On one hand this is great. The President of the United States promotes computer science education. On the other hand he talks about it primarily as a vocational subject. Something that will lead to a two year degree and an apprenticeship. I think that missed to point of computer science being a liberal art that all (or at least most) students should take.
The best part though is at the very end when he talks about the need for students to be creators and not just consumers.
The broader picture Alfred from my standpoint is that the target is 100% of high school students. Not all as it is those of us within the technology industry will earn degrees.
ReplyDeleteHow does The President lead ALL students to water?
Salt the oats with STEM!
I was doing an outline of a presentation to my high school class on essentially the lessons of "The Projects" into Corporate "Best Practices".
Our Class in Northwestern High School in Miami, FL were The Philomatheans--Lover of Learning/Math--STEM, today.
Edwin
Hi, I don't feel that the President is leading toward only vocational training on computers. I think that he is focusing on every student knowing how to interact with a computer when graduating from H.S. I liked Mr. Sapp's comment, "Salt the oats with STEM!" I think that that is where the President is going. I know that you are aware that he has provided additional funding for teachers in STEM courses. Also, though, I read somewhere [Utah Business Education Curriculum], that 95-96% of all jobs require the use of keyboarding and technology. Focusing on using computers is both vocational and educational. In everything I have read about his policies on technology in education focuses on moving forward and computational thinking. Isn't that where the gaming aspect comes in?
ReplyDeleteI agree with Eleanor. I see no negative here. Any pointing to the need for CS training in HS is sorely needed. And he covers this topic very well. This is encouraging. Thanks, Alfred!
ReplyDelete