In celebration of Computer Science Education Week and in recognition of the importance of STEM education, Rep. Randy Hultgren participated in an Hour of Code with local students in the 14th Congressional District. At the Elgin Technology Center, homeschooling students guided Rep. Hultgren to write basic computer code for the game, Angry Birds. At Williamsburg Elementary School in Geneva, students in several grades did the same, demonstrating their savvy computer coding skills to the Congressman.
These kids accomplished an impressive amount of computer coding in just an hour, showing the importance of making computer science more accessible at a younger age. Obtaining “coding literacy” can prepare students for all types of occupations. Currently, software jobs outnumber students 3-to-1, and teaching coding can help fill employers’ growing need for graduates in computing fields. Coding is not just for computer scientists, though. Fields such as advanced manufacturing require workers skilled in computer science.
Let’s work toward teaching computer science to kids early on as part of a robust STEM education.
