There’s been a lot of debate over the last few weeks regarding the UK’s education system, following comments made by Google’s chairman, Eric Schmidt. Schmidt argued that schools in the UK are getting IT wrong by teaching children how to use software - rather than make it.
It’s an interesting point. With a greater understanding of IT, the workers of tomorrow will be in a much better position to create innovative new technologies and start companies that can compete on a global level against the rising economies of India and China.
Programming skills are already in huge demand today and are part of the driving force behind initiatives such as Silicon Roundabout. It’s therefore great news that Science Minister, David Willetts, has recognised this. Last month, Willets announced that a new GCSE IT curriculum will be trialled in Bradford with a greater focus on programming skills instead of computer literacy.
Whilst it’s good to see initiatives such as this introduced we shouldn’t just be looking at what we teach children; how we teach them is equally as important. There is massive scope for innovative use of IT in the classroom, whether that be ‘smart’-whiteboards, e-learning suites or video-conferencing with experts. By using technology to bring subjects to life, teachers can engage with students on a deeper level
London Grid for Learning (LGfL) is a great example of this. Around 2,800 schools in the city are sharing a Public Services Network to buy and use e-learning services. The initiative gives schools greater access to online learning resources and facilities, such as video conferencing, webinars and so on, which they may not have been able to afford individually.
What do you think? Is the IT curriculum in need of an overhaul? Or does the whole education system needs a rethink? As ever we’d be delighted to hear your thoughts below.
