All of us who have been through grade school have learned the “core” subjects: math, science, history, reading, and writing. Most of society agrees and accepts that these five subjects are essential to survival in our modern world. Are the core subjects fixed, though? Because of the advances in technology, another subject is coming into the spotlight: computer programming.
Should we teach computer programming in grade school? Many experts are saying, “Yes!”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that software developer jobs are expected to grow by over 20% annually, which is much faster than average, with average salaries of $93,350 per year. Though these jobs are increasing in demand, the supply is not being met. There simply aren’t enough skilled coders to fill these positions.
Because of the shortage, several crash-course type “coding bootcamps” have come into existence, and these are designed to fill the gap between what is taught in schools and what is needed in the software developing world. Because of the surety one will find a job after going through these courses, many of the courses offer all-your-money-back-if-you-dont-find-a-job-after-you-graduate guarantees.
Computers are becoming more and more essential to our lives. They are everywhere now. Those who will have the greatest use for them, are, of course, the ones who know how to make them do what they want: software coders.
Other countries are ahead of the United States as far as implementing software coding into school curriculums. Estonia, for example, teaches computer programming beginning as early as first grade.
* Image of software developer via Shutterstock
