Technology is transforming every industry on the planet. In 2015, 7 million openings in the U.S. were in occupations—including art and design—that value coding skills. However, 55 percent of schools in the U.S. don’t teach coding or computer science.
It’s high time for us to catch up to the 21st century and introduce web coding and software development in elementary schools.
This sentiment is shared widely from developers across the world. In fact, right here in Michigan, JvR Enterprises isn’t just talking about it – we’re doing something about it.
The Importance of Investing In Future Developers
After volunteering with the nonprofit Hour of Code, JvR Enterprises owner, Jay Von Rosen is confident that exposing young minds to the world of web development is extremely positive and well worth the investment.
“We need to get technology and coding into the classrooms, because this is the world now — everything is driven by technology. We can’t wait until college to expose kids to computer programming. It’s important to encourage kids to think about being a part of creating new technology when they’re young,” said Von Rosen.
Through Hour of Code, industry professionals, like Jay, give students a presentation on the power of coding. Not only in our current world, but looking ahead, as well.
Jay utilized his time in a unique way. He said, “I had one presentation where I tried to get kids thinking about how their games worked. When a character on the screen is running towards you, how does it figure out how to get to you? That led into some path-finding algorithms, which I then illustrated”
The key to Hour of Code, and many programs like it, is to inspire the age-old question, “How Does This Work?” into our youngest generation.
Web development in Michigan is a ripe industry ready for a new era of young minds. It’s up to the current workforce, parents and educators to see the value of including coding and software development in STEM curriculum.
We should be equipping students at a young age to understand the importance and excitement of future technology. At JvR, we’re doing just that.
