In a recent a
rticle by the BBC, brought to my attention by @SchoolsImprove, I read that provisional exam figures are showing an increased number of Computing qualifications. More traditional academic subjects also set to be “making a comeback” (Sellgren, 2015). Whilst it is not yet a requirement that a pupil should study a Computing based subject in order to gain a qualification, it is encouraging news that students are choosing to pursue this area of study.
In light of this news, I decided to pursue the question: Why are some students opting for Computing?
For the gamers, programmers, and ‘always on’.
Whether we like it or not it is a fact of life that, for teenagers, over 40% of their daily activity is spent in front of a screen and that’s according to a 2012 Ofcom report (cited in Jary, 2015). That figure is sure to have increased since then.
For this generation, the inspiration and enjoyment from their recreational tech-time could encourage them to want to learn more about that environment. They may well think that with a little bit of Computing knowledge they can program and design their own games, apps and other developments. For these students, Computing can provide an interesting bridge between recreation and study.
For the forward thinkers.
It is almost impossible to imagine a future with the same level of technology that we have now. Devices, software and systems are always advancing. Where in previous years we may have been enticed by the development of mass production techniques, today’s generation have the pleasure of the exciting world of tech gadgets the unknown ICT future. For this group, Computing qualifications may well complement traditional Maths and Science as a route to apprenticeships and Further Education. Whilst Computing is not yet an essential subject for many Universities, at least for Imperial College London you might strongly wish to consider A-levels in Computing to give you the ‘edge’ (Imperial College London, 2015).
For the practical learners.
With a little bit a lot of theory and practise students will find themselves coding, developing and building. This practical based learning can be a huge attraction to students. I went into a school recently where I looked in horror to see old PC towers torn apart, seemingly discarded in the corner of a top-of-the-range IT classroom. My horror was soon put to rest as I learnt that the students were able to use these old machines to learn about how a computer is built. This truly invaluable experience must encourage students to explore Computing qualifications, where they might not have had exposure to previously.
I went into a school recently where I looked in horror to see old PC towers torn apart.
Thinking from the students perspective, it becomes fairly clear to see that Computing could be an exciting pathway into an evolving world; putting them at the forefront of technology, business and recreation. It is certainly important to remember that it is no ‘easy option’ for those students. Computing requires competency in Maths, Sciences, and even Languages.
It is perhaps no surprise that for the generation that can use an iPad before they can talk, Computing is certainly on the radar.
Learn how Computer Talk can help to improve computing in your evolving education environment today.
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON. (2015) Qualification Advice for Computing. [Online] Available from: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/computing/admissions/ug/comp/advice. [Accessed: 10th August 2015]
JARY, S. (2015). How much screen time is healthy for children? Four in five parents think technology is good for development, but there are health risks associated with too much kid screen time. [Online] 7th August 2015. Available from: pcadvisor.co.uk http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/feature/digital-home/how-much-screen-time-is-healthy-for-children-benefits-3520917/ . [Accessed: 10th August 2015]
SELLGREN, K. (2015). A-Levels and GCSEs: Traditional exam subjects making comeback. [Online] 5th August 2015. Available from: bbc.co.uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-33787751. [Accessed: 10th Aug 2015].