Developing software used to require programming skills. Today, a growing number of people are building websites, games and even AI programs without writing a line of code.
Learning to code is often presented as a solution to job market problems of the 21st century, but are students really learning the competencies they will need?
Are computers in the classroom more helpful to students – or the companies that sell the machines?
AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki
Kate M. Miltner, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Past efforts to teach American students computer skills haven’t always helped workers get better-paying jobs. But spending on hardware and software for schools has certainly enriched tech companies.
Putting privacy right in the code.
Keyhole image via shutterstock.com
Most of today’s computer languages make it hard for programmers to protect users’ privacy and security. The fix is to take those tasks out of human hands entirely.
Looking deep into computer activities.
Via shutterstock.com
Cyberdetectives look for digital doors or windows left unlocked, find electronic footprints in the dirt and examine malicious software for clues about who broke in, what they took and why.
Students could learn how to program with the right applications on their mobile phones.
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Computer programming is best learned through practice, but students in developing economies don’t always have access to desktop or laptop computers. Mobile phones may be the solution.
When will computers and humans interact fully?
Illustration via shutterstock.com
Virtually every researcher relies on computers to collect or analyze data. But when computers are opaque black boxes that manipulate data, it’s impossible to replicate studies – a core value for science.
There is beauty in mathematical ideas and proofs.
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Teaching children to code with computers is only part of the challenge to preparing people for a career in the IT industry. But it can also do more harm that good in some cases.
Programs like Hour of Code introduce computer programming to students in an engaging manner.
Hour of Code 2014/Flickr