Today on the radio there was a short 10minute segment on computer coding.
The piece centred on the fact that from next September all children aged 5-16 are to learn how to code and develope programme’s moving away from the usual Office products. The Presenter was arguing why should children need to know how to write computer code its equivalent to having to drive a car and knowing how it works, if a computer or a car breaks down you just take it to a specialist who knows what they are doing.
Now, I appriciate the Presenter was being argumentative to draw out a strong reaction for the ‘yes’ argument but for me it makes perfect sense to teach another skill, especially as more and more technology plays a major part in our lives.
I know nothing about coding and I doubt that I ever will on an intricate level or in all honesty any level, I do know how to design, draw and build drainage systems.
By day I am a Civil Engineer, I chose engineering because of my dad and how fun his profession looked, I chose Civil Engineering because of an opportunity that my school gave me.
I am of the opinion that school, as well as teaching and learning, is about introducing different experiences and sparking imaginations, whether it be a lesson that creates the opportunity for a childs intrest to be sparked and makes them what to learn more on their own, or makes the child want try something different from the norm.
Yes, like most things, some will not enjoy the subject but chances are they will excel in another area. By giving the opportunity for children to learn how the bird flies in Angry Birds will create the spark that makes a child want to find out more and potentially create a different phenomenon.
If coding is to form part of the curriculum this is no bad thing, this is another string to someones educational bow.
For me I would rather my bow look more like a harp.
J
