Big tech has called for computer science to be taught in all US schools as a core subject – could similar moves solve the UK’s digital skills crisis?
Written by Magda Wood, Micro:bit Educational Foundation
In July, bosses from hundreds of the biggest tech companies in the US signed an open letter urging governors and education leaders to introduce computer science to be taught to kids from as young as five years old. The signatories included Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft, as well as universities and non-profits in that sector.
The letter argued computer science should be considered “a core subject, just like basic biology or algebra” and emphasised how important it is for children to learn digital skills from a young age, as well as build an understanding into how the technology they use every day works and is built.
The sentiment of this letter rings true for the UK, too. The British economy is estimated to be losing an astonishing £6.3bn in GDP per year, largely due to a widespread lack of proper digital and computing skills in the workforce resulting in unfilled jobs.
With British businesses and consumers suffering as a result, prioritising digital skills education in schools should be a top priority for the UK tech community and our government’s education agenda, just as it is becoming across the Atlantic.
Simply growing up with an iPad doesn’t teach you how to code. The term ‘digital natives’ has often been used to describe the generations brought up since technology has become omnipresent in society, but this tag can be misleading. While those born in the last 20 or so years have most likely been exposed to technology every day, this does not equate to digital literacy or digital competencies.
Having practical software skills and understanding digital syntax are as important to digital literacy as understanding how to use social media and browse the internet safely. Today, technology has a huge amount of influence and power – suggesting and, in many cases, controlling what political views, news and information you see as well as what media you consume, and which marketing is targeted at you.
To safely and effectively navigate modern life and the technology that is entrenched within it, understanding how this tech is built, who builds it and how your information is used, is vitally important. It is also considerably more effective to begin building these skills at a young age, so new workers join the working world already ahead.
A substantial digital skills education will allow our young people to take a full part in the debates and decisions that will shape all our lives.
In July, bosses from hundreds of the biggest tech companies in the US signed an open letter urging governors and education leaders to introduce computer science to be taught to kids from as young as five years old. The signatories included Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft, as well as universities and non-profits in that sector.
The letter argued computer science should be considered “a core subject, just like basic biology or algebra” and emphasised how important it is for children to learn digital skills from a young age, as well as build an understanding into how the technology they use every day works and is built.
The sentiment of this letter rings true for the UK, too. The British economy is estimated to be losing an astonishing £6.3bn in GDP per year, largely due to a widespread lack of proper digital and computing skills in the workforce resulting in unfilled jobs.
With British businesses and consumers suffering as a result, prioritising digital skills education in schools should be a top priority for the UK tech community and our government’s education agenda, just as it is becoming across the Atlantic.
Simply growing up with an iPad doesn’t teach you how to code. The term ‘digital natives’ has often been used to describe the generations brought up since technology has become omnipresent in society, but this tag can be misleading. While those born in the last 20 or so years have most likely been exposed to technology every day, this does not equate to digital literacy or digital competencies.
Having practical software skills and understanding digital syntax are as important to digital literacy as understanding how to use social media and browse the internet safely. Today, technology has a huge amount of influence and power – suggesting and, in many cases, controlling what political views, news and information you see as well as what media you consume, and which marketing is targeted at you.
To safely and effectively navigate modern life and the technology that is entrenched within it, understanding how this tech is built, who builds it and how your information is used, is vitally important. It is also considerably more effective to begin building these skills at a young age, so new workers join the working world already ahead.
A substantial digital skills education will allow our young people to take a full part in the debates and decisions that will shape all our lives.
