How to Teach Kids to Code | Bryson Payne | TEDxUNG

Summary

The script emphasizes the growing importance of coding literacy in a world where technology is ubiquitous. With only 3% of Americans able to code, it highlights the significant job opportunities and problem-solving potential that coding skills provide. The speaker encourages individuals to learn coding for personal empowerment, career advancement, and to make a positive impact on their communities and the world. Coding is presented not as an end goal but as a gateway to innovation and addressing real-world issues, from cybersecurity to clean water initiatives.

Takeaways

• 💻 Coding is essential: Less than 3% of Americans can read and write code, but coding is the backbone of modern technology.
• 📱 Coding runs our gadgets: From smartphones to drones and self-driving cars, coding powers all modern devices.
• 📈 Growing demand for tech skills: 7 out of the top 10 fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs are in technology.
• 💼 Millions of job openings: The U.S. currently has over 1 million unfilled, high-paying tech jobs, particularly in cybersecurity.
• 🎓 Learning to code boosts your earning potential: A computer science degree can significantly increase lifetime earnings, especially in cybersecurity roles.
• 🏫 Schools must teach coding: By 2025, 3 out of 4 high schools should teach coding to prepare students for the future.
• 🛡️ Coding helps you protect yourself: Cybersecurity skills enable individuals to safeguard against online threats.
• 🌍 Coding creates problem solvers: People who learn to code can develop solutions to local and global problems, from community apps to global initiatives like clean water projects.
• 🎮 Coding opens doors: Coding skills can lead to jobs in gaming, AI, robotics, and other exciting fields, offering career flexibility and security.
• 🚀 Coding empowers innovation: From creating businesses like Uber and Airbnb to building impactful apps, coding allows people to bring innovative ideas to life.

Q & A

What percentage of Americans can read and write code?

Fewer than 9 million people in the U.S. can read and write code, which is less than 3% of the population.

How does the speaker define coding?

The speaker defines coding, or programming, as telling a computer what to do. It is the same thing as software and is what powers apps and various technologies.

Why are coders considered valuable problem solvers?

Coders are valuable because they use technology to solve problems. The world highly rewards problem solvers, and technology literacy helps individuals address both personal and societal challenges.

What is the projected impact of automation on jobs in the next 10 years?

Experts predict that as many as 70 million jobs could disappear over the next 10 years due to automation.

How many job openings are currently available in technology fields in the U.S.?

There are over 6 million job openings in the U.S., with more than 1 million of them in technology fields.

What is the salary range for cybersecurity jobs, and how many positions are currently unfilled?

Cybersecurity jobs can average as much as $90,000 a year, and there are currently over 300,000 unfilled positions in the U.S.

How does learning to code benefit individuals financially over their lifetime?

A computer science degree can earn a person $1 million more over their lifetime than someone with just a high school diploma. Additionally, cybersecurity professionals may earn another half-million dollars more than the average IT worker.

What is the historical comparison made between high school attendance in 1910 and coding education today?

In 1910, fewer than 18% of teenagers attended high school. Similarly, in 2010, fewer than 18% of teenagers attended a high school that taught coding.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of teaching coding and cybersecurity in high schools by 2025?

The speaker emphasizes this because just as secondary education was essential during the early 20th century, technology education is critical now. By 2025, 3 out of 4 teenagers should attend schools that teach coding to prepare for future job markets.

What are some reasons the speaker provides for why people should learn to code?

The speaker provides three main reasons: to protect yourself from cyber threats, to create new business models and job opportunities, and to solve societal issues like improving local communities or contributing to global causes.