{"id":21432,"date":"2025-05-09T10:08:12","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T03:08:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fpt-is.com\/en\/?p=21432"},"modified":"2025-05-09T10:08:12","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T03:08:12","slug":"codelearn-empowering-a-generation-of-vietnamese-with-programming-mindsets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fpt-is.com\/en\/codelearn-empowering-a-generation-of-vietnamese-with-programming-mindsets\/","title":{"rendered":"CodeLearn \u2013 Empowering a generation of Vietnamese with programming mindsets"},"content":{"rendered":"

Winning the Gold Stevie\u00ae Award 2025 in the category of Innovation in Education Technology, CodeLearn \u2013 the programming education platform developed by FPT \u2013 continues to affirm its pioneering mission: cultivating a generation of Vietnamese equipped with digital thinking. In line with Resolution 57\/NQ-CP on promoting high-quality human resources and innovation, FPT has continuously enhanced CodeLearn with AI technologies, delivering personalized, modern learning experiences to users of all backgrounds.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Codelearn<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn platform won the Gold award in the category of \u201cInnovation Award in the field of educational technology\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Technology Gap – Opportunity Gap<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

In an era where data and algorithms shape every aspect of life, programming is no longer a skill reserved for software engineers. It is becoming a universal \u201cliving language\u201d \u2013 as essential as English or Mathematics. Yet access to programming education remains uneven in Vietnam and globally. Learners still face limited access to quality educational resources that are often overly theoretical and lack practical engagement.<\/span><\/p>\n

In Vietnam, this gap is particularly urgent, with the demand for IT talent surging. According to a report by TopDev in September 2024, Vietnam currently lacks at least 500,000 IT professionals. This paradox presents both an immense opportunity and a significant challenge: while tech careers abound, millions remain excluded from the digital economy due to limited access to foundational skills.<\/span><\/p>\n

Without timely intervention, this technology divide risks becoming a development divide, leaving many behind in the digital transformation journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn- Making Programming a Universal Language<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Recognizing this pressing issue and the specific limitations of IT education in Vietnam, Mr. Cao Van Viet (born 1988) \u2013 who would later become the “father” of Vietnam’s largest homegrown programming platform \u2013 envisioned an automated programming education system. In this system, instructors could create a lesson once, and learners could access it anytime, anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea took flight in 2018, when Mr. Viet was tasked with organizing a programming contest in Japan. Within 18 days, he and his team built an automated code evaluation system from scratch, rather than relying on existing software. The success of that event laid the foundation for something much greater: a platform that could democratize programming education for millions.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Codelearn<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Mr. Cao Van Viet, FPT – “father” of online programming learning platform CodeLearn<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

From an obscure evaluation tool, just over a month later, CodeLearn officially launched, fully equipped with features for teaching, practicing, grading, and ranking. With the philosophy \u201clearn by doing,\u201d the platform is designed by topics, requiring learners to write code to solve specific problems, which are then automatically evaluated by the system. \u201cLearners can study and take tests anytime, without depending on teachers like in traditional learning,\u201d Viet shared.<\/span><\/p>\n

More than just an EdTech platform, CodeLearn carries a long-term ambition: to democratize technology, bridge the digital divide in education, and bring programming closer to everyone, from students and workers to career changers or anyone aspiring to transform their lives through technology. Initially, CodeLearn was applied internally at FPT to train new employees. After two months, its effectiveness was recognized by many corporate leaders. Viet\u2019s team decided to bring the solution to the public.<\/span><\/p>\n

A Comprehensive Programming Learning Ecosystem: From Knowledge to Practical Competence<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Unlike other programming platforms that merely provide video lectures or reading materials, CodeLearn is designed as a comprehensive learning ecosystem, including: theory learning \u2013 practice \u2013 challenges \u2013 competitions \u2013 community participation \u2013 mentor connections \u2013 and updates on new technologies. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure continuity in the learning journey and maintain motivation.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Codelearn<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The platform has more than 2,000 practice exercises carefully classified from basic knowledge to advanced algorithms.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Currently, the platform features over 2,000 practice exercises carefully categorized by skill, difficulty level, and topic \u2013 from fundamental knowledge (control structures, variables, functions…) to advanced algorithms (searching, sorting, recursion, object-oriented programming, dynamic programming…). Notably, all exercises can be coded directly on the platform using an integrated compiler and automatic grading system. Each time a learner submits a solution, the system analyzes logical or syntax errors and suggests corrections, making learning interactive and instantly effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of CodeLearn\u2019s highlights is its ability to apply AI technology to personalize the learning experience. Based on user behavior, completion speed, accuracy level, and processing time, the system analyzes each learner\u2019s data to recommend appropriate lessons, learning paths, challenges, and events. As a result, learners never feel \u201clost in a sea of exercises\u201d but always have clear direction \u2013 knowing where they are, what to learn next, and what to improve.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, CodeLearn offers a variety of engaging learning formats such as regular programming competitions (Code War), real-time challenges, and skill-based learner rankings. These features enhance positive competition and give learners a sense of goal-oriented learning. Learners not only develop programming skills but also train their critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities \u2013 essential competencies of modern tech engineers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Codelearn<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn organizes many learning formats, such as periodic programming competitions, Code War<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the biggest obstacles causing programming learners to quit midway is the lack of support when encountering difficulties. Understanding this, CodeLearn proactively built a network of over 100 mentors \u2013 experienced tech experts and software engineers from FPT and partner companies \u2013 who act as \u201ccompanions\u201d throughout the learning journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Mentors at CodeLearn provide technical assistance and serve as an inspiration and mindset guidance, helping learners overcome common psychological barriers such as fear of making mistakes, hesitation to ask questions, lack of direction, or loss of motivation. Mentors can interact directly with learners through the integrated messaging system, livestreams for exercise explanations, career-sharing webinars, or group support through dedicated social media communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

