Computer science is for everyone | Hadi Partovi | TEDxRainier

Summary

The speaker recounts growing up in Iran during the revolution and war, later immigrating to the U.S. where a Commodore 64 ignited his passion for computer programming. He reflects on how technology now shapes every aspect of society, from medicine to transportation, and emphasizes the importance of teaching computer science in schools. Through his work with code.org, he highlights initiatives like the 'Hour of Code' that aim to make computer science education accessible to all students, regardless of background, in a world where tech skills are vital for the future.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The speaker grew up in Tehran, Iran, during a time of political upheaval, war, and violence, including frequent air raids.
• 👨‍💻 At age 10, the speaker’s life was transformed when their father brought home a Commodore 64 computer, sparking their interest in computer programming.
• 🇺🇸 After immigrating to the United States, the speaker used their computer skills to pay for college and build a successful career in the tech industry, living the 'American Dream'.
• 💡 The speaker argues that the 'American Dream' is now a global ideal centered around the opportunity to change the world through technology.
• 🖥️ Technology affects every field today, from medicine to entertainment to transportation, making it crucial for students to learn computer science.
• 📉 Despite the