Revision Plan Project 1: The Importance of Learning Computer Science in An Ever-Evolving
Digital World
1. Edit title to be more specific, "The Importance of Teaching Children Computer Science
in An Ever-Evolving Digital World
I think this title it much more specific and reflects my project accurately, as my other title did not
mention how important it is for us to teach children computer science.
2. Fix how quotes are incorporated in the paper. Use different signal words, instead of just
stating your quotes without introduction
This was one of the critiques I recvieved on my paper. I usually leave out transition words and
just state the quote directly, I will be going back into my project and inserting some words like
“____ said”
The Importance of Teaching Children Computer Science in An Ever-Evolving Digital World
In comparison to other academic majors offered at universities, computer science is a
relatively new field of study. The field has only been around since the early 1950s, the first
degree program in the subject being founded at the University of Cambridge in 1953. The field
has evolved greatly since then. Now, we are in the 21st century, the digital age. Our technology
has advanced greatly over the past 80 years, yet, we see an incredible lack of computer science
classes in our education systems, some schools deeming it not an important enough subject to
invest time and resources into. But, studies have shown that teaching students computer science
will not only benefit them in their youth, but in their future careers. Learning computer science is
a necessary skill because it opens the door to more job opportunities, allows employees to earn
more money, and teaches young students skills that will assist them in being successful in their
later careers.
In my interview with Jason Lawrence, Computer Engineer and Insurance Fraud
Computer Analyst for the State of Florida, Lawrence states a big way that his field has changed
since he first began was an increase in jobs. “It was not that common of a job when I was
younger, now the job is in high demand...simply because so much new technology has been
created,” Lawrence stated. As to what caused the increase of jobs in the field, Lawrence pointed
out how technology has taken over many jobs that were once worked by humans. “Everything is
controlled by a computer nowadays. Jobs like, factory workers, bank tellers, cashiers, all of these
jobs that were once ran by humans are now being run by computers...we were not educated on
computer science as fast as the field was evolving. So now, you have all these people out of work
because their job has been taken over by automation,” (2). Lawrence is correct, according to the
World Economic Forum (WEF), the United States will have lost over 85 million jobs to robots,
computers, and artificial intelligence by 2025. While this seems like a drastic loss, the new jobs
developing in the computer science field will fill in for these missing jobs. By 2025, it is
estimated that there will be over 95 million new jobs created in the computer science industry
(Kande and Somnez 3). “But the creation of the automation to complete these jobs, is something
that creates more jobs! With the invention of new technology, comes the need for someone to
build the tech, code the tech, and operate the tech. Yes, one job was taken over by automation,
but three more jobs were created. It is a catch-22, I suppose,” Lawrence critiqued. The number of
jobs in the computer science field is only expected to grow even more. Employment in STEM
occupations grew about 10.5% from May 2009 to May 2015, which is more than double the
average non-STEM job growth at 5.2% (Fayer, Lacey, and Watson 7). Teaching computer
science skills in grade school increases the chances that these children will go on to pursue
computer science degrees in college, and having a college degree only increases their chances of
a getting a job in the STEM field. About 53.9% of companies plan to hire computer science
majors after they graduate (Mehta and Uhlig 3). By providing computer science classes in
compulsory education, students are provided with the best chance to secure a stable, well-paying
job when they are adults.
Not only does teaching computer science skills in schools ensure that students will have a
job in the future, it ensures that they will have a well-paying job. Lawrence explained that his
decision to enter the field of computer engineering was part love of the subject, and part wanting
a good, stable income. “It is no secret that a job in the computer engineering field pays well. And
like I said earlier, there is an increase in demand for computer engineers because of the creation
of new technologies. It seemed like the best choice for me,” he stated. 7/10 of the highest paying
STEM careers were computer science related. 93% of computer science careers have above
average paying salaries. This is because as technology develops and advances, it gets more
expensive over time. Think of the cost of a decent computer, phone, or car. All of these
technological devices are expensive investments. As you are dealing with expensive technology,
you are likely to get an expensive paycheck. And as companies continue to invest heaps of
money into the field, your paychecks are likely to grow. For example, the cyber security industry
was worth around 75 billion dollars in 2015. In 2020, the cyber security industry was worth more
than 170 billion dollars (Maryville 1). The average salary of professionals in the field of cyber
security is $116,000, which is triple the national median salary of fully employed people
(Maryville 5). Some well paying jobs in the field of cyber security are Information Security
Analyst, which can pay around $92,600; Computer and Information Systems Manager, which
can pay around $135,800; Computer Network Architect, which can pay around $101,210;
Computer Systems Analyst, which can pay around $87,220; and Network and Computer Systems
Administrator, which can pay around $79,700 (Maryville 5). All of these jobs pay more than
double the average income of full-time employees in the United States. These are just some of
the most common jobs in cyber security. Jobs at a higher level pay even more, for example, a
lead software security engineer earns an average salary of around $233,333, chief security
officers earn an average of $225,000, global information security director earn an average of
$200,000, chief information security officer earns an average of $192,500, and a director of
security earns an average of $178,333. (Maryville 6). These are the average earnings as of 2021.
