Reflection 7: Cracking the Code—Should Americans Learn to Code?

In a 2014 Guardian, Leeds University computer science professor Dan Crow argued: “In the future, not knowing the language of computers will be as challenging as being illiterate or innumerate are today.” He is not alone. In recent years, several prominent figures, including President Obama, have joined the chorus calling for the systematic teaching of programming languages, or coding. And many have answered the call. Several organizations, educational institutions, and governmental bodies have implemented coding courses for everyone from young girls to displaced manual labor workers to prisoners. The goal, they argue, is to give ordinary Americans a leg-up in the new, highly technological 21st century economy. But will coding truly be a vital skill for current and future American workers? Are today's coding classes an investment in the future, or a futile attempt to delay the inevitable displacement of workers?

Choose two of the following for your discussion:

• "Computers are the Future, But Does Everyone Need to Code?" (NPR)
• "Coding in the Classroom: What is Coding and Why is it so Important?" (International Business Times) 
• "Creating an Environment to Get Girls Excited about Coding" (TechVibes)
• "Microsoft Uses Minecraft to Teach Your Kid How to Code" (Engadget)
• "The Economic Importance of Teaching Coding to Teens" (Atlantic)
• "Maybe Not Everybody Should Learn to Code" (Slate)

Requirements:

• MLA Style
• 1.5 pages in length
• Works cited page

Due: Wed 5.4