It is necessary to differentiate between knowing how to use and program a computer. For example, most elementary, middle, and high school education institutions in Latin America only teach how to use word processors, spreadsheets, prepare presentations, Internet browsing, email management, editing image, sound, etc.
In contrast, computer programming is part of the educational curriculum from an early age in the United States, Singapore, or Australia. China approved in 2016 a plan for all children to learn programming from the age of six and study robotics from the age of eleven. It is a competitive advantage to access the labor market as learning English was in its day. But it is not that we are all programmers, but that we all understand programming.
But what use can learning code have to someone who will not dedicate himself to technology? Fran Garcia del Pozo, the man responsible for the expansion of platforms like Code.org, responds:
“Machines – he explains – dominate part of our daily lives. It is important to know their language so that technology is at the service of people and not the other way around. If we master computational thinking, we develop logic, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. And these skills will be used by students throughout their lives. Therefore, the interests of the students will always be one step above those of the industry”.
The world needs programmers, but regions like Latin America needs programmers even more. For example, there are pilot programs teaching programming in cities like Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Ciudad Juárez, México. Still, overall the subcontinent is well behind in exploring educational paths to teach these skills in middle and high school. It is also a highly paid professional career that can go unexplored for those not exposed early. With the quality of computer science professionals coming out of four and five-year colleges and universities in Latin America, it is evident that teaching programming in school can only bring more benefits to the students and Latin American economies.
