FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 26, 2014

Computer coding gains status as a vital part of education, even in some elementary schools

Computer science instruction used to start in high school or college, which now seems like Education 1.0. Programming lessons are becoming more common in elementary and middle schools, causing concern about whether creative thinking, social skills and interest in the arts are hindered by a growing focus on technology among young students. "A child should be developing basic human skills," writes PC Magazine columnist John Dvorak. "Being hunched over a computer screen coding in some kiddie language to supposedly develop computer literacy is insane."

Coding classes at all grade levels are growing at Internet speed across the country, according to Code.org, a teacher-training group backed by the tech industry. New York, Chicago and about 30 other districts will add classes this fall, including in lower grades. A few states consider programming instruction equivalent to basic math and science, rather than an elective. Some parents see coding as a life skill that could become a passionate interest and open doors to jobs in engineering or other tech careers. "I took my first class in the fourth grade and I wish I had started sooner," says seventh-grader Becky Button, a FIRST robotics team member at Caroline Middle School in Milford, Va. "If kids learn to code, they will understand the language that is shaping their future."

In grade schools, basic instruction is combined with video games. Pupils first move basic command blocks to get an Angry Bird to its prey. Later they learn about commands like "repeat" and about "if-then" statements, an elemental coding concept. Skeptics see the activity as playtime that's unlikely to teach actual programming skills. No research yet confirms whether early exposure to technology helps with later academic and professional success. "Put down the gadgets and let children interact with their parents, teachers and the world without a screen in the way," California author Jim Taylor writes in reaction to New York Time coverage this months.

Elementary teacher says: "Computer science is big. . . . If my kids aren't exposed to things like that, they could miss out on potential opportunities and careers." -- Alana Aaron, New York City fifth-grade math and science teacher

Professor says: "There's never been a move this fast in education." -- Elliot Soloway, University of Michigan education and computer science professor

Author says: "Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Marissa Mayer didn't become successful because they could write code, but rather because they were cogent, creative and innovative thinkers. Will early immersion with technology foster this kind of thinking? I doubt it." – Jim Taylor of Mill Valley, Calif., who wrote a book called "Raising Generation Tech"

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