Should Schools Require Computer Science Classes?

     

       It's not hard to wonder how gaining more computer skills could benefit your career. Computers have impacted just about every field that exists and are continuing to influence our lives more and more each day. Does this mean our students should be required to take more computer courses? Computers are being used more and more in the classroom and advancements have lead to the creation of some very powerful learning tools. The following video shows some of the biggest influences on computers and the internet promoting computer science.

       A career in computers is a reasonable prospect given the ever increasing need for computer scientists. New jobs are created every day for those with training in computer science. However, I think it's also important to note that nearly every job involves computers and increases the effectiveness of the fields they contribute to. For example, during my student teaching at Sheridan Elementary in Bloomington, Illinois, every class was equipped with a smart board. While the instructor knew enough to use the board for a few fun activities, I was able to turn it into a much more powerful learning tool due to my knowledge of computers. THIS website also offers a variety of Smart Board activities.

       Another example of how technology has influenced my career is when I was a teachers aide in a special education classroom. My student was nonverbal and relied sign language to communicate. He also had a touch talker communication device that he and the staff did not know how to use. One of my biggest projects at this school was teaching my student how to use the device and creating pages for him to use for his classes. Teachers must be able to adapt their lessons to a diverse group of learners, and this technology offers a way to do just that. THIS youtube channel contains many tutorial videos and ideas for adapting the device to meet the individual student's needs.

       With limitless benefits, computers should be a part of every student's academic requirements. However, urban schools have much less technology and less access to computers. Students in urban areas are also less likely to encounter computers outside of the classroom. THIS article discusses how while most schools are plunging into technology, urban schools are left behind. If experience with computers is becoming exponentially more important in our society, shouldn't all students have access to technology at school?

The opinions expressed here by me (and those providing comments) are mine or theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of AUSL, NLU, or any employee thereof. Neither AUSL nor NLU are responsible for the accuracy of any of the information supplied here or in any linked web site.