Computer science gives students a greater chance of succeeding in the future. They need support from parents and teachers. Computer science teaches students to think, create, and solve problems using technology. It’s most important for females, students with a disability, and students of color.
Computer Science and Diversity
Girls need to develop technology skills at an early age. Coding helps them to manage failures and learn to keep trying when something doesn’t work. Women make up about 18 percent of all computer science majors. This is why girls need to study computer science. Research shows that purchases through technology are made by women. Research also shows that women more than men make purchases on the internet. Thus, females utilize the use of technology and need to further their knowledge.
Due to limited access to resources at home, students of color need to have computer science education in school. A significant number of students lack internet service and essential technology skills, which negatively impact their academic performance in the classroom. To cultivate an interest in computer science, students must be able to connect with others through the use of classroom technology. As a result, educators must find ways to help students relate to the subject.
Early Education
Teaching computer science in elementary classrooms builds many skills. It builds logical and analytical skills that apply to core classes. Students are constantly exposed to computers and technology every day from as young as their first three years of life. Schools need to take on the task of teaching computer science as part of the core subjects.
Some schools today allow students to use at least two technology devices every day. They provide Chromebooks and tablets for K through 4th grade. Technology is necessary for homework. However, many are unable to provide daily instruction. Some less fortunate schools only use computer carts due to limited budgets. These schools limit the use to only a specified grade level.
Early learning of technology helps students to expand their knowledge throughout their school years. Young students enjoy learning, so it’s best to start in the early grades. This allows students to move to more advanced classes in later grades.
Immersing students in computer science, including STEM projects builds computational thinking. This fosters skills for them to recognize patterns and find solutions to coding issues. It also gives students time to work with teams thus, building the social and emotional skills that they need for the future.
According to Jane Margolis, a researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, “I don’t think math class or computer science should be an either-or situation. Students need math, and they need computer science in today’s world.”
