Why should ALL kids learn computer science?
Learning Computer Science (CS) helps young people develop “computational thinking” skills that are also important life skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and perseverance. Computational thinking skills are also useful for other academic subjects. For example, computer science involves solving problems by looking for patterns or breaking problems into smaller, more manageable parts. These same skills of recognizing patterns and systems thinking are used in Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts.
…that prepare kids for college, career, and beyond.
Computer science is for everyone, not just programmers or “techies.” People have used their CS education to pursue passions outside of tech or to address key problems in society. CS learning provides opportunities for project-based learning, real-world problem solving, and entrepreneurship, while helping students develop critical reasoning, communication, and collaboration skills beneficial to all children’s personal development.
What are your reasons for learning CS?
Why do you want the children in your life to learn computer science? People can have different reasons for wanting kids to learn computer science—and there’s no one right answer! For example, you may want to help your child secure a good job in the future, gain digital literacy skills, be an informed member of our technology-driven society, learn about AI and it’s impact on the world, or inspire more girls and people of color to participate in STEM fields. We all want children to grow up to have a healthy, happy, and meaningful life, and to be a kind person who helps others. How can your child’s engagement with technology support this vision of their future, or hinder it?
All kids need to know about the good AND bad of tech.
Only 6% of all high school students in the U.S. ever take a Computer Science class. Learning computer science prepares children to become well-informed consumers and creators with technology who can think critically about how computers can be helpful or harmful. Find out why learning computer science is essential for all children and what you can do to help by downloading the free guide for parents below.
Plugging into Power: A Guide for and by Parents to Advance Computer Science Education
Now available in English, en Español and in HTML!
