Image from Keller Elementary School |
The concept of
coding may be foreign to those who never received an education or even an
introduction to the computer sciences. While understanding it may be
far-fetched for some, you can be almost certain that you use it everyday in one
form or another. The process of coding is what makes things like apps and
computer software usable. The world is becoming more and more
technology-oriented and therefore understanding the approach behind creative
technology is becoming increasingly important.
Some Silicon Valley
experts argue that computer science literacy and coding is going to become a
fundamental competency in the coming years. The relevancy of all computer based
concepts make it important for newer generations to get early access to the
information.
Mitch Resnick, an
MIT Media Lab professor argues, “roughly two-thirds of grade school students
will end up doing work that hasn’t been invented yet.” Consider the growing
market for artificial intelligence and the concept of adapting our everyday
objects to “smart” objects. Introducing coding to the classroom early on will
give students the tools to adapt to be successful in the future job world.
Opportunities for
children K-12 are extremely limited when it comes to learning about coding.
Resnick also states that computer programming and coding courses are going to
be, if not already, equally as important as classes that have been fundamental
for generations. One major benefit of coding in the classroom is that all
students will experience an interaction with the concept at some point
lifetime. While avoiding knocking the importance of biology, classic
literature, or geometry, coding is a broad category that carries a large chance
of a student actually retaining and using the information later in life.
Incorporating
coding in the classroom will help bridge the gender gap when it comes to
Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. Currently, coding is seen as a more male dominant
field, with an 80% male enrollment rate in higher level coding courses.
Starting at a younger age will encourage and motivate females to journey down
the path of coding.
The
push for coding and computer science in the classrooms is not based on the goal
of creating mass amounts of computer programmers and computer engineers; but to
spark interest, allow students to express themselves, practice problem-solving
skills, develop teamwork capabilities, and build self-confidence.
Being
exposed to coding in the classroom will aid tremendously in entrepreneurship
endeavors down the road as well as provide students with the chance to become
successful in an industry they otherwise would never know about. American
technology companies currently outsource many of their jobs and rely on foreign
engineers because of the skill deficit here in America.
Coding
in the classroom should be structured as fun for students, while secretly
setting a platform for their adult life. Giving students a new way to express
themselves, share new ideas, and create things would be majorly beneficial for
all participants. Paving the road for higher paying jobs, dominant
computational thinking skills, and overall success is why the coding-schooling
integration should be adopted everywhere.
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