Researcher: Dori Stein, Researcher & Writer for EnvisionSTEM
Writer: Alexander Dominguez, Lead Writer for EnvisionSTEM
General knowledge:
Computer science can be used to help students gain success later on in their career; specifically, archeologists write programs to finalize fragments to create a final piece.
Although some of the students who study computer science won’t pursue it later, they eventually experience computational thinking further into their lives.
Practicing a skill like computer science is similar to learning math in primary + high school – it helps develop the brain for potential occurrences
Steve Jobs once said: “computer science is a liberal art.” This further shows that computer science isn’t only viewed as a science or math, but a necessary science needed to know in life.
Most schools that offer computer science are upper-schools that mainly have more dedicated students
Arkansas is one of the few states that requires computer science to be taught to every high school student
Some examples of what coding has done for big companies:
- Lets NASA send rovers to Mars
- Lets Pixar and other huge movie companies design their graphics
- Lets companies like Tesla make self-driving cars
Analytical thinking skills/ creativity:
When students are taught computer science at an early age, they can later have a strong foundation to improve if they ever decide to
Since the digital world is constantly revolutionizing, it is beneficial to have these skills early on in case the student wants to potentially switch their job
On top of coding skills, they also gain problem-solving and analytical skills
Coding helps students express their creativity by giving them a platform to do so
More career options:
Many high-earning careers are now primarily focused on knowledge in computer science
Computer science professionals are among the top paid employees
Most companies are now trying to use computers for daily tasks because they aid in convenience and efficiency
Article:
In every high school, taking a certain number of classes is a requirement in order to receive a high school diploma upon graduation. Most of these requirements include a certain number of English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, Art, and Physical Education classes. Depending on the state and school, each diploma may vary in the requirements above. However, even though the material in the subjects listed above is vital for every student to know, there should still be a Computer Science or Technology course requirement for graduation everywhere because it can provide useful general knowledge, analytical thinking skills, and more career options for students.
General Knowledge:
Not only does technology continue to develop and improve, it is also becoming more prevalent in our daily lives. We’re currently living in the digital age, and times are changing. Today, most employees will be working with a computer, whether that’s a desktop, laptop, making phone calls, ipads, or smartboards. It’s imperative for students to have a fundamental understanding of the basic structure and usage of the technology they’ll be using. First and foremost, the Computer Science course should cover computer hardware. Now, we don’t mean a full course on how to build computers, networks, systems, etc., but it will be essential for students to learn about computer components and what they do. For some students, this knowledge might come naturally, but you’ll be surprised how many students don’t know the difference between a CPU and GPU, or RAM vs HDD storage. A good knowledge of computer hardware may have great benefits in the long run (besides passing a class), such as being able to determine what the problem is in case the computer stops working properly. Additionally, before becoming familiar with basic computer troubleshooting, one must also be familiar with computer hardware (Princeton Computer Repair Service).
To add, along with computer hardware knowledge, it’s equally as important for students to learn about computer software. The difference between the two is that computer hardware is the computer components (CPU, RAM, monitor, mouse, etc.), while computer software is the written instructions in binary 1s and 0s (compiled from source code from any programming language) in order for the hardware to perform something. Since this will be a required course, students should start with a basic programming language that is widely used, such as Python (more benefits will be listed later on). People should know that programming isn’t just complex algorithms that require college level math in order to create an operating system, but it can be used for fun! There are fun websites online that have source code editors that allow students to use code in order to create digital art, music, and more.
Besides the technical aspects of a computing course, there can be other benefits that students can acquire from taking the course and getting a grasp of the fundamentals. As Robert Sedgewick, a writer for Inside Higher Ed, said, "Many students need computer science to prepare for success later on in the curriculum. Archaeologists write programs to piece together fragments of ancient ruins. Economists apply deep learning models to financial data. Linguists write programs to study statistical properties of literary works. Physicists study computational models of the universe to analyze its origins. Musicians work with synthesized sound. Biologists seek patterns in genomes. Geologists study the evolution of landscapes. Artists work with digital images. The list goes on and on." (Sedgewick). In other words, most professions use software programs, so a basic understanding of how these programs work and operate may be required. As Steve Jobs once said, "In my perspective ... science and computer science is a liberal art, it's something everyone should know how to use, at least, and harness in their life. It's not something that should be relegated to 5 percent of the population over in the corner. It's something that everybody should be exposed to and everyone should have mastery of to some extent, and that's how we viewed computation and these computation devices." ("Steve Jobs: ‘Computer Science Is A Liberal Art’").
