What Most Schools Don't Teach

Summary

The video script features influential figures from various industries emphasizing the importance of learning to code. It highlights personal stories of how coding has empowered individuals, from creating simple programs to building global empires. The narrative stresses that coding is accessible and not just for geniuses, but a skill that can be learned by anyone with determination. It underscores the ubiquity of technology in every field and the demand for coding skills, concluding with a call to action to learn coding through platforms like Code.org.

Takeaways

• 💡 Programming is a fundamental skill that teaches critical thinking, according to Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft.
• 👦 Early exposure to computers and programming is common among tech entrepreneurs, as illustrated by Jack Dorsey of Twitter and Ruchi Sanghvi, the first female engineer at Facebook.
• 🎓 Learning to code can start with simple projects, like creating a Tic-tac-toe game, as experienced by Drew Houston, the creator of Dropbox.
• 🌟 The initial motivation for learning to code often stems from a desire to create something fun or useful, rather than mastering the entire discipline.
• 🎼 Programming is compared to playing an instrument or a sport, suggesting that it becomes less intimidating with practice and time.
• 🔍 Many coding tasks involve breaking down problems rather than creating complex algorithms, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving skills.
• 🚀 Determination, not necessarily genius, is what's needed to learn how to code, as highlighted by various successful individuals in the tech industry.
• 📚 Basic mathematical skills, such as addition and subtraction, are sufficient to start learning to code, as suggested by Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos.
• 🌐 Software has transformed various industries, making coding a valuable skill across different sectors, not just in technology.
• 🏢 Tech companies are eager to hire talented engineers, but there is a shortage of skilled individuals in the field, as noted by Hadi Partovi, the founder of Code.org.
• 🌟 The ability to create software that can reach millions of people is a unique opportunity for today's generation, offering a sense of empowerment and the potential for significant impact.
• 🧙‍♂️ Being a programmer in the future will be akin to having magical powers, highlighting the transformative and influential role of coding in society.

Q & A

What did Bill Gates believe about learning to program a computer?

Bill Gates believed that learning to program a computer teaches you how to think.

At what age did Jack Dorsey first get access to a computer?

Jack Dorsey was 13 years old when he first got access to a computer.

What significant event happened in Ruchi's life when she was in sixth grade?

Ruchi learned to code in college, which was a significant event in her life as she later became the first female engineer at Facebook.

What was Drew Houston's first program in his freshman year of college?

Drew Houston wrote a program that played Tic-tac-toe during his freshman year first semester in an Intro to Computer Science class.

What was the initial purpose of programming for Elena?

Elena's initial purpose of programming was to make something fun for herself and her sisters.

How did Gabe Newell describe his first experience with programming?

Gabe Newell described his first experience with programming as astonishing when he made a computer say 'Hello World'.

What is Chris Bosh's perspective on the learning curve of coding?

Chris Bosh compared learning to code to playing an instrument or a sport, stating that it starts out intimidating but you get the hang of it over time.

What does Makinde believe about the intimidation factor of coding?

Makinde believes that coding can be intimidating, but so are many other things, implying that intimidation should not be a barrier to learning.

What does Vanessa believe is the essence of coding?

Vanessa believes that the essence of coding is more about the process of breaking down problems rather than coming up with complicated algorithms.

What does Tony Hsieh emphasize as a requirement for coding?

Tony Hsieh emphasizes determination as a requirement for coding, suggesting that one does not have to be a genius.

What does Will.I.Am highlight about the importance of coding in various industries?

Will.I.Am highlights that all industries, including agriculture, entertainment, and manufacturing, have been transformed by software, emphasizing the importance of coding.

What are the incentives provided by Hadi Partovi to attract talented engineers?

Hadi Partovi provides incentives such as a fantastic chef, free food, laundry, snacks, and recreational facilities like video games and scooters to attract talented engineers.

What does the script suggest about the future of programmers?

The script suggests that programmers of tomorrow will be like wizards of the future, possessing what is considered the closest thing to a superpower.

What is the current challenge with filling jobs in America related to coding?

The current challenge is that 1 million of the best jobs in America may go unfilled because only 1 in 4 schools teach students how to code.