Why you should invest in computing this summer
In the ever-changing landscape of education, computing is becoming increasingly important. Therefore, it is not only beneficial but imperative for us to recognise the significance of integrating computing into our teaching.
Keep reading to discover some of the reasons why you should invest in computing this summer term and how you can do it with the National Centre for Computing Education!
Words by Tina Thomas
Develop critical thinking
Computing education supports the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through coding and the maths involved in computer science, students learn to approach challenges analytically, breaking them down into manageable steps - a skill applicable across various subjects and so many real-life scenarios. How often do we have a busy week and need to plan out our time and break things down into smaller steps?
Enhance creativity and innovation
Investing in computing education also grows creativity and innovation. Computing allows students to express their ideas through digital creation, whether it's designing websites, developing apps, or exploring artificial intelligence (AI). By embracing that digital creativity, students are empowered to become creators rather than mere consumers of technology.
Improve digital literacy
Understanding computing principles is essential for digital literacy and responsible citizenship in today's world. In an era where AI is increasingly prevalent, it's crucial for students to comprehend the ethical implications and social impact of technology. By engaging with computing education, students develop a deeper understanding of digital laws, privacy, and cybersecurity, a fundamental aspect of their life in the modern world.
Enrich your teaching
Not only is the investment in computing beneficial to our students, but also to us as teachers, by enriching our practice in the classroom. Incorporating computational thinking into lesson planning encourages innovative pedagogical approaches and fosters cross-subject learning. Whether it's integrating coding into a maths lesson or exploring data analysis in science, this helps to grow the subject knowledge of everybody in the classroom. Investing in our own professional development in computing equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to support our students effectively and drive us towards success.
Where can I start?
This term, the National Centre for Computing Education will be sharing a wealth of CPD courses - such as our new 'Empowering girls into key stage 2 computing' course - and resources for you to get stuck in to and boost your subject knowledge ahead of the new academic year. Keep an eye out on our social media pages, across X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and invest in computing with us at your own time and pace.
About the author
Tina Thomas is the Secondary Phase Lead for the NCCE Computing Curriculum Hub (Cambridge and Northamptonshire).