Teaching Coding When AI Writes the Code: A New Role for Educators
16/06/25
In 2025, one of the biggest challenges for teachers and parents isn’t getting children interested in coding—it’s figuring out how to teach it when AI tools can now write most of the code for them.
From autocomplete suggestions to tools that build full applications based on plain language prompts, the coding landscape is changing rapidly. But rather than replacing coding education, these new technologies open exciting opportunities—if we rethink our approach.
What Is “Vibe Coding” and Why It Matters
The term “vibe coding,” introduced by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy, describes a new style of programming through casual, conversational prompts. A child might say something like, “Make the character jump when I press the spacebar,” and an AI assistant generates the script instantly.
This shift toward dialogue-based coding is already being used in platforms like Scratch with AI extensions, Replit, and Microsoft Copilot. It gives learners fast results and creative power—but it can also mask the underlying logic and structure of code.
That’s why the role of adults in the learning process has never been more important.
Shifting Focus: From Writing Code to Understanding It
When AI can generate code in seconds, the goal of teaching coding changes. It becomes less about memorizing syntax and more about understanding what the code does, why it works, and how it can be improved.
Students need to be able to interpret AI-generated code, identify mistakes, and think through how they would solve a similar problem on their own. They should be encouraged to modify existing code, explore what happens when they tweak certain values, and make sense of the outcomes. These are not just technical skills—they’re cognitive ones.
As children engage with these tools, they should also be supported in thinking critically about the technology itself. Understanding the limitations of AI, questioning whether its suggestions are appropriate or secure, and reflecting on what it means to rely on machine-generated code are all vital parts of modern digital literacy.
Making It Work During EU Code Week
For teachers and parents planning activities during EU Code Week, AI can become a valuable partner in sparking curiosity and building skills—if it’s used purposefully.
You might begin by having students describe a small coding task and let an AI assistant produce a starting point. From there, you can guide them through analyzing the output, making changes, and reflecting on what the code is really doing. Instead of pushing for perfect projects, create space for experimentation. When students explore how and why the code behaves the way it does, they begin to develop confidence and independence.
Even discussing what the AI tool did well—or where it failed—can lead to meaningful learning moments. These conversations can touch on ethics, safety, creativity, and problem-solving, making coding education deeper and more relevant.
A New Role for Educators and Parents
As AI becomes a co-pilot in the coding journey, the role of adults shifts. You are no longer the sole source of technical knowledge, but a guide who helps young people ask the right questions, stay curious, and think critically.
This EU Code Week, let’s welcome the new tools while keeping our focus clear. Our goal isn’t just to help children code faster. It’s to help them understand how technology works, use it with intention, and shape the digital world—not just consume it.
