Jeff Atwood: Learning to code is overrated

"If someone tells you “coding is the new literacy” because “computers are everywhere today,” ask them how fuel injection works. By teaching low-level coding, I worry that we are effectively teaching our children the art of automobile repair."

I think this article misses the point that "fuel injection" and other vocational skills are nowhere near as prolific and impactful as code on daily life.

I'm surprised a person as knowledgeable about the field as Mr. Atwood would write a column that seemingly endorses the notion that Computer Science == Coding/Programming. The public already has a large misunderstanding regarding this point (not to mention the difference between IT and CS). And I think politicians are under the impression that teaching students to code is the same as teaching them computer science. I'm disappointed to say the least that Mr. Atwood would further encourage this misconception that does serious damage to public discourse. We can't discuss a subject when we don't understand its terms/definition.

Whew. Title made me disagree. Then I read "There’s nothing wrong with basic exposure to computer science. But it should not come at the expense of fundamental skills such as reading, writing and mathematics" and "We shouldn’t be teaching kids “computer science.” Instead, we should provide them plenty of structured opportunities to play with hardware and software. "

Agreed. Coding is a means to an end. Although I must say, 'coding' in Scratch is very helpful for my kids to better understand logic flow in their minds and think in a structured manner. It's means to an end of building something. At the end of the day, I still want them to get outside and experience the world rather that sitting in front of a computer all day. Moderation is key here.

Yes, lots of people go through college with poor reading skills, but more or less hours of English class, or language class, or whatever is called in US is not going to improve that.

In my country is the same thing: everytime an international study like PISA shows that we are very low in reading and math skills, politicians promise more hours of reading and math classes per week. Selling that it's easier than changing how these classes are teached.

Reminds me of this: http://www.chris-granger.com/2015/01/26/coding-is-not-the-ne...