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by brc 4041 days ago
Why learn mathematics or science?

If kids are good at abstract problem solving, denying them access to computer programming is like denying them sports if they like to kick balls around.

Coding will be more and more the killer app that people have in their jobs. A person can crush many ordinary office jobs just with excel and word macro skills. I teach people simple excel forumulas like vlookup and their life changes forever.

We should also teach plumbing, electrical and financial skills, and cut back on the interpretative dance, music and drama for kids who hate that crap.

1 comments

> If kids are good at abstract problem solving, denying them access to computer programming is like denying them sports if they like to kick balls around.

Hear hear! We should be identifying students' aptitudes and interests and ensuring they're getting the best training possible towards up-skilling them these inclinations as early as possible.

Not everyone follows the same path, and the disaster is that we make others feel bad for not following the mainstream path laid out in front of them.

I'm one of those who tread from the path and nearly fell of the cliff, but managed to find a way with software in my very late teens, just in time. I can't imagine and almost don't want to think about those who never found a place in society as a failure of early education methods...