Importance of Computing as a Specialist Subject in Schools June 17, 2007
Posted by Gareth Davies in 12.25-13.25, 29th September (am).trackback
Panel: Gillian Lovegrove (, Manager, Education and Training Forum), Richard Millwood (Director of Core Education UK), Chris Yapp, Martyn Wilson (Hampshire Adviser and former Chair on Naace)
This session is to debate the importance of Computing as a specialist subject in schools. The proposition is that the study of computing is rich with important concepts and processes for humankind which transcend the simple need for a computer literate workforce and citizenry. The debate will look for strong views to support and oppose this proposition and clarity about the very definition of computing as a subject – what should it contain and how might it be taught in the 21st century?
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If you want to take part in this session use the links at http://del.icio.us/richardmillwood to the two main presentations.
Points collected in the debate:
- capturing “programming”
- distinction between tool using and tool making
- exams set the agenda at GCSE level
- relationships GCES -> A/S -> A-level ->University
- QCA A ‘level changes
- “Security” issues for UK plc if we outsource
- Too sterile a curriculum generally (not enough problem solving)
- Is ICT community guilty of making the problem worse?
[...] Shared a platform with Gillian Lovegrove on this topic at the Naace All-Members Conference at Cisco in Feltham. I enjoyed the relatively easy task of listing some of the arguments for computing’s contribution to the wealth of human knowledge: [...]