Serendipity35

Some K-12 educators are integrating computer coding into non-computer subjects such as English and art to develop the skill as a type of literacy.

Using block-based coding programs (such as Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/) to express learning by coding interactive media, or App Inventor to create mobile applications that can actually be used used by students in their classes.

"Although technology has flooded America’s schools, interest in computer science courses has not kept pace, especially among girls and underrepresented minorities. While states discuss if and how to make computer science a required course, many educators want to inject coding into all sorts of courses, from science to art to English. They’re not just out to prepare the next generation of technology workers. Their goal is far more expansive. They want to turn coding into a new kind of literacy — a fundamental applied skill, a mode of inquiry and expression — that everybody should know. One of the biggest challenges for computer science advocates is that many kids simply don’t see why coding matters, in a world of preloaded software and the vast resources of the Internet."  (via    The Hechinger Report)

Of course, students are still taking computer science and Advanced Placement classes and doing Java coding, but those numbers don't compare favorably with other STEM AP courses. Enrollment in computer science at the college level has also been declining despite the fact that everyone considers computers and technology to be ubiquitous.

The College Board is working on a new, project-based AP “computer science principles” course (set to debut in fall 2016) in which students will use coding to address real-world problems.