It’s only taught in 25% of schools, yet the job growth is expected to rise rapidly over the next five years.
This week is about changing that. From December 7th-13th, students across the world are participating in the Hour of Code. According to the website, Code.org, the Hour of Code is “a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics.”
On Friday, December 11th, 2015, Smart Intermediate in Davenport took it to the next level by having a Day of Code with every student in every class participating in a number of hands-on activities followed by time spent on the computer putting what they learned into action.
“They think the computer is smart when really they’re the ones who are smart and someone has to tell the computer what to do,” explained Emily Goodknight, Teacher Librarian.
“I think it’s very important that they know what’s going on behind the screen,” added Jeremiah Costello, Teacher.
Goodknight and Costello are hoping the Day of Code sparks interest and some students are encouraged to keep learning about Computer Science in high school and beyond. They both say the job market is ready for more and more experts in technology.
“This is going to be a field where there are a ton of jobs open for them and with some pretty good companies that are going to treat them really well,” said Costello.
“It’s predicted there will be 1.4 million jobs available in 2020 and only 400,000 Computer Science graduates to fill them,” explained Goodknight. “So, if we can get some kids interested in Computer Science and get them to go to school and get degrees in Computer Science, they’re going to have a job waiting for them and that’s awesome. That’s what we want. We want them to be successful.”
To learn more about Computer Science or to try coding yourself, click here.
