“If
you want to work in an air-conditioned environment, computer science
is the way to go.”
I got this advice when I was deciding on an engineering
field of study among the many possible choices, Civil, Mechanical, Industrial,
etc. It was enticing for someone living in the 120 degrees Fahrenheit scorching
heat of Delhi without access to air-conditioning. If that reason was not good
enough, computer science held the promise of jobs involving creation of the
most cutting-edge technologies. Creating something totally new … now that was quite
a motivator.
I decided for computer science and was blessed with opportunities to
create many new technologies … from enabling wireless telephony and satellite
communications to bringing data to cellphones.
Two
decades later, the potential for exciting jobs still remains. Moreover, “Degrees
and Jobs” image (source: CSTA – The National Imperative for K-12 Computer Science Education) below depicts the shortage of Computer Science graduates needed
to fill the computing related jobs in the US.
Computer
science and the technologies that it enables are integral part of our lives
today. With digitization, our world, our
work environments and our workforce have seen significant transformations.
For
our children to be prepared for the 21st century, some foundational
computer science skills and knowledge are needed whether or not they eventually
decide to pursue a career in computer science. Just like the foundational
skills of math and literacy, computer science education needs to start with
elementary ages. I have highlighted the need for early STEM exposure in my
prior blog, the
Big Bang Theory of Early STEM.
Our
Congress, demonstrating leadership on this front, is debating on the creation
of a STEM Education and Training Account. The stated purposes of this account are
(source: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s744):
(i) strengthening STEM education, including in computer science, at all levels;
(ii) ensuring that schools have access to well-trained and effective STEM teachers;
(iii) supporting efforts to strengthen the elementary and secondary curriculum, including efforts to make courses in computer science more broadly available; and
(iv) helping colleges and universities produce more graduates in fields needed by American employers.
Notice
that two of the listed purposes specifically mention making computer science available
at the elementary level.
We,
at STEM For Kids, have been focusing on making STEM fun and real for kids. We are
excited about our line-up of innovative STEM programs that include programs in Computer Science:
- Taste of Computer Science
- Critical Thinking and Gaming
- Robotics
- Computers and Communication
- Game Making Lab – coming soon
Through
camps and collaboration with different school districts, we are furthering the
fun of STEM to K-5 children in and outside schools.
What
are your thoughts on making computer science programs accessible for elementary
kids?
Follow the discussion further and share
your thoughts on BlogSpot,
Facebook and Twitter.
By: Moni Singh, Founder and CEO, STEM for Kids, LLC. Mrs. Singh offers a unique perspective on innovation
in education through her three lenses: as a mother of elementary age children
strongly focused on making STEM fun for kids; as an engineer and a technologist
who has brought several technologies to the market, from wireless phones to
smart meters; and as a business leader who understands through her work across
global organizations that success in the 21st century requires
skills in addition to pure technical competence.
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