Coding Lab Educator Feature: Interview with Akhta
Today, meet Akhta, our passionate educator! Having studied Computer Science in university, he has deepened his knowledge across various fundamental areas such as algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming, game design, and many more diverse fields.
How has Akhta made use of his extensive programming knowledge to inspire our students to innovate and create meaningful solutions in the digital world? Let’s find out!
Hello Akhta! Tell us about yourself and how you got into programming!
I first discovered my passion for programming through game modding during high school. This interest led me to learn C and Python which then influenced my decision to take a Computer Science major. In university, I deepened my knowledge across various fundamental areas such as algorithms, data structures, object-oriented programming, game design, and many more diverse fields. Ultimately, I chose to specialize in web development and become a full-stack developer which allowed me to blend creativity with technical proficiency, challenging myself to innovate and create meaningful solutions in the digital world.
“The most valuable thing students can learn from coding is problem-solving. It’s not just essential for programming, but it’s a life skill that encourages creativity, innovation, and resilience.”
Why did you choose to teach at Coding Lab?
I chose to teach at Coding Lab because I wanted to nurture young minds in the field of technology. The opportunity to make a global impact and inspire the next generation of coders was incredibly appealing to me. Additionally, Coding Lab's emphasis on fostering creativity and critical thinking aligned perfectly with my own teaching philosophy. The chance to work with a diverse group of students and contribute to their growth made the decision an easy one.
How did you get your start in teaching?
I began my journey in teaching while I was still in university. I enjoyed helping my classmates understand course materials better and teaching them concepts that they found challenging. This passion for teaching grew stronger in my third year when I got an internship opportunity teaching children how to code. The experience solidified my love for teaching and set me on the path I continue to follow today at Coding Lab.
What’s something you always keep in mind when teaching your classes?
One thing I always keep in mind is the importance of making complex concepts understandable and relatable for students. For example, when explaining algorithms, I often use real-world analogies based on students’ interests such as Pokemon, etc., or interactive visualisations like Zoom annotations to help students grasp abstract concepts more easily. I also prioritise creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student feels encouraged to ask questions and explore ideas freely. This ensures that each class session is not just informative but also fun and enriching for everyone involved.
Zoom classes are quite different from in-person ones, how do you manage to keep your students engaged?
Keeping students engaged in online Zoom classes requires a different approach than in-person teaching. At Coding Lab, I use a wide variety of interactive tools and techniques to maintain their interest and participation. Frequent quizzes after each activity and mini-games such as Kahoot gamified quizzes help with their understanding while keeping the sessions fun and interactive. Additionally, I make sure to regularly call on students by name, fostering a sense of inclusion and accountability. By adopting these methods, I aim to create a lively and engaging virtual classroom environment that keeps my students motivated and attentive.
“Every challenge you overcome, every error you encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow. Coding is a journey, not a destination.”
What do you think is the most valuable thing students can learn from coding?
The most valuable thing students can learn from coding is problem-solving skills. In Coding Lab, we focus on imparting computational thinking skills, where we teach students how to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts and approach them methodically. This analytical thinking is not only essential for programming but is also a valuable life skill applicable everywhere.
Coding also fosters creativity, as students learn to create and build projects from scratch, encouraging innovation and original thinking. Sometimes, the ideas that our young students can have are amazing, and they just need some guidance to help them come to life! It also instills perseverance, as they learn to troubleshoot and debug their code, developing resilience in the face of challenges. Overall, coding equips students with a mindset that prepares them for success in any field they choose to pursue.
Do you have any hobbies outside of coding or teaching?
Here is Akhta engaging with his online students!
My hobbies include drawing and painting which allow me to explore my creative side and relax. I also love playing Flight Simulator because growing up near an airport, I’ve always been fascinated by how airplanes work and learning about aviation. In fact if I weren’t pursuing a career in coding or teaching, I would have wanted to become an airline pilot! My passion for aviation remains strong and I keep myself updated with the latest news in aviation technology. These hobbies and interests provide a great balance to my tech-focused work and help me unwind and stay inspired.
What’s your most memorable experience from working at Coding Lab?
During a Python lesson, we decided to code a quiz game called "Know Me Better!" Each student crafted their own quiz with questions about themselves. What made it unforgettable was the unexpected twist: the students suggested that I create a quiz about myself too, so we could all participate and see who could answer the most questions correctly. It turned into a lively, interactive session filled with laughter and learning. Not only did it reinforce the Python concepts we were learning, but it also strengthened our classroom community as we bonded over shared interests and stories. It was a delightful experience that allowed me to connect with my students on a personal level while having fun with coding!
What piece of advice would you give a new student to coding?
Embrace the learning process, don't be afraid to make mistakes and be patient with yourself. All programmers face challenges no matter how much experience and/or knowledge they have, and technology is always evolving. There are always things that we cannot be sure of, even for us as educators who are meant to be experts in the field! Every challenge you overcome, every error you encounter is an opportunity to learn and grow so you can be a better coder. Stay curious, experiment, and take pride in your progress! Coding is a journey, not a destination, and there are always new things we can learn.
Thanks so much Akhta for sharing your experiences and thoughts with us! We know you’ll continue to make many more meaningful memories alongside our students here at Coding Lab as you inspire them to stay resilient and to truly embrace the fun, challenging journey that is coding!