I dont know if the Google+ Fireside Hangout that Barack Obama just hosted was recorded, but among many interesting things, our president was asked:
"Would you support adding high school classes in computer programing languages, and having them be required like foreign languages are now?"
Obama said yes. He then specifically said that, if we want people interested in math and science to build our future, we need to provide learning opportunities in these areas like classes in programing.
He then impressed me by saying, there are a lot of people out there in high school who are interested in making games, and we should be offering programming and code classes to show them how they can do just that. Nurturing learning in areas of technology the next generation is already interested in is a win for everyone - especially with programming, because of its highly diverse area of application.
All of this was paraphrasing. If anyone finds a link to the recording of the hangout, please post.
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While I agree that it should be an option in most High Schools, I don't think students should be required to take the class. It is difficult to do well in a class a person doesn't like.