In Elizabeth Stark's commentary on "U.S. Kids Need Computer-Science Education" at USA Today, she informs society of the ever demanding need of computer-science education and how it is affecting our overall educational standings throughout the world.
Beginning her commentary, Stark immediately states how "Estonia recently announced that it is teaching all first graders how to code." This shows how far ahead, or how far behind Estonia we are. If first graders in Estonia are already learning to code, write computer programs and applications for a computer, on a computer, and in our generation adults can barely search the web, then we may have a problem keeping up-to-par in education.
Later, Stark then tells us a startling statistic: "By 2018, there will be nearly three times as many job openings requiring computer science knowledge than qualified applicants." Three times!? That is a scary amount of unoccupied jobs, that will not be able to be filled by our country unless we step up our education in computer science. Computer science is an important part of our education to have today, since the modern world is beginning to be ruled by computer technology.
Nearing the end of her commentary, Stark states lastly that, " we're at a crossroads as a nation....and we have a choice between two futures. Future A is one in which everyone has basic code literacy and is empowered to build the future. Future B is one in which only an elite few know how to interact with the system, and the rest remain powerless." Currently, our nation is heading towards Future B, since we always have to call a maintenance man to fix our computers.
Even in our school, the high school right here in Batesville Arkansas, our computer science education is very limited. I feel like here in my school I have limited access to any kind of computer knowledge. Any knowledge I wanted to gain I had to teach myself. Coding is one of the many subjects I would have loved to learn during my high school career, as I am sure many others would have also.
So, will our nation begin to change to Future A, or continue down the path to Future B? I suppose that would be up to all of us as a society, now wouldn't it be?
Monday, October 14, 2013
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Current Connection: 1.1
Current Connection: 1.1
CNN reporter Vince DiFiore, a former band student, in his article "the importance of music education in schools" reveals how musical education is great for high-school students.
High-School is hard for new students, especially when they move from other states. Though it is hard the first couple of days, band students have an easier time achieving the status of fitting in. DiFiore tells of a one of friends, who also was a former band student, who "lived in three states" and how his friend, by "joining the marching band in each unfamiliar place helped connect to his high school experience." Band does help on a social status and relieve a little stress, as DiFiore tells about his friend, "it made a comfortable what could have otherwise been an alienating experience." Being accepted is a step in creating a good learning environment to help school education and increase what a school can teach you.
Not only does band help socially, joining band also gives you other skills! If you are in the marching band, a more hardcore version of band, you do get a sufficient amount of exercise, and on top of that you also learn: good "memorization" techniques, "eye-hand coordination and good...posture." Of course their are other ways to gain these skills, but while you do it you are being "exposed to centuries of our rich cultural heritage" and while you are in band you also are gaining a "greater language capacity" from being exposed to the Latin words that all music uses.
"Students in high school music programs have higher test scores and cognitive development. A U.S. Department of Education found that those who reported in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12" states DiFiore. This shows that music not only helps fulfill the goals of an education, but gives you a life long skill of being able to understand the music you listen to better. Band is great for students who love music and want a greater education!
High school band is great for all students! It has many purposes and can help you in many areas through out your high school life, so why not just pick up an instrument and hop in? It certainly helps you appreciate music better and your high school education will be fulfilled better and the facts prove it!
CNN reporter Vince DiFiore, a former band student, in his article "the importance of music education in schools" reveals how musical education is great for high-school students.
High-School is hard for new students, especially when they move from other states. Though it is hard the first couple of days, band students have an easier time achieving the status of fitting in. DiFiore tells of a one of friends, who also was a former band student, who "lived in three states" and how his friend, by "joining the marching band in each unfamiliar place helped connect to his high school experience." Band does help on a social status and relieve a little stress, as DiFiore tells about his friend, "it made a comfortable what could have otherwise been an alienating experience." Being accepted is a step in creating a good learning environment to help school education and increase what a school can teach you.
Not only does band help socially, joining band also gives you other skills! If you are in the marching band, a more hardcore version of band, you do get a sufficient amount of exercise, and on top of that you also learn: good "memorization" techniques, "eye-hand coordination and good...posture." Of course their are other ways to gain these skills, but while you do it you are being "exposed to centuries of our rich cultural heritage" and while you are in band you also are gaining a "greater language capacity" from being exposed to the Latin words that all music uses.
"Students in high school music programs have higher test scores and cognitive development. A U.S. Department of Education found that those who reported in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12" states DiFiore. This shows that music not only helps fulfill the goals of an education, but gives you a life long skill of being able to understand the music you listen to better. Band is great for students who love music and want a greater education!
High school band is great for all students! It has many purposes and can help you in many areas through out your high school life, so why not just pick up an instrument and hop in? It certainly helps you appreciate music better and your high school education will be fulfilled better and the facts prove it!
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