This companionship has created a rare level of learner \u201cstickiness\u201d \u2013 something uncommon in today\u2019s EdTech products.<\/span><\/p>\n

When AI Writes Code: Do We Still Need to Learn Programming?<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

As AI becomes increasingly powerful \u2013 capable of writing code, optimizing algorithms, and even testing software autonomously \u2013 many question whether learning programming is still necessary if machines can do it all.<\/span><\/p>\n

Yet in the age of AI, programming thinking \u2013 not just coding skills \u2013 is what truly matters. While AI can write code, humans must still possess logical thinking, analytical ability, and problem-framing skills to give accurate input to machines, evaluate results, and guide outcomes toward goals. Programming is no longer just a profession but has become a universal language to interact with technology \u2013 a foundational skill young generations need to avoid falling behind.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Codelearn<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn is also actively integrating AI technology to enhance the learning experience.<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn c\u0169ng \u0111ang t\u00edch c\u1ef1c t\u00edch h\u1ee3p c\u00f4ng ngh\u1ec7 AI \u0111\u1ec3 n\u00e2ng cao tr\u1ea3i nghi\u1ec7m h\u1ecdc t\u1eadp. \u201cTrong t\u01b0\u01a1ng lai \u2013 \u0111\u1eb7c bi\u1ec7t l\u00e0 trong k\u1ef7 nguy\u00ean AI \u2013 CodeLearn s\u1ebd c\u00f2n ti\u1ebfn xa h\u01a1n n\u1eefa nh\u1edd ch\u00ednh s\u1ef1 h\u1ed7 tr\u1ee3 c\u1ee7a tr\u00ed tu\u1ec7 nh\u00e2n t\u1ea1o. Ch\u00fang t\u00f4i d\u1ef1 \u0111\u1ecbnh s\u1ebd t\u00edch h\u1ee3p AI \u0111\u1ec3 gi\u00fap ng\u01b0\u1eddi h\u1ecdc \u0111\u01b0\u1ee3c \u0111\u00e1nh gi\u00e1 s\u00e2u h\u01a1n v\u1ec1 \u0111o\u1ea1n code \u0111\u00e3 vi\u1ebft, \u0111\u1ed3ng th\u1eddi c\u00f3 th\u1ec3 t\u01b0\u01a1ng t\u00e1c nh\u01b0 m\u1ed9t gia s\u01b0 c\u00e1 nh\u00e2n lu\u00f4n \u0111\u1ed3ng h\u00e0nh, gi\u1ea3i \u0111\u00e1p v\u00e0 d\u1eabn d\u1eaft trong su\u1ed1t qu\u00e1 tr\u00ecnh h\u1ecdc. Kh\u00f4ng d\u1eebng l\u1ea1i \u1edf \u0111\u00f3, ch\u00fang t\u00f4i c\u0169ng s\u1ebd \u1ee9ng d\u1ee5ng AI \u0111\u1ec3 ph\u00e1t tri\u1ec3n c\u00e1c t\u00ednh n\u0103ng h\u1ecdc t\u1eadp c\u00e1 nh\u00e2n h\u00f3a, \u0111\u1ea3m b\u1ea3o m\u1ed7i ng\u01b0\u1eddi \u0111\u1ec1u c\u00f3 l\u1ed9 tr\u00ecnh ph\u00f9 h\u1ee3p v\u1edbi n\u0103ng l\u1ef1c v\u00e0 t\u1ed1c \u0111\u1ed9 ri\u00eang. \u0110\u1eb7c bi\u1ec7t, CodeLearn \u0111ang m\u1edf r\u1ed9ng th\u00eam c\u00e1c kh\u00f3a h\u1ecdc v\u00e0 s\u00e2n ch\u01a1i v\u1ec1 AI, gi\u00fap ng\u01b0\u1eddi h\u1ecdc trang b\u1ecb v\u1eefng v\u00e0ng k\u1ef9 n\u0103ng trong l\u0129nh v\u1ef1c \u0111ang \u0111\u1ecbnh h\u00ecnh t\u01b0\u01a1ng lai n\u00e0y\u201d, \u201ccha \u0111\u1ebb\u201d c\u1ee7a CodeLearn chia s\u1ebb.<\/span><\/p>\n

CodeLearn is also actively integrating AI technology to enhance the learning experience. \u201cIn the future \u2013 especially in the AI era \u2013 CodeLearn will go even further thanks to artificial intelligence. We plan to integrate AI to provide deeper evaluation of written code, as well as offer interactive tutoring experiences that accompany, guide, and support learners throughout their journey. Moreover, we aim to apply AI to develop personalized learning features to ensure each learner has a path suited to their capabilities and pace. Especially, CodeLearn is expanding its AI courses and competitions to help learners firmly equip themselves with skills in this future-defining field,\u201d shared the \u201cfather\u201d of CodeLearn.<\/span><\/p>\n

From an Educational Idea to a Million-User Journey<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

After five years of operation, CodeLearn has gone beyond being a trial learning platform. With over 1,000,000 users across various countries, it has been implemented by prestigious training institutions such as FPT Education, FPT Polytechnic, and FUNiX. From June 2024, CodeLearn officially entered commercial markets and quickly recorded revenue of VND 620 million in just the first six months \u2013 an impressive figure given its origins as a non-profit product.<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond market validation, CodeLearn has continuously received prestigious awards in innovation and educational technology, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n