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This reminds me of my introduction to computers back in the 60s. We used the university computer that had 1k of "core" which is what RAM used to be called back then. Not only did we have to do proper programming in Algol and the Fortran, but our code had to be very efficient to work within the very limited "core" space.
The whole of the Apollo space programme used less computing power than the average modern desktop. Proper skilled programmers just made good use of what they had.
What the powers that be seem to forget is that if you teach children (or pretty much anybody for that matter) how something works they will sort out for themselves how to use it. So, teach them how to use Office and they'll know how to use Office. Teach them how to design and develop programs and they will understand Office plus whatever else gets thrown at them.
I was lucky enough to be choosing my 'A' level subjects when the college I was attending started doing a Computer Sciences 'A' level course. It was basically a split course, half of the syllabus learning how to write programs and the other half learning how computers worked (complete with diagrams of memory cores, read/write wires and all that good stuff).
Of the 12 people on the course, 8 that I know of got jobs in IT (including me). Over the years I've chosen to go further into the management side, but the fundamentals are still there and if I choose to develop anything I know I still can. More to the point I have an innate understanding of what is and is not possible. If the course had just focussed on learning how to use computers they would have remained just boxes of wires to me.
So - forget teaching children how to use a database or word processor and teach them how to write them instead. Then we'll start seeing young talent getting through into industry again.
Ian
Quote: I couldn't agree more. The only puzzle is why anyone ever thought otherwise - that's the bit I don't understand.
Because it was so much easier, especially for the teachers. Most people can soon learn how to use a programme, it takes a lot more to learn how to write one properly.
Quote: I couldn't agree more. The only puzzle is why anyone ever thought otherwise - that's the bit I don't understand.
It's actually very easy to explain and, to an extent, logical. The debate is not about level 3 courses (sixth form) but key stage 3 and 4. It's quite reasonable to suggest that all students at key stage 3 should be exposed to the principals of programming, as there are skills and ideas that are applicable beyond the narrow domain of programming. when you get to key stage 4 (years 10 and 11) it's a lot less clear that teaching programming will of the slightest relevance to many students, especially those of a lower academic ability. Many of these students, though, are likely to need the skills taught in our current ICT syllabus, bad though it is.
What I'm saying is, let's not swing from one bad situation to another. Our head of maths and ICT has been consulting me just today, and is in despair at the thought of having to teach object oriented programming to kids who can barely remember their own birthday.
Personally I think programming should be taught only as part of spcialist classes to those who want to learn it, just like Music, Photography, Plumbing etc. Not everyone has a need to know how to program, where as we all pretty much need to learn how to use programs. I agree that it should be available to those who want to know but it is a waste teaching it to those who do not. I say this as one who never had a school lesson about computers yet has worked as an IT professional since 1995. (and I don't mean helpdesk, I works in real IT me, big computers that power the world!!)
Thing is I'd argue that schools should teach a part of basic plumbing 
School should equip people with life skills, those things that you need to know that can take you further and at the moment its far too focused on academia - if you want to be a teacher or lecturer its great, but for the massive range of other jobs out there your basic school focuses far less upon those manual sides.
Having them as extra options is good as it lets those who are keen focus upon them, but at a basic level everyone should get a good grounding in the subject before they have to opt to try it.
I agree with meercat, programming is a bit specialist. However, in the US, i was required to have typing class and Office and that was it. I chose to persue further due to my interest and the majority of what I have learned is self taught.
Just what we need. Kids sat in front of computer screens for even longer.
I agree that schools should teach more "life skills" (don't get me started on the state of "cookery" lessons these days!)
Basic plumbing, understanding tax, changing fuses, etc etc. One hour a week could cover lots of ground.
Programming should be available as an option. My daughters' school insists everyone take a "tech" subject at GCSE, and they only get to choose 3 of their own subjects (from history, geography, languages, art, music etc). And yet they have to do RE. Ridiculous.
For students who are less academically minded, there should be more subjects that reflect the skills needed in society today. Full time courses in plumbing, car mechanics, whatever. They want to homogenise our kids with a bland range of subject that are not going to meet the demands of the job market. So, they'll end up on the dole, complaining about all the skilled labour we have to import......
Quote:
For students who are less academically minded, there should be more subjects that reflect the skills needed in society today. Full time courses in plumbing, car mechanics, whatever. They want to homogenise our kids with a bland range of subject that are not going to meet the demands of the job market. So, they'll end up on the dole, complaining about all the skilled labour we have to import......
There are loads of such courses at KS4, currently, albeit not full time. They are ridiculed by the media and especially by that idiot Michael Gove. He intends to take things in exactly the opposite direction -- making a modern foreign language and at least one humanity (history or geography) mandatory. That will leave space in the timetable for one other subject for student to choose. It's totally bonkers.
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