With the way technology is advancing and demand for computer scientists increases, the
earnings of those in the field are likely to increase. By providing computer science classes in
school, we ensure a stable future for students, one where they do not have to struggle with
money and can afford to live comfortably.
There are plenty of future benefits that come along with teaching computer science skills.
But, besides job security and a stable income, knowledge of the basics of computer science helps
people build skills not only valuable to them in the future, but also in their every day lives. Using
the internet, people often find solace in online communities with whom they share an interest
with. To participate in activities with these communities, one must be able to effectively
research, communicate, and navigate online. Basic computer science knowledge allows you to
interact with people on any part of the planet. When learning computer science, one also picks up
and strengthen certain traits needed to succeed not only in the field itself, but in real life.
Computer science is said to encourage problem solving, collaboration, creative thinking, and
logical thinking (Passey 7). Many teachers have backed this statement. Educators have argued
that computer science skills should have a greater emphasis in school curricula. Teachers have
described regular ICT teaching as “dull and unchallenging” compared to a teaching style where
computer science is prioritized more. A schooling plan that has a greater focus on computer
science is likely to encourage students to participate more, as the subject is hands on and more
relatable to a younger generation that is being raised in the digital age (Passey 8) Not only do
educators see the importance of teaching computer science to young students, but the parents of
these students do as well. In a 2016 survey led by Google, over 80% of parents reported that they
believed it was important for their children to learn in school, as important as any other subject.
Parents have noticed a change in behavior in their kids who have learned basic computer science
skills. Arie Elbelman R., computer scientist, parent, and developer for the website TekkieUni, a
website where kids can learn the basics of computer programming, stated, “Teaching kids
computer science to kids can be engaging, fun and boost their self-expression and self-esteem if
we do it through coding. The feeling of creating their very own app, from scratch, with all the
elements they dreamed of will show them that when applying hands-on learning and
understanding the basics of computer science, anything is possible!” Perhaps the most effective
evidence that teaching computer science to young students is important was the Hour of Code
project started by Code.org. In 2013 during computer science education week, Code.org
announced their Hour of Code project, a challenge to students across the world to teach
themselves computer programming. Code.org provided numerous computer programming
tutorials on its website and allowed students to create and code their own video games. The Hour
of Code initiative was supported by notable figures everywhere, such as president Barack
Obama, prime minister Justine Trudeau, Windows founder Bill Gates, and Facebook creator
Mark Zuckerberg. By October of 2014, over forty million students worldwide had participated in
the Hour of Code challenge. This initiative was so successful it was supported by numerous
important public figures and brought computer science classes to schools around the world
(Elder 1)
Computer science is a subject that compulsory schools should have numerous classes
dedicated to. By teaching computer science to students at an early age, we give them a greater
chance to secure a job by the time they graduate. We also ensure that their job provides a stable
income, perhaps even one higher than most careers allow. It is not just a field that provides job
security and a decent income, it is also a field where people are passionate about what they do.
Computer Science jobs have a satisfaction rating of about 67.7%, which is 7.2% higher than the
job satisfaction of most majors (Mehta and Uhlig 3). Not only do computer science classes
ensure a bright future, but they strengthen skills needed to succeed in life in general, such as
problem-solving skills, team work, creative thinking, and logical thinking. Computer science as
necessary of a subject as English or math. And it is one that could easily be made broadly
accessible, if schools decide to direct more of their efforts to teaching it.
Bibliography
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