Ask A Scientist© Computer Science Archive

Index Key:   COM053
Author:      t cowan
Subject:     Should we teach programming?
Our building principal is considering the removal of programming from the
school's curriculum.  He believes that fewer programmers are needed and we
should concentrate on being computer users not programmers.  Should we
continue to teach programming to high school students?  If we continue, what
language should be taught?  Most schools teach Pascal, but nobody in the
real world uses Pascal.  Should we be teaching "C" or some new language?

Response #:  1 of 1
Author:      hawley
HOLY COW! the things that get into some people's heads!
Programmers are more in demand today than ever before, and the demand will
continue to grow.  I know of an 8th grade class that just loves its course
on BASIC.  For more advanced high schoolers I would definitely recommend C.