Unlocking the Future: The Importance of Computer Science in Elementary Schools
Computers are at the forefront of almost everything we do — and age is no longer a factor in how it shapes our lives.
In the past, technology was more complicated, only pursued by adults who could barely understand it themselves. But with evolution, we see positive changes in efficiency, new understanding, and a bright outlook on how the computer sciences can and will improve our lives in business, in relationships, and even in health.
We all want the next generation to be prepared, skilled, and excited about the future. STEM education, particularly computer science courses, is the way to go. And it all starts in elementary school.
What is Computer Science?
When most of us were kids, computers were only used to teach us how to type, do some basic coding, and research on the internet. The generation entering their elementary school years has a world of options in the computer sciences we couldn’t have fathomed back then.
That is what computer science is in a nutshell: it is learning about computers, how they work, and how to use programs effectively, including programs that can alter a computer such as coding software. It is the step-by-step management of digital concepts that allows you to see how things work on a fundamental level.
This sounds complicated but it is no more difficult for the young mind than counting from 1 to 10. As with all learning tools, computer science starts from the bottom so your student can properly absorb the information and not be immediately overwhelmed.
Effective Computer Science Teaching in Modern Curriculums
Computer science for kids removes bravado and hubris from the equation. It all starts with understanding problem-solving in the simplest terms, followed by demonstrating how these tricks and ideas can be used in the digital world. As an extension, these CS concepts, computer programming, and problem-solving skills will translate to many aspects of the future.
Right now computer sciences are often limited to games, puzzles, and teaching about how to be safe online. These are decent jumping-off points, but they cannot be the extent of the lesson plan. Kids need to be challenged, stretched, and molded — they are little sponges, eager for the knowledge they see and want to discover.
School is designed to prepare students for the future. If the world was to become bilingual, you would teach kids the new language, starting in the simplest terms, and advancing from year to year, until they are fluent. Computer sciences, specifically learning to code, work the exact same way. Code is a different, complicated language. Elementary school is the time to start them on the path to being fluent.
Isn't Teaching CS and Coding Difficult?
It is a start-from-scratch skill. There are a handful of commonly used code languages, plus variants within the code. For teaching problem-solving to new coders, BASIC is a great stepping stone — it is easy to use, understand, and if there is a problem in the code, usually the solution is simple to recognize and correct.
Coding is the skill that your kids will need to thrive in the digital marketplace of the future. When you have the ability to modify your workstation to maximize your efficiency, the sky is the limit.
Computer Science is the Future
An added benefit to computer science education is that it is not learned in a bubble. Kids can take their new knowledge home, hop on the computer, test their skills, and hone what they have learned. Give them the skills, give them the tools, and be proud that our future is in such good hands.