Computer Science for High Schoolers

Gaelenn G. Macapinlac

Ms. Wilson

AP Literature

16 December 2016

Computer Science for High Schoolers

“Jimmy! Why don’t you come over here and help grandma with the computer?” is something an elder might say to their children or grandchildren. Over the last few decades, technology has evolved from an accessory to enhance user experience to a necessity for many. The presence of smartphones in the world is surmounting that of personal computers, with estimates from Ericsson Mobility forecasting that the amount of users will surpass 6 billion in the year 2020 (Ericsson). While having the newest iPhone or Macintosh computer may be important to the user, these pieces of hardware would mean nothing without the software developed by computer scientists. The rise in use of technology yields openings in the workforce of computer industries. Renowned industries like Google and Apple are looking to the new generation of coders and developers that are bursting with creativity. The ubiquity of technology in today’s society calls for the need of computer science courses to be offered in high schools.

Computer science is not a required course for high school students, yet many students desire to study about computers and their programs. In her article, “Computer Science is Not Fair Game For All,” writer Jessica Guynn wrote that, “..girls are less likely to report being told by parents or teachers they would be good at computer science (39% vs. 56% of boys)” (Guynn). Guynn’s findings are clear representations of study in computer science not being equally available to all students. There are many students that are unable to study for a career that is very relevant in today’s society solely because it is not an option in their high school career. Also, Google’s research shows that there is little representation in certain groups because, “The overall percentage of underrepresented minorities in the Google workforce, with Hispanics making up 3% of the workforce and African Americans 2%. Seven out of 10 employees at Google are men.” (Guynn). In attempt to improve the diversity in their workforce, Google hired more black and Hispanic workers. (Guynn). Although this is a step forward in the right direction for expanding the opportunity in computer science, it does not change the fact that there are still less privileged students in high school that will never get the chance to experience such a course. Offering courses in computer science equally in high school will increase the diversity in the coding workforce as well as provide equal opportunity to the students that would have never gotten the chance to learn about computers. These are a few ways that computer science courses in high school could create more job opportunities for underprivileged students.

As technology is becoming more integrated into people’s lifestyles, it calls for more people in the workforce of technology. In the New York Times article “Obama Seeks to Expand Computer Science,’ writer Michael D. Shear quotes Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, when he says, ''More than anything else, what we've learned is that computing and computer science have become foundational for the future,'' Mr. Smith said. ''This isn't just a tech issue. This isn't just an economic issue.'' (Shear). As president of a leading software company, Mr. Smith brings to our attention that it is imperative that there be an influx of people coming into the computer industry because technology has become a foundation that our society builds upon. Not only are the presidents of major companies like Microsoft supporting the growth of computer science in the nation, but President Barack Obama himself is urging the development of young students to be educated in computer science. In his address, President Obama stated, “In the new economy, computer science isn't an optional skill -- it's a basic skill, right along with the three Rs… Nine out of 10 parents want it taught at their children's schools.” The three R’s that President Obama is referring to are reading, writing, and arithmetic. Mr. Obama compares the study of computer science to the subjects that are necessities to get by in any job in the future. For President Obama to rank computer science so highly shows that he recognizes the importance of the study of technology and how it is used for the future of the nation and the world in and of itself. Taken together, visionaries on the forefront of creating a better future recognize the importance of computers and push for education in young students for computer science so that they can fill in the upcoming positions within the workforce.

While it is true that there is a large need for students to learn about computer science to shape the future of technology,