The fourth R : Computer Programming in Schools
The three ‘R’s -- Reading, wRiting and aRithmetic -- are the three fundamental skills that are compulsory in the curriculum of all primary schools. Should another R -- computer progRamming -- be also included as the fourth fundamental skill? Computer programming -- as in Java or C++ -- is already being taught as an optional subject in many schools in classes IX and X as and Computer Science is generally available as the “fourth” subject in classes XI and XII. Then why do we need to make it compulsory and burden our already stressed out kids with one more subject? Before we address this question, we must first stop viewing computers as just another career option, a vocational skill, on par with, say, medicine, accounting, music or sports. Instead, we need to see it as an enabling tool that impacts all aspects of life. Programming teaches students to think logically, solve problems in a systematic manner and stimulates creativity. Eventually it will ...
