Why do we teach computer programming at Riverbend Academy?
One of the major challenges facing students preparing for any project or major assignment is overwhelm.
Too often, students are overwhelmed simply by the question of how to start the project?
How do you tackle such an overwhelming task as a multi-stage project?
And, how does computer programming help?
Computers aren’t the super brains most people envision. In fact, computers are pretty stupid machines that only do exactly what they are told. And they do it one step at a time.
To program a computer, you need to break down any task – no matter how complex – into individual steps.
Computer programming teaches students how to take a large, seemingly complex and possibly overwhelming task, and break it down into small, manageable steps.
Students can transfer this skill (of being able to break down any task into manageable pieces) to any subject or project in life.
Along with this logical process, computer programming adds a layer of creativity and outside the box problem solving skills to a student’s toolbox. Trouble-shooting a programming issue expands a student’s mind, giving him problem solving abilities that will serve in a multitude of disciplines.
As Steve Jobs said,
“Everybody should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.”
And what about those students who, once introduced, are interested in a career in computer programming? Over the next 10 years, there will be a shortage of over 1 million computer programmers in North America. Touching on virtually every aspect of our modern world, computer programming is a true growth industry
That is why we choose to add Computer Programming to the basic Ontario Curriculum at Riverbend Academy.