Barclays bank launches Code Playground to get kids programming
The Code Playground website provides an introduction to basic programming skills, as well as allowing customers to book a teaching session in a branch with one of Barclays 12,000 'Digital Eagles' staff.
Research by Barclays showed that 77 percent of parents believe it is important for children to learn coding skills that are vital to a variety of industries, from development of smartphone apps to computer games and graphics in TV and films.
The service is also aimed at encouraging parents and grandparents to expand their knowledge of digital technology.
With the introduction of computing onto the National Curriculum this year, 24 percent of children say that the subject is their favourite. However, two fifths (40 percent) of parents dread having to help with homework, due to their own lack of knowledge in the area.
"The purpose of our Digital Eagles is simple - to work in local communities to give people the opportunity to learn and embrace digital skills, from sending an email, skyping family or learning how to bank online," said Steven Roberts, strategic transformation director, Barclays.
"We want to make sure we leave no one behind as we transform Barclays into a truly digital business."
The Digital Eagle initiative has involved training Barclays staff to improve their technology literacy as the bank attempts to move customers away from traditional banking methods and towards digital channels, such as its Pingit payments app.
Since the initiative launched in 2013, the bank has also launched a 'Digital Driving License' app in partnership with Microsoft and IBM to increase customer confidence in using technology.