In many ways people think that with technology becoming a bigger and bigger part of our life that coding is the new literacy. This has become so much of a thing that President Obama decided to address it in his last State of the Union Address. He believes that it would be beneficial for every student to have some computer science knowledge and that learning this should start at a young age.
One of the main arguments for introducing everyone to computing is that it offers a broad based benefit. Whether the student learning it actually becomes a programmer or not there are many skills along the way that they pick up that can be beneficial to their everyday life. For example, students can become better at puzzle skills, problem-solving skills, and increase their sequencing skills which has proven to in turn increase reading comprehension. Computing also introduces a new way of thinking about certain topics. It breeds creativity mixed with deep critical thinking. A combination valuable to any person, young or old.
Despite a lot of good that could come from introducing an initiative of this sort, there are also some drawbacks and challenges to incorporating it. First, what impact will introducing screens into classrooms at a young age have? A lot of kids can’t tolerate any kind of screen time at all. So even educational use of screen time can cause issues. On top of this, America would be introducing a new complex, technical subject. Where are all of these teachers going to come from? Most good computing teachers have the inventive of going to industry and making a lot more money than they would be making teaching. Even if teachers were available, how would school systems fit this new subject into an already packed schedule?
My belief is that computer science courses should not replace other courses but should still be offered. I think at a young age incorporating computer science class in with the music, gym, and other extra-curricular activities would be perfect. In these classes one would learn more problem-solving skills and basics of computing, they would not actually be at a computer screen putting together code and programming stuff. These first classes, offered at a young age would be more focused on algorithmic thinking. These classes should have students breaking problems down into a series of steps. Then as the students grow older and enter into high school I think a one semester class should be mandatory to take before graduating and preferably during the freshman or sophomore year. I think many students are afraid to get into computing because they think it is too challenging, however what they don’t realize is that it is challenging for everyone in the beginning. This first course will spark their knowledge and if interested computer science electives will be available.
Finally, I think that anyone can learn to program, as evidenced by NBA stars going on code academy and learning some basic, but I think knowing how to code means nothing if you cannot think of good ways to apply it.
I think that it would be beneficial for grade-schoolers and high schoolers to at least be introduced to the idea of computer science. I do think there is some danger in teaching everyone, mainly because of security hacking issues or the power you are giving to people in teaching them to code in a world filled, surrounded, and based on technology.
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