Integrating Computer Science in High Schools

More Resources Does Not Mean Improved Access or Skills

Sep 1, 2008

Teachers are encouraged to integrate technology into lessons. Though more computers are becoming available in schools, students are not always receiving the benefits.

No Child Left Behind is pushing for more technology resources to be made available in schools. Most schools now have at least one computer in each classroom. Many also have computer labs available. Teachers are expected to understand the use of technology for education, both in support of and for teaching students to use. However, many high schools are still lacking in regards to encouraging the use of available technology to teach computer science.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is a major part of many aspects of society. It is a driving force for communication systems, including cell phones and the Internet. It is the foundation for technology innovation, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and many research and development endeavors. Without computer science our social advances would resemble the mid 1800s. Thus, a basic understanding of computer science is essential for students.

How is it Lacking in High Schools?

My College Options, a non-profit educational research organization based in Missouri, released a report based on a voluntary survey given to high school educators and students taking computer dependant classes. According to the 2007 results, nearly half of the educators surveyed do not consider the computer resources available to them adequate or plentiful enough for teaching computer science. Furthermore, 20% of students report that they do not have advanced computer science courses available in their school and only 16% consider themselves to be skilled in the use of computers.

One major step is to consider what is being integrated into the curriculum for computing technologies and then look for ways to increase the variety. Many teachers who currently include computer usage frequently use word processing and spreadsheets. For word processing, consider trying Web 2.0 technologies such as a blog or a wiki. Spreadsheets being used for data collection can be modified slightly to create a database.

Another critical step is to get more of the technologies utilized in all schools. One computer in each classroom is a start, but typically this computer is used only by the teacher. Providing one more, classroom size labs or mobile laptop labs makes the computers more available for student use. Additionally, teachers need to not only have training for how to integrate technology into their lessons but also need to know what is supported by the district.

In order to prepare students for the future they need to have the skills for applying computer science. When only 16% of high school students feel they have these skills and half of the teachers saying they do not have the resources to teach them there is still considerable work to do.

The copyright of the article Integrating Computer Science in High Schools in Teaching & Technology is owned by Tammy Andrew. Permission to republish Integrating Computer Science in High Schools in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

May 14, 2009 8:59 AM

Guest :

this is absurd considering our world's technological advancement relies computer sciences, we should fund for subject in our curricular as an investment towards new technologies and ideas in the future. Perhaps it is odd but nearly everything is done and is ran by computers and that statistic shocks me that only 16% knows how to or feels confident operating a CPU, i myself am savvy but not exceptionally well rounded in all forms of CPU science.