Why should programming be part of
school curriculum?
I believe that programming should be part of school curriculum because of the direction that the job market is going. High tech jobs are becoming the industrial jobs of the 21st century. I was lucky that I was able to have an introductory class in programming in BASIC in high school. It was excellent exposure to software before I studied Engineering and later Computer Science at WVU, because I already had learned a programming language.
Newest generation programming languages are even easier to learn and use, as shown in the article with Scratch. The benefit that students have from starting with today's technology is a real boon.
Lastly, I think that programming could improve interest in math because of the need for numbers to be exact for software to work.
What are the barriers to implementing
programming in schools?
I believe costs are the major obstacle. Upgraded computer labs and instructors with programming skills that could be taken to the private sector would bust already tight school budgets. The authors of the article showed a lack of instruction in programming, despite having the computer labs already.
How can barriers to implementing
programming in schools be overcome?
A way to add curriculum outside of budgets would be with afterschool "clubs". I had a few months of introductory Spanish in grade school that was provided in this way. While it did not produce much in the way of retention for later courses I had in High School and College, I was prepared to build upon my earlier lessons with greater ease. Being able to count and carry on a simple conversation was less that I had to learn in the other courses.
I was introduced to video teleconferencing classes in the Navy and this could provide a way to stretch out instructors. We were in San Diego, watching the instructor in Tennessee, with a few others satellite sites. We also had microphones to speak to the instructor during question sessions.
I like your reasoning for programming being part of the school curriculum. Today’s world is high tech and that is not changing anytime soon. I had a programming class as an undergraduate and while I see the importance of being technologically savvy I am not sure detailed programming is a good way. I guess it depends on the depth of the programming being taught. Scratch is fun and easy to use but writing a program using C++ is totally different.
ReplyDeleteI agree that cost is the major problem when it comes to programs in schools. I know I don’t have access to computers to use in my classroom on a regular basis, but if I did I know I would put them to good use.
Thanks for sharing!
I think your suggestions to reach out to other experts through video conferencing is a great idea! I think an interested teacher unskilled in computer programming could provide students with access to computer programming.
ReplyDeleteAlthough computer programming is a skill in high demand in today's job market do not forget the benefits of improving students problem solving and mathematical thinking skills as they use a simple computer programming language like Scratch.
I think convincing administrators, parents and politicians of these benefits will help overcoming the barriers to using programs like Scratch as a regular part of the school curriculum!