You don't have to be very observant to realize that the world is changing.  Factories are closing down and the world of computing is mushrooming.  If you look at where the growth in jobs is, technology is right there at the top of the list. For those of us that were not born into a tech savvy world, it is easy to resort to the cop out of not being a 'computer person.' What I find interesting, however, is that many of the same people that have opted out of the world of technology seem to be adventurous and willing to learn in other areas.  In this week's article I want to share with you a personal goal that I have for 2016 and invite you to join me. 

Many of you know that for several years now I have been immersed in the tech world by way of Internet marketing and website development.  As a result, I have had the wonderful opportunity to learn to how develop websites. I have always had the interest in learning more about computer programming. I took a single computer programming elective in college and was introduced to BASIC (a programming language for beginners).  My final project was to write cash register program.  The program had to calculate totals, create change, and keep a drawer balance.  It sounds complicated, but it was surprisingly easy to write (even for me).

I saw this amazing video last week (below) and it inspired me to learn JavaScript myself (who knows, maybe I'm the next Bill Gates?). 

Learning to code (aka programming) is much like learning a new langauge; the language of the future.  The earnings potential for someone with computer programming skills can be enormous (easily into the six figures).  Check out these amazing testimonials.

5 Free Ways To Learn Computer Programming

1.  Code.Org

Code.org is a non-profit organization on a crusade to introduce computer programming to the masses.  They have a very simple proposition; learn an hour of code.  After the free one hour tutorial, they also provide learning opportunities for those that want to go further. 

2.  Massachussetts Institute Of Technology

Yes, MIT is providing free computer programming classes online (who knew?).

3.  Udacity

Udacity offers a number of free online computer programming classes, like this one on Java.

4.  The Code Player

The Code Player  is a social sharing site that provides a platform for people to teach others a variety of computer programming skills.  Once you become knowledgable, you can even create videos of your own to teach others.

5. Codecademy

Codecademy is another robust platform offering free lessons on computer programming.  

Even though it did not make our top five, another site to mention that is very straightforward and easy to use is LearnJavaOnline.org. The site is sponsored by American Public University and is a great starting point for those that want to experiment with some beginning programming.

You Can Make Serious Money As A Programmer

Average Computer Programmer Yearly Salary in the United States. Computer Programmers earn a median salary of $79,530 per year. Salaries typically start from $44,450 and go up to $130,800 (Source: Sokanu.com).

You Don't Have To Live In California

The programming industry is changing, and you could very well find a job as a programmer in your present location. This map illustrates how programming jobs are now spread out from coast to coast. Click on the map for more details on where the jobs are. 

No excuses, this is your year to learn something new.  There are so many opportunities out there for people that are willing to get a modest amount of education.  I love online learning, since I can do it at my own pace, and much of it is free or very low cost.  Share your own ideas on this topic in the comments section below and we can start a conversation.

James L. Paris 
Editor-In-Chief ChristianMoney.com 
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