The Benefits of Understanding Programming language
In the modern world computer technology seems ever-present; it surrounds us on a daily basis. Jobs of the future will most likely involve an element of computing so possessing a good understanding of a range of computing skills is increasingly important. Consequently IT skills and capability developed by the subject at school are just as important if not more relevant than the English and Maths capability developed at school. The skill of programming (the process of writing and maintaining the source of code of a computer) is complex to learn but a basic knowledge would only be an aid in the technological world.
Key skills such as problem solving can be learnt through programming; the skill involves an ‘exact’ way of thinking. Firstly a solution to the problem must be reached before the programmer can then begin to communicate their solution with the computer. Programs are a set of instructions that a computer must follow to perform a task and they are written in a programming language. To learn how to program you must achieve an understanding of the instructions (the programs control structure and how it works), the data (data types and sometimes objects involving attributes) and syntax (rules that decide how a program can be constructed) that are part of programming.
When first learning how to program, difficulties involving the technical language can be a barrier for the learner; learning how to specify and test programs using tools that are available takes time to remember and the formality of the programming language and structure make the skill difficult to learn. Perhaps the complexities of the skill make it desirable. However even a simple programming language such as Scratch teaches the fundamental elements of programming which could be useful later on in life. Scratch allows students to recognise that programming is modular and whole is greater than the sum. Simple commands for example, hide a graphic, graphic stay on screen for a certain amount of time or using a variable to record a game score take some of the mystic out of video games and allow students an opportunity to understand how video games, apps and computer software are produced. Once this interest has been sparked there is no telling where it may end. It is well documented that the founders of Microsoft and Facebook had good technical skill and programming ability as well as many other skills.
In a technologically enhanced world in which we live, people with good computer skills are always likely to have an edge over their less computer literate colleagues when seeking employment. As Naace have recently state 75% of all jobs in the UK require computers skills, this edge brought about from having good ICT and programming skill is only likely to increase over time. Especially, if more organisations are looking for in-house software developments to give them a competitive advantage over their rivals.
made by KHANDOKER ANAN
Key skills such as problem solving can be learnt through programming; the skill involves an ‘exact’ way of thinking. Firstly a solution to the problem must be reached before the programmer can then begin to communicate their solution with the computer. Programs are a set of instructions that a computer must follow to perform a task and they are written in a programming language. To learn how to program you must achieve an understanding of the instructions (the programs control structure and how it works), the data (data types and sometimes objects involving attributes) and syntax (rules that decide how a program can be constructed) that are part of programming.
When first learning how to program, difficulties involving the technical language can be a barrier for the learner; learning how to specify and test programs using tools that are available takes time to remember and the formality of the programming language and structure make the skill difficult to learn. Perhaps the complexities of the skill make it desirable. However even a simple programming language such as Scratch teaches the fundamental elements of programming which could be useful later on in life. Scratch allows students to recognise that programming is modular and whole is greater than the sum. Simple commands for example, hide a graphic, graphic stay on screen for a certain amount of time or using a variable to record a game score take some of the mystic out of video games and allow students an opportunity to understand how video games, apps and computer software are produced. Once this interest has been sparked there is no telling where it may end. It is well documented that the founders of Microsoft and Facebook had good technical skill and programming ability as well as many other skills.
In a technologically enhanced world in which we live, people with good computer skills are always likely to have an edge over their less computer literate colleagues when seeking employment. As Naace have recently state 75% of all jobs in the UK require computers skills, this edge brought about from having good ICT and programming skill is only likely to increase over time. Especially, if more organisations are looking for in-house software developments to give them a competitive advantage over their rivals.
made by KHANDOKER ANAN