The Significance of Computer Science in the High School Curriculum
Computers have become an essential part of our lives. In an age where our lives are intertwined with technology in all aspects, whether it be playing games on your phone, texting a friend living overseas or watching a movie on Netflix. All of these tasks use technology to a certain extent.
Computer Science doesn’t always have to be just about coding. When talking about the subject, our minds seem to jump to written code. Even though coding is an integral part of computer science, there is more to the subject ー educators can also entail knowledge of computer hardware, computational theory and history, robotics, algorithms, pseudocode and much more!
So, What Even Is Computer Science?
Encompassing diverse fields and people, the definition of Computer Science is different to every individual and group. Virginia Tech has even compiled sixteen different definitions!
For example : In their book, What is Computer Science?, Newell, A., Perlis, A. & Simon, H., defined computer science as “the study of computers and major phenomena that surround them,” (157, 1373-74)
Whereas in 1988, Denning, P.J., et al in their report on the ACM Task Force on the Core of Computer Science stated that “the systematic study of algorithmic processes that describe and transform information : their theory, analysis, design, efficiency, implementation, and application” was the definition of the subject.
Fast forward to 2006, Tucker, Allen, (editor), Deek, F., Jones, J., McCowan, D., Stephenson, C., and Verno, A. ,A Model Curriculum for K-12 Computer Science: Final Report of the ACM K-12 Task Force Curriculum Committee presented a new definition,
“Computer science (CS) is the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society.”
Something to notice in just these three definitions is that we keep adding new discoveries as time progresses. The evolution of technology has bettered our understanding of computers, computer science and coding.
Real Life Applications of Computer Science
Computer science is prevalent in many different fields, including but not limited to healthcare, finance, entertainment, manufacturing, and many more!
Some of these fields also use the help of Artificial Intelligence ー one of Computer Science’s multiple branches.
Without realizing it, we use technology in so many different aspects of our life. In healthcare, algorithms are used to analyze medical images for diagnosis. In finance, Artificial Intelligence can be used to predict how the market will be in the near future and for fraud detection. Precision farming is used in agriculture and environmental science uses computer models to predict and understand climate.
Whatever field you are planning to go into, computers and technology are involved in some way.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you already have prior knowledge of these processes before even entering the post-secondary or work market?
Computer Science in High School
Computer Science will help students further develop their problem-solving and communication skills whilst teaching them how to approach problems. If your code is not working, you have to go back and try to fix it. If you still cannot figure it out, you have to seek the help of either your teacher or fellow classmates. Building relationships while learning is a significant part of learning, and these skills will transcend the Computer Science classroom.
Encouraging both innovation and creativity is a core principle of Computer Science. Creating a new game, coding a translator or even just building a simple calculator ー all involve students to think about the practical aspects of their creation.
But the process doesn’t end there. Once you create a game, you can always improve it. Your first game didn’t have levels? There is your next task. The translator works perfectly but now you want it to look more aesthetically pleasing? Go for it.
Computer Science ties subjects like mathematics, sciences and sometimes even the humanities together and promotes research based learning.
Computer Science in High School (Outside of the traditional classroom)
Another way to promote computer science based learning in school is through clubs and hackathons. Establishing coding clubs or the more widely recognized robotics club can be an excellent way to give students a chance to collaborate with peers of different levels of understanding and learn together in a non-judgemental way, without having to worry about grades.
Competitions such as hackathons provide an immersive learning environment for both educators and students. This activity especially helps students with time management, as challenges are meant to be completed in a certain time frame or just as quickly as possible. Hackathons also provide real-time feedback and guidance from the industry experts. Getting the chance to meet with mentors and even potential employers can be of extreme help to a teenager interested in the field but not sure how to get a jumpstart.
Computer Science in High School (Outside of School)
If you want to learn more about Computer Science but your school doesn’t offer it as a subject ー fear not! There are tons of resources online on every single topic that you could think of. There’s also multiple platforms that offer actual courses on the subject. Coursera, Khan Academy, Inspirit AI, Codecademy are all wonderful resources with a structured learning experience.
Sometimes, tech companies are interested in recruiting high schoolers interested in learning about the technological field for internships. An internship will offer you invaluable work experience and help you figure out if you actually see yourself working in this field. Along with resume building and networking, internships will help you gather a firsthand knowledge of the industry’s trends and working.
Conclusion
Therefore, the integration of computer science into a high schooler’s life is crucial. The impact of computer science in nurturing an individual’s growth is undeniable. From fostering networking and problem-solving skills, and the importance of technology in almost every work field will give students a head-start. Some challenges like school resources and constraints do arise but they aren’t insurmountable. If high school’s cannot offer and implement computer science courses into their curriculums ー there are plenty of online resources for students to step into the magical land of technology and computer science!
About Inspirit AI
AI Scholars Live Online is a 10 session (25-hour) program that exposes high school students to fundamental AI concepts and guides them to build a socially impactful project. Taught by our team of graduate students from Stanford, MIT, and more, students receive a personalized learning experience in small groups with a student-teacher ratio of 5:1.
