Poll: Okay, this might be a silly idea, but...

[BreakfastMan]

Should we have schools teach basic programming skills? I mean, our society is becoming just as dependent on computers as we are on the printed word; we teach kids to read and write, why don't we teach them to program? It could be another key skill added to "the big 3" (reading, writing, math).

Just teach them basic programming stuff around the same time they are beginning to learn how to read, write, and do basic mathematical functions. "Hello world" and all that. You can then gradually introduce more complex concepts, like OO programming, as they get older, like we do with reading or math.

So what do you think? Am I crazy, or do I have a point?

EDIT: Full disclosure: I am a programmer. Take that for what you will.

 

[Vault101]

.....how to look after youre computer and use stuff like word, excel and even the internet/technology properly and responsibly I get

but programing? is that really needed in day to day life?

 

[requisitename]

I don't think so. I mean, honestly, unless you have the desire to program software/games/apps/etc., when would you ever need it? To use the vast majority of computers out there today, you need zero programming skills.. and they're only getting "more user friendly" (i.e. - there's less and less you can actually do to a basic setup even if you know code). Reading, writing and (basic) math are used every day, programming isn't.

I see no problem with programming classes being taught as electives in (to use U.S.-centric terminology) middle school and high school for those who are interested.. much like athletics for sports or band/choir for music.. but, I see no reason to make it mandatory for all students.

 

[BreakfastMan]

.....how to look after youre computer and use stuff like word, excel and even the internet/technology properly and responsibly I get

but programing? is that really needed in day to day life?

Not that much (so far anyway), but be honest: geometry is required in schools, and how often does that get used by the general populace? Not very often, if ever. It is really only used in the sciences and engineering, which most of the populace does not work in. If we only taught the absolute basics in math, writing, and reading, school would look a lot different. Yet we don't; we try to prepare kids with knowledge in a wide variety of fields. Why should computing be any different?

... Or, that is how my thought process goes, anyway.

 

[Nouw]

No, not quite yet anyway. Most of my friends don't know jack or jill about programming but they still can use a computer efficiently. Not everyone needs it but I'm sure it will be more important some time in the future.

 

[BreakfastMan]

srzzzly... schools already have enough trouble teaching alabama and brazil bloody english. we shouldn't set the standards for the human race THAT high just yet.

I think you think that programming (and the learning thereof) is much harder than it really is. It really is not much harder than math or writing...

 

[uhddh]

I know my school has IT (programming, assembling etc.) as an elective, and you don't have to do it in those years before electives come in.

That should be how it goes. If you want to learn programming, choose it.

 

[smithy_2045]

Programming is a university level subject, where you teach the languages most relevant to the field of study. Programming at high school is a waste of time.

 

[Esotera]

Yes.

We use programs on a daily basis, but most people don't even know how they work. We should at least teach this, and possibly some optional really simple programming using tools like scratch, and pygame/more powerful things for advanced courses.

Computer literacy is not an option anymore, this is becoming as important as Maths, Science and English. I'm very disappointed with the amount of people who are against making basic programming mandatory; as if you're not the one programming your computer, it's programming you. Such is the mantra...

 

[BreakfastMan]

Programming is a university level subject, where you teach the languages most relevant to the field of study.

True, but most of the languages have a lot in common. Stuff like while loops, if statements, and functions will pretty much be the same across most languages. Just learning the basics in an easy-to-use language like Python or even Java would work, since a lot of the syntax in those is the same across the board. I am not talking about teaching kids the ins and outs of MySQL or anything (that could be saved for an elective), just the basics that are fairly universal.

 

[Logiclul]

Programming is an application of basic skills.

Basic skills are:
Mathematics
Reading
Writing
Speaking

Science is separately taught because it is a field which needs workers, and needs certain types of people. Like programming, you don't take any exhaustive coursework unless you choose (electives).

 

[BreakfastMan]

Programming is an application of basic skills.

Basic skills are:
Mathematics
Reading
Writing
Speaking

Science is separately taught because it is a field which needs workers, and needs certain types of people. Like programming, you don't take any exhaustive coursework unless you choose (electives).

Yes, but we still teach children basic science. Why not teach kids basic programming?

Besides, computer science needs workers and certain types of people as well.

 

[BreakfastMan]

Programming isn't something that is fundamental(as in, humanity could function easily without). Biology is fundamental. Civil and Structural engineering are fundamental. Medicine is fundamental. Law is fundamental. Although programing is important, I think that an emphasis should be kept on the more fundamental stuff.

Without computers, modern society would fall apart, just like it would fall apart without medicine, law, or civil/structural engineering. Yes, we could survive, but we could also survive if those other things were removed. We are as dependent on computers now as we are on medicine or civil/structural engineering.

 

[Suicidejim]

Have it as an option later on sure, but I'm not sure it's a basic skill kids need to be taught right away. Computer skills in general, yes, definitely, but this is a little like teaching kids how to construct iPhones on the basis that they will use them frequently later in life.

 

[Logiclul]

Programming is an application of basic skills.

Basic skills are:
Mathematics
Reading
Writing
Speaking

Science is separately taught because it is a field which needs workers, and needs certain types of people. Like programming, you don't take any exhaustive coursework unless you choose (electives).

Yes, but we still teach children basic science. Why not teach kids basic programming?

Besides, computer science needs workers and certain types of people as well.

Computer Science isn't exactly bleeding for employees like other biological sciences are. Besides, science is established as an industry which will always be around. Computer programming (sorry to say) is not something which is more than the current technological era. This will be replaced eventually (at a much shorter cycle than the basics of biology, chemistry and physics haha!) so it makes less sense to force kids to learn it.

 

[Benjamin Rosa]

As a programming student i have to say there are way a lot more things with more priority:

-Online safety like don't giving passwords and never give personal information to someone they dont trust.
-Use of the most basic Open Source programs (OpenOffice)

Also, programming is very advanced and they need to know maths and writing. It could be an option in High School.

 

[Scarim Coral]

Unless programming incorperated in the future computers (as in using it on daily basis) or just the most basic topic on programming then no. I don't see the point in learning it unless you are really keen and want to learn to use it.