Analytical Thinking Skills & Creativity:
Further exploring the technical aspect of a computer science course, while solving coding problems, students will develop analytical, innovative, and creative skills. Practicing a skill like computer science is similar to learning math, as it involves problem solving and figuring out a solution to tackle that problem. In fact, in some states where computer science isn’t required as a high school graduation requirement, computer science will be counted as a math class. Both Mathematics and Computer Science teach analytical and logical thinking approaches to problems. Analytical skills are always in high demand in the job market across many industries. Additionally, problem solving in computer science can help make a student innovative. Students will learn to solve problems beyond the classroom independently and collaboratively. A key thing that computer science teaches is that in its field, people don't often work alone since collaboration is a key component when it comes to designing and building programs. When students are taught computer science at an early age, they can later have a strong foundation to improve upon if they want to later in life. Finally, programming helps build creative skills. Most software developers and engineers will be building an application that users will end up using, and creativity is one of the key components of attracting users to their app. Similarly, this may apply to students – with a blank code editor and a few commands, they can build and share art (Keeshin).
Career Opportunities:
Like obligatory high school classes, Computer Science also provides additional career options for students. A passion for coding and problem solving can result in a lucrative career with a six-figure salary. Computer Science professionals are among the top-paid employees (CB Community). The best part about Computer Science is that it’s a very broad field of study and there are many subfields such as software development and engineering, Data Science and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Networking, Cloud Computing, Information Systems, etc. Knowledge of coding has led humans to send rovers to Mars; help Pixar and other film production companies create graphic effects for films; and have Tesla create self-driving cars.
Final Solution:
With all that being said, this is what we recommend a mandatory Computer Science course should look like:
Computer Hardware Fundamentals: Students should learn the fundamentals and basics of how a computer and its components function.
Introduction to Programming: Introduce students to a simple programming language, such as Python, because its syntax is easier to write and understand, and Python is the most popular programming language. Although, you’re not limited to just Python. Also, engage students in fun activities such as letting them design and build their own app in pairs to boost their collaboration skills and let them have fun!
Careers: Every now and then, there should be a lesson containing a video or a lecture of a profession in the field in order to educate students about their options if they enjoy computing.
Computer Ethics: This includes covering topics such as intellectual property (copyright), privacy, and how computers affect society. Students should also be educated about digital security and how to keep themselves and others safe from malicious threat actors.
Works Cited
Princeton Computer Repair Service. “Why Computer Hardware Is Important.” Princeton Computer Repair Service, 28 July 2017, https://princetoncomputerrepairservice.com/why-computer-hardware-is-important/.
Community, CB. "4 Reasons Computer Science Should Be A Requirement - Collegebasics". Collegebasics, https://www.collegebasics.com/blog/computer-science-requirement/.
Fowler, Emiliana. "What Do We Know About The Expansion Of K-12 Computer Science Education?". Brookings, 2020, https://www.brookings.edu/research/what-do-we-know-about-the-expansion-of-k-12-computer-science-education/#:~:text=Multiple%20studies%20indicate%20that%20CS,et%20al.%2C%202020.
Keeshin, Jeremy. "Read, Write, Code — Why Computer Science Should Be Required In High School". Medium, 2015, https://readwritecode.blog/read-write-code-why-computer-science-should-be-required-in-high-school-18f21fe09e66.
Lynch, Matthew. "Why Computer Science Should Be A High School Graduation Requirement - The Tech Edvocate". The Tech Edvocate, 2019, https://www.thetechedvocate.org/why-computer-science-should-be-a-high-school-graduation-requirement/.
Sedgewick, Robert. "Why Every Student Should Study Computer Science (Opinion) | Inside Higher Ed". Insidehighered.Com, 2019, https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2019/10/28/why-every-student-should-study-computer-science-opinion.
Technology, Information. "Computer Science Skills To Put On Your Resume". Western Governors University, 2021, https://www.wgu.edu/blog/computer-science-skills-resume1911.html#openSubscriberModal.
“Steve Jobs: ‘Computer Science Is A Liberal Art.’” Npr.Org, 6 Oct. 2011, www.npr.org/2011/10/06/141115121/steve-jobs-computer-science-is-a-liberal-art.
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