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It’s Logical: The need to teach programming in schools
Jan 29, 2015
There is no denying that technology is everywhere. With a projection of 37% employment growth for information security analysts between 2012 and 2022 and 20% employment growth for computer user support specialist in the same time span*, it is clear to see that tech jobs aren’t the fad that they were once thought of as.
Like the introduction and evolution of home economics, typing, shop, building trades, and other classes geared towards preparing students for life after high school, it is pertinent that our schools evolve their computer science curriculum to help support our country’s growing need for technical talent. The sooner we introduce students to the basics of how technology works the better prepared our youth will be for what awaits them outside the realm of the classroom. That is why we believe that teaching programming in schools is a great way to get a head start on this ever growing change in the way our students are learning.
I have been working with Code Red Education Founder, Michael Palmer, (www.coderededucation.com) to learn the basics of computer language and how incorporating computer languages to students at earlier ages will help close skills gaps. To be brutally honest, the idea of learning to code was like the fear I had walking into my first ever college course, it was the land of the unknown. But…once I realized that programming is based off of logic and I consider myself to be able to think logically, I put together my first program from scratch. I am no longer afraid and want to learn more. While I am not going to share the program I created, a cat skateboarding down a railing when the “enter” key was hit on my keyboard, I digress. Back to the point…I will share with you a quick video about The Hour of Code an education event that has reached students of all ages, cultures, and skill levels.
Go ahead and try it!
*Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Quarterly Spring 2014
For more information on our commitment to grow technical talent in your local area, please contact sgerstner@extrahelpinc.com.
