[SanderNL]

If longhand sums take years to learn we are doing it wrong and/or doing it at the wrong stage.

Laying foundations (counting, numerals) will take years sure, but they will be useful over various domains, but specific techniques shouldn’t be drilled. They are simple enough to pick up once matured a bit.

Like someone said, why calculate sin(x) when you can use a lookup table. I mean, sure, do it a few times when you are ready to appreciate it but forcing it down young kids’s their throats for years on end is detrimental.

[hammyhavoc]

Whilst I agree, you're reading too much into the article. The article says more about the standard of journalism in FT than anything based in reality.

Look at who wrote it:

https://www.ft.com/madhumita-murgia

https://www.ft.com/bethan-staton

Do you think either of these people have an innate understanding of the education system and its syllabus? They're journos. One of which is their dedicated AI hot take specialist.

It's a throwaway piece that's a vehicle for ads.