Maybe everyone does not need to code

Ever find yourself in one of those situations where you think your friends have gone too far, but you are afraid to say so. I think ed tech types may feel this way about coding (I do). While coding (in contrast to computer literacy) is a great vocational skill and a great hobby, the everyone needs to be a coder/maker/designer mantra is probably taking things too far. Someone needs to say it. I am a coder, but everyone does not have to be like me. This article in the NY Times reaches this conclusion and makes the case in a nice way.

I happen to feel this way about several education issues. The logic being applied just seems a little off. NCLB will not prepare protect the economy of the U.S.. The very high level skills necessary to create new products and services may be very real, but creating a system that focuses on getting all post a minimum does nothing to address such advanced skills. In fact, it is likely diverting attention from the opportunities necessary to develop such skills. I believe everyone should be supported in developing the best self possible, but these programs do not really do that.

This entry was posted in Uncategorized and tagged . Bookmark the permalink.