Teach Computer Science Education
Children Who Understand Technology Can Blend it with Other Interests
Mar 22, 2008
When the topic of computer science is mentioned, many immediately see visions of dark rooms, glowing monitors, and a lonely person with fingers quickly flying over a keyboard. Fortunately, this Hollywood-influenced image is not completely real.
What is Computer Science?
The final report of the Association for Computing Machinery’s K-12 Task Force Curriculum Committee defines computer science as the following:
"Computer science (CS) is the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society."
What does this mean for education? Are all students expected to be able to write programs or build computers? Should each child be handed a laptop so that time with a computer is optimized?
What this means is that computers are an integral part of society. Computers are in our homes, libraries, schools and businesses. They are found in our cars and cell phones. Cash registers are computerized as well as public utilities. We also rely on computers for our information.
What Should Schools Do?
Primary and secondary educational institutions are charged with the mission to prepare children for the future. Think back 10 to 20 years and consider how important computers were in daily living, then consider how much the average American depends upon computing today. Now, how about 10 or 20 years from now? A basic education in computer science will help today’s child be ready for that future.
Elementary School
In elementary school, several foundational pieces can be introduced. One piece is to teach children how to use the keyboard, mouse and printer to interact with educational software. Another is a discussion of social and ethically correct behaviors when using technology. Elementary school should also teach concepts that do not need the use of a computer, include learning how to usefully organize information such as that found in a phone book and puzzles that require logical thinking.
As children mature educationally other pieces can be added. Productivity tools and software, such as calendars, spreadsheets and word processors can be used both for independent assignments and collaborative works. If available, other devices such as digital cameras, microphones and scanners can be added to the technology tools and incorporated into assignments. Learning to create an algorithm can be introduced through activities such as explaining how to bake cookies or how to make a favorite craft. Children can also be encouraged to explain and describe both uses of and issues surrounding technology.
Middle School
By middle school most children are ready for more complex tasks. They are maturing socially and can extend their collaboration activities to peers and experts through web and email tools. Also, they are ready to determine the relevance and accuracy of information they find as well as the social and legal implications that arise from using technology. The decisions as to what hardware and software tools can be used to solve a problem or present information can be given to them. Their brains are also prepared to start solving more complex logic and reasoning problems such as would be needed to solve a mystery.
High School
Ideally, by the time children enter high school they should have a foundation in computer science. This would allow them to focus on areas that interest them and incorporate their computing skills into any subject. A student who loves to write might enhance her skills by exploring desktop publishing or web design. Another student who enjoys history might focus on improving his multimedia or presentation abilities. For students intrigued by the inner workings of the computer, there will always be ways to learn more about hardware and programming.
Children who are taught to understand computing will be more prepared to face the future.
