The majority of people who have gone through
the modern process of education, have probably had information technology
classes. Most of them were basic, teaching students about technology, and how
to operate a computer in a simple way. This trend, however, is slowly changing
as programming languages are becoming more common and needed.
Necessity Breeds
Innovation
As the society advances technologically, so
does (or at least – it should) its educational system. It is mostly to keep up
with the needs of the market and the industry, it has been the case since the
industrial revolution. New kinds of jobs demanded differently qualified
employees, which schools “produced” in response. This process can also be
observed nowadays. With the rapid growth of the IT industry, contemporary
schools begin to adapt to the changes.
Early Education and
IT
Most interestingly, the more popular a field of
knowledge is, the sooner will the education start. Nowadays, state and private
schools both started experimenting with computer science and elementary
teaching. On occasion, children would be given tablets or even laptops to work
on. They would also start attending IT classes much sooner. Their focus has
also changed. Instead of simple tasks like drawing or playing games, the young
students receive a different kind of education – they learn the basics of
programming. Some might say that might be a very tough nut to crack for
children, and they would be right. Therefore, new, special programming
languages have been invented specifically for adolescents, such as Scratch. It
is a visual language developed by the MIT with one purpose – making the young
mind comfortable with the concepts of computer programming.
Dedication in
Education
Public schools however, are not always
enough in that regard. In order to satisfy the demand for this kind of
education, private institutions concentrating on computer science came into
being, and recently they’ve become hugely popular amongst parents.
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| English IT class |
Conclusion
The shift in the world of education can be
easily observed. New technologies and their popularity affect everyday lives of
not only the working adults, but still developing children. IT and the
overwhelming presence of computers leave their stamp on modern societies.
It this a step in the right direction?
Should all children be taught programming?
Do you think children will benefit from early IT education?
Should governments change their educational programs to promote computer science?
Should all children be taught programming?
Do you think children will benefit from early IT education?
Should governments change their educational programs to promote computer science?
References:
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/04/coding-school-computing-children-programming
Comments
So I think that modern education should consider very well the job market requirements and attempt to produce right amount of workers for every field. Saying that, I belive that programming is great way to enchance child development and help their talents emerge. But oversimplifying it so everyone would be able to learn it is not the way to go.
Nowadays when almost everyone is related with technology, children will for sure benefit from IT education. They won't have to learn on their own how to use the Internet safely and how to for example fix their devices.
I think that government should change something to make an IT knowledge more available for young kids.
1) Programming is a basic literacy in the digital age
Kids are growing up in a very different world than that of their parents. Cellphones, computers, Youtube, Netflix, and Facebook are embedded in their daily lives. Even toys are digital, and many are programmable, such as Legos and the new-generation LeapFrogs.
2) Programming can change the world
For the last several centuries, people relied on the written word to spread ideas. The ability to write was the ability to create change. Today, writing is not enough. To change behavior, it is crucial to leverage the digital medium.
3) You have an idea for then next big innovation? Great. Can you bring it to life?
If you want your child to be a thinker and innovator who can bring ideas to life, encourage him or her to learn how to program. Programming gives children confidence that they can be designers and builders.
4) Programming doesn’t have to be hard to learn
Learning how to program is like learning any other language in that the skill must be practiced and tested out. Just as languages open up the ability to communicate with worlds of people, programming gives children the ability to create technologies that impact those around them. With just a computer, kids can use their programming skills to build things that could change the world.
On the other hand, I can't agree at all with the statement 'every child should learn programming'. There are two separable fields: using computer and programming. Of course, teachers could encourage to it, but it shouldn't be obligatory.
In my high school, I had a choice: programming vs "normal use" (Excel, Word and so on). I was the only person who chose programming and this is the best proof that not everybody would be willing to learn it.
I believe that programming isn't necessary for everyone, so it don;t have to be compulsory.
We should show kids that programming can help to solve their own problems - like the faster way of doing homework.
With time the government will change the system of education and will adapt it to today's needs. The question is when. I can’t wait when my sister will get older so I can teach her some C# :)
From the other side, a lot of people even in my age aren't able to fully understand what technology are about. Technology intelligence should be higher, but we shouldn't forget about other aspects of education.
Today things are not the same, and the technologies are becoming the part of everyone's life, so I guess it's a great idea, that children could try to learn IT at school. But I think it shouldn't be obligatory. For example, like drawing - the kid tries it, and if it's not for him, then he gets only the basis. So he knows the idea but doesn't have to spend many hours to learn things, that he won't be good at.
Overall though, +1 for programming in schools.
All children should learn the basics of how software works and is made, except for Excel, we already have enough of that as it is.
World of technology is developing so fast that IT can be more and more useful and if it is really needed I hope the Ministry of Education will change standarts.