Unit 2: Impacts of Computer Science on Education
Learning Objectives
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
- Identify the need for K-12 computer science and digital literacy.
- Identify the valuable skills students will develop from learning computer science and digital literacy.
Introduction
As mentioned in the previous unit, computer science is changing everything! From education to industry, teachers and students must be prepared to face the fast-paced ever changing world in terms of technology and computer science. We have to ask ourselves - what does that look like for everyone involved in this process?
Lesson 1: Impacts on Students
According to Bloomington Public Schools[1], "Computer science teaches transferable skills that are critical for all students; these include creative problem solving and creative thinking. CS requires students to work cooperatively, communicate their thinking, build problem solving stamina, and learn from their mistakes and persevere through challenges to reach a solution. Computer science students also build their identities as creators and contributors, making a positive impact on real world problems. Studies show that children who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving and are 17% more likely to enroll in college."
Computer science is changing the world in more ways than we know.
⭐ Activity: Watch this TEDxTalk to get a greater understanding of technology's impact on the world, specifically with our students.
Lesson 2: Impacts on Educators
When it comes to teaching computer science, Amy Marcou[2] said it best: "Here’s a secret: You don’t need to know how to code to teach computer science!" As the article continue to states, computer science skills are life skills, not just for students, but also for teachers. Understaning how to teach CS opens up a world of opportunities for educators to explore in their classrooms. When teachers view computer science as more than coding, it also changes the perspective of who is qualified to teach it.
⭐ Activity: Read this article by Andrew Verrilli from CSTA - The Real Reason We Should Teach Computer Science (https://csteachers.org/the-real-reason-we-should-teach-computer-science/)[3]
Lesson 3: Impacts on Industry
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics[4], technology- related jobs are in the leading growing industries for the next 10 years. These industries include data scientisits, information security analysts, computer and information research scientists, operations research analysts, actuaries, software developers, and computer and information systems managers to name a few.
Computer science is expected to grow considerably in the future due to the technological advancements and changes that impact everyday life. The number of available computer science jobs is expected to grow by 23% within the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)[5].
✏Reflection
How do you see computer science impacting the lives of people around you? Complete this Google Form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeR3dxO1TKMoNillBHUHYJDYaDAeW3PlmCt G3fxn3hDskf8iQ/viewform?usp=dialog) to reflect on these three impact areas.
References
- Why computer science. Bloomington Public Schools. (n.d.). (https://www.bloomington.k12.mn.us/c omputer-science-education/why-computer-science#:~:text=Important%20Transferable%20Skills% 3A&text=Studies%20show%20that%20children%20who,likely%20to%20enroll%20in%20college.)
- Marcou, A. (2024) Teaching computer science when it's not your subject. Smart brief. (https://ww w.smartbrief.com/original/teaching-computer-science-when-its-not-your-subject)
- Verrilli, A. (2024). The real reason we should teach computer science. Computer Science Teachers Association. (https://csteachers.org/the-real-reason-we-should-teach-computer-science/)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2021). Fastest Growing Occupations. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/fastest-growing-occupations.htm)
- Computer scientist job outlook. Job Outlook for Computer Science. (n.d.). https://www.nobledesktop.com/careers/computer-scientist/job-outlook (https://www.nobledesktop.c om/careers/computer-scientist/job-outlook)