Coding Literacy

I believe that coding is a new literacy. I think that people should at least be exposed to it. With the way the world is changing and evolving, computers are becoming more and more integrated in everyday facets of life. They control our homes, they're in our cars, our phones are nothing but little mini computers now. No matter where we look, computers are everywhere. I think it would at least be beneficial to understand how they work, even if it is in the most basic sense. Like we a learn a little bit about art, we learn a little bit about music, and other core miscellaneous topics when we are in grade school, computers should be one of those things that we learn about. It doesn't have to be while in grade school though, it could be in around seventh or eight grade. But I ideally think that high school would be the best time to learn these things. Ideally it would probably be great to have a little hands on experience with it. I know that during those years it may be hard for some kids or teens to grasp the concept of what to do, but just like every other lab or experiment we did, the teacher provides most of what needs to be done, and all we had to do was follow the manual and do exactly what it said, which usually entailed some pretty simple little things. I know that when I was in school, I wish that I had known about computer coding and that it was an option, especially since I knew I was going to pursue computer engineering.

I think that people should learn at least how to do the most basic program, the "Hello World" program that we learn how to do in the first coding class that we take. I would probably advocate for a computer literacy class for high schoolers. That class I would probably make a requirement. In that class I would want them to learn how utilize programs like Microsoft Word and Excel so that they know how useful they are, especially excel. This would be getting them ready for what they plan on doing in college as well. There are quite a few instances where I have had to rely on excel to do an assignment or a project and I just remember sitting at my computer like wellll..... I'm not sure how to use this... I would make any type of coding class more as an elective, or even an extra-curricular activity for after school. That way no one is forced to do it and so they can really decide if they like it instead of shoving it down their throats.

Anyone can learn how to code and that is my firm belief. The thing is, I believe it comes easier for some than it does others. It's just like anything else in life, for some people it comes quicker and is easier than it is for others. This shouldn't deter anyone from trying. I'm not sure if everyone should learn how to code, but everyone should at least try it. It's just one of those things that you have to work at in order to get good, like learning an instrument, or learning math or any science or anything period. Everything requires practice. I think we should encourage people to try it out, see what they think of it and let them decide.