The Art of Coding

Abstract

presented as a technical science, many students, particularly girls, immediately jump to the conclusion that it “isn’t for them,” considering it to be “too hard,” “a boy’s job,” or only for “techies.” The need for more students, from a very early age, to understand and appreciate the creative element of coding is unmistakable. Introducing computer science into the curriculum as early as possible will help to inspire future talent, give students a taste of the wide range of careers that might be appropriate for their interests and skills, and, critically, address a major problem in global economics. I’m one of an increasing number of people who believe that to achieve this goal, computer science, and particularly coding, would be more comfortably S ince the early 2000s, we have been using the acronym STEM when referring to subject matter and skills encompassed under the broad banner of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. More recently, the acronym has evolved into STEAM, to reflect the increasingly held view that art and creativity are essential components of math/ science teaching and learning. In fact, computer science skills—particularly coding, game development, and website design—are now being recognized as the ultimate tool of creative freedom. And yet, sadly, too few students are choosing to take computer science classes. When Julie York South Portland High School placed as an art rather than a science. The top 20 most in-demand skills required by U.S. organizations are all computer-science based. The U.S. Department of Labor states that “students and anyone else interested in computer science will have many job opportunities in the field since overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow 14.6% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations (5.3%).” Industries globally continue to voice their concern about the lack of technology skills among high school and college graduates. The skills gap is so large that students with the right skills can almost walk out of school directly into a highly lucrative career. Go ro de nk of f / Sh ut te rst oc k