Apple’s new coding curriculum says Everyone Can Code

CAT Tracks Editor's Note:

Look, I love coding...

...taught myself how to create this website some 20 years ago.

But...

...that means I was 50 at the time, had accomplished reading, 'riting, 'rithmetic and was a productive citizen drawing a regular paycheck.

So, I had time for trivial pursuits.

And, by golly, 8 years into retirement, I'm still doing it...

...and enjoying it, one of those life-long endeavors.

But, and that's a big ol' BUT...

...most of the people I know (and that you know) don't code and don't want to know how to code! They just want somebody else to do the coding and allow them to use the fruits of their labor. (Hell, I know people who still own "dumb" phones, that only call people (no texts or e-mail), and who think an "app" is something that you get for half-price at Applebee's during happy hour.

In short, most people (including children) don't want to learn to code...

...most people, girls (and boys), just want to have fun!!!

So, we are going to take time away from the three R's and make everyone code just so that the ones who have the actual ability/interest in coding learn to do their thing???

Guess what, that will happen anyway...

...just like it has for centuries!

That's how we got all those people who created the cutting-edge technologies of their time...

...whether that technology was fire, the wheel, the horseless carriage, the flying machine, radio, television, computers, et al.

Hell, we even got rocket scientists...

...despite the fact that we didn't force everybody to take rocket science in school...

...from effing Kindergarten through 12th Grade!

Offer a coding class (or coding classes if it's really, really popular) in high school for students who are actually interested.

In my experience...

...if you teach a person the three R's, s/he can and will pursue her/his interests when they are ready.

Memo to Teachers:

The day is coming when you are going to be taken to task for spending all your time in the classroom "playing games" on the computer/laptop/tablet.

Your critics will tell the public:

"No wonder kids don't learn anything anymore. These so-called teachers sit on their butts while students divide up into groups and play games all day! So, hey, why do we need teachers? Get rid of them, hire some babysitters, and use the money saved to buy more technology!!!

Under a barrage of criticism, you yielded the stage to became a guide on the side. Next, you may well be shown the door.

I have seen the future...

...and it doesn't include you.

On the first day of school, instead of Mr., Mrs., and Miss So-and-so introducing themselves to their class as their teacher, it will be: