Introduction+of+Computer+Science+at+an+Early+Age



**__ Bringing Computer Science to the Classroom __** In the United States, there is a huge push by various non-profit groups to introduce computer science into the curriculum and in the classroom. It is projected that in the next ten years that there will be 1 million jobs in the technology sector that will require technology and computer science degrees in order to be filled (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014). Furthermore, 71% of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers requires some type of computing/programming skills. In 2015 there were nearly 600,000 high-paying tech jobs across America that went unfilled. By 2018, it is projected that over 51% of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) jobs will require computer science related skills. ([|Smith, 2016])

Not only are non-profits pushing for computer science to be implemented into the school year, but they are also recommending students to learn how to code as early as possible. There have already been several computer science and robotics STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs being implemented at the high school level, but there are several groups trying to reach children earlier and earlier. For example, the Hour of Code organization (which promotes computer science learning to all age groups) has various coding exercises on their website that are geared towards a variety of different age groups This even includes students at the pre-reading level. For these fun activities, see: [|Hour of Code]

Students today are surrounded by technology, from the new iPhones to personal laptops. Students interact with technology on a daily basis, however, these students usually interact with technology as users and not developers (i.e., the students only know how to use the technology, but do not understand how the technology functions in everyday life). Many non-profit organizations are concerned that if we do not provide students with the tools and resources to become content creators, then we’ll just have a population of users (and thus stall the development of technology in the United States).

This is not just a problem that is being addressed in the United States, but also many other parts of the world. For example, the United Kingdom also has several non-profit groups and interest groups trying to introduce computer science at an early age in primary school ([|The Guardian]).

One common misconception with this movement is that it is being attacked form an economic stand point (that in order for our economy to do well, we must have a work force that can code and create programs to fill jobs). While this logic is used to help promote the idea of teaching computer science (and is a possible benefit to teaching coding), the main idea surrounds giving our children the tools they need to succeed in the world. The modern world is constructed of physics, chemistry, and technology, and it is required for students to have a basic understanding of these concepts in order to survive in the world ([|Ouillen, 2013]).

In addition to allowing students to survive in the modern word, computer science also gives students passion, subject mastery, independent skills, and practice with collaboration. Many students who become passionate for computer science will work independently in order to gain subject mastery. For example, a student who wants to develop a game using coding will have to learn various aspects about physics in order to make their game follow realistic mechanics (i.e., if you jump, your character better fall back down). Programming also allow students to practice working in a group setting. Often times computer science requires multiple people working on one project in order to create a successful program. Furthermore, it provides students with the ability to develop critical thinking skills.

__** The Growing Trend of Bringing Computer Science to the Classroom **__ Adopting computer science at an early age in school is developing into a worldwide trend in education. The famous singer William Adams (a former member of the Black Eyed Peas better known as Will I Am) has become an advocate for introducing computer science into the educational system. In an interview with Fortune magazine, Adams mentioned that “every school has a football field,” while pointing out that only a very select few people in the schools (mainly men) go into a professional athletic career. Whereas Adams quotes that “companies like computer science—it's pretty big.” Adams himself as also mentioned his renewed interest in science (quantum physics as well as computer science) and his newfound desire to go back to school to learn computer science (a skill he feels as if he should have learned from high school). In fact, many celebrities have joined this movement including Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, will.i.am, Chris Bosh, Jack Dorsey, Tony Hsieh, Drew Houston, Gabe Newell, Ruchi Sanghvi, Elena Silenok, Vanessa Hurst, and Hadi Partovi. As can be seen in the following video:

media type="youtube" key="dU1xS07N-FA" width="560" height="315" align="center"

Many high school and other public educational school systems are starting to incorporate computer science into the curriculum. Some schools are even beginning to require computer science for their graduation requirements. For example, several schools in Chicago have introduced computer science and are now requiring it as one of the required science courses for graduation ([|The Guardian], 2012). However, despite this trend in introducing computer science into the curriculum, only 40% of schools teach computer science ([|code.org]).

In his final State of the Union address, President Obama called for a program to provide hands on computer science experience/classes for students in K-12 education ([|Hullinger], 2016). This ‘Computer Science for All’ initiative seeks to provide several million in funding to help train teachers in order to teach computer science to students. This initiative aims to give students from kindergarten through high school an opportunity to learn computer science. As such, we can see a push from several celebrates and politicians for introducing computer science into the classroom at an earlier age to address the need for the increasing demand of computer science related skills in the upcoming job force.

**__ In My Opinion __** Computer science gives you the ability to become a modern day wizard, allowing you to bend computers to your will. In my experience as a researcher and educator, computer science has given me the power to address problems with ease that took my fellow colleagues twice as long to complete. These computer science skills can be used in many situations in order to improve and solve complex problems. Not only are these skills necessary for certain jobs in the workforce, but they can be used in any situation.

**__ Bibliography __** Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014 [] - This link contains tables of information relating to various data sources in STEM fields.

Code.org, "Code Stars" [] - Non-profit page to promote computer science

Smith, Megan. 2016. The White House. [] - Obama's initiative to promote computer science in the classroom

The Guardian. 2012 [] - Computer science initiatives across the world.

Ouillen, Ian. 2013 [] - Information about other skills that computer science can introduce to a student.

Kokalitcheva, Kia. 2016. Fortune Magazine [] - Celebrity endorsements as to why computer science is important.

Dickey, Megan. 2016. The Crunch [] - Website that some schools are recoginizing the importance of computer science and making them a requirement for graduation.

Hullinger, Jessica. 2016 Fast Company [] - Obama's final address mentioning the importance of computer science.

Cat image retrieved from: [] - Image of a majestic programming cat