The New York Times:
Apple plans to release a free coding education app on Tuesday that it developed with middle-school students in mind, in the latest salvo among technology companies to gain share in the education market and to nurture early product loyalty among children.
Apple’s app, called Swift Playgrounds, introduces basic computer programming concepts, like sequencing logic, by asking students to use word commands to move cartoon avatars through a fanciful, animated world. Unlike some children’s apps, which employ drag-and-drop blocks to teach coding, the Apple program uses Swift, a professional programming language that the company introduced in 2014.
I can’t code my way out of a paper bag and have no real interest in creating my own apps but I’m very much looking forward to playing around with Swift Playgrounds.
I love your statement at the end. It may never lead anywhere else for you, but the idea that people will want to play around and it could lead to something greater is all kinds of exciting to me.
I’m on record as being against the idea of “Everyone should learn to code” but I love the idea that, for those who want to, Apple is providing interesting ways to learn.
I think I’m against the idea that everyone CAN learn to code. I’m not saying it’s a particularly exclusive club, but I don’t think it includes everyone. I’m certainly against the idea that everyone SHOULD learn to code. That said, I kinda like the idea of exposing it to everyone as a part of a survey of trades in high school.
But I think the human animal learns best through playing with toys, and Swift Playground is going to be a fantastic toy.
I agree that not everyone should learn to code. You could probably say that about any subject. I do think that everyone should have the opportunity to learn at least in the high school level if they are interested. Swift Playgrounds is a great option for anyone interested in giving it a try. I can’t wait to try it with my kids.
I’d also add that if things get to a point where students are required to take at least an introductory programming course, there are benefits even if they don’t like or want to code. The way you learn to break down tasks and solve problems logically can apply to many things outside of computer science.
I like the idea of a year to experiment. I remember enjoying wood shop, cooking, and sewing in Junior High even though I learned that I didn’t want a career in any of those areas. However, the skills I learned have saved me a lot of money over the years.
Sewing’s a great one I can’t believe I forgot!
It still amazes me how many people I’ve known who can’t sew a button on a shirt. A few weeks of sewing classes in 7th grade have saved a few shirts.