 2023 report from digitalswitzerland and ICT-Berufsbildung, more than 35,000 ICT specialists will be needed by 2030. And yet, many children aren’t getting the digital education they need in school. A survey by Pro Juventute revealed that 66% of Swiss parents are concerned their children aren’t learning enough about digital tools in the classroom.
A recent insight from ETH Zurich reinforces this concern. In their ongoing research into the future of digital education, ETH emphasizes that while exposure to digital tools is increasing, structured guidance and hands-on learning are lacking in most traditional school settings. They suggest that playful, project-based environments—like coding clubs and tech workshops—are crucial for developing digital literacy, problem-solving, and computational thinking early on.
So how can parents ensure their children are getting the tech education they need, without compromising their well-being?
What to Look for in a Digital Learning Program
When choosing an extracurricular tech activity, consider the following:
- Age Appropriateness: Is the course content aligned with your child's learning stage and cognitive abilities?
- Project-Based Learning: Will your child be encouraged to create something tangible, like a game or robot?
- Instructor Quality: Are the educators trained in both tech and working with children?
- Hands-On vs. Passive Learning: Does the program balance screen time with real-world interaction, collaboration, or physical activity?
- Curriculum Transparency: Can you review what your child will learn week by week?
- Class Size: Smaller groups often allow for more personalized support and engagement.
The Swiss Academy of Engineering Sciences (SATW) also recommends that digital education be blended—incorporating both theoretical and practical, screen-based and hands-on elements. This not only improves retention but also supports healthier emotional and physical development.
Some programs meet this challenge by combining screen-based instruction with activities like building robots, working in teams, or solving real-world problems. It’s not about more screen time—it’s about meaningful screen time.
This is where tech education outside of school becomes crucial—and why camps such as codora Tech Camps help build the next generation of creators, coders, and problem-solvers with:
1. Tailored Learning Paths for Every Age and Skill Level
codora offers a diverse range of courses designed to cater to various age groups and experience levels:
- Programming Basics for Kids (Grades 3-6): Introduces young learners to coding using Blockly, a visual programming language developed by Google, making complex concepts accessible and fun.
- Coding Essentials I for Teens (Grade 7 and up): Focuses on foundational programming skills using Swift, culminating in engaging projects like augmented reality (AR) applications.
- Lego Robotics Holiday Camp (Grades 3-10): Offers hands-on experience in building and programming Lego robots, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.
This structured approach ensures that each child receives age-appropriate instruction that aligns with their learning pace and interests.
2. Individualized Attention in Small Group Settings
codora emphasizes personalized learning by maintaining small class sizes. This setup allows instructors to provide tailored support, ensuring that each child’s unique abilities and interests are nurtured.
3. Passionate and Expert Instructors
The quality of instruction is paramount at codora. Courses are led by passionate coaches and ETH students who are carefully trained to deliver age-appropriate teaching and inspire.
4. Flexible Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students are encouraged to enhance their programming skills at home or collaborate with peers in the CodeLab without being tied-down to programs with proprietary software, allowing continuity and application of skills when they leave the structured course environment.
