Computer science essential in the modern classroom

Computer science is becoming increasingly important in modern society but children are not learning enough in schools to make them leaders in the next generation of employment. With endless ICT lessons that only teach them the basics of using computers, children in schools are not being stretched enough and are finding it hard to engage with a subject that should be expanding their minds to the incredible possibilities of computer programming.

As a teacher in a further education college, I hear pupils complaining far too often that they feel they are not being pushed hard enough in ICT lessons. This is a curriculum problem, not the fault of the teachers who are forced to stick to their dull and basic regiment.

Differentiation

One of the main problems here is that classrooms are filled to bursting these days and teachers are trying to cater for a huge range of diverse needs and abilities within one class group. The curriculum will ensure that students can all grasp the basics but there will be little on offer to really stretch those that come in to classes already with a sound knowledge of how ICT works and the uses it can be put to. Pupils must be tested and those that are keen, able and enthusiastic must be pushed to explore the possibilities of the technology further. This is not easy in a class of 30 and even the brightest and best students may be reluctant to appear to be leagues ahead of the rest of the class.

Office skills

Too often what is taught in ICT are mind-numbing office skills that many will find far too easy to grasp and others will simply find too boring to be interested in. Computers are so much more than a means to an end. Their potential must be realised in these classes. Creativity, endless research and programming of games, websites and other applications must be explored early so as to engage students and get them to embrace the technology. Case studies in how websites are built and how games are designed should all be in the curriculum and pupils will be driven to explore the hard work but creative potential that is behind the tools that they use every day.

High-tech economy

ICT has become recognised as being almost as important as English and Maths in our increasingly high-tech economy. The young people I teach use computing technology every day without fail. They have the skills to do a huge range of tasks but do not know the science behind the technology. It will not be for everyone but we need to ensure many of our students become the kind of skilled employees that our workforce needs in the modern world.

So many areas will benefit from better computer programmers and we need teachers that are capable to help our children keep up in an increasingly competitive global economy. Computer science must be interesting, accessible and taught by those who have the necessary skills. It may be hard to lure programmers out of the private sector with current teaching conditions but the government must ensure the workforce of the future are inspired by the best.

Do you think computer science is taught enough in schools?

Computer science essential in the modern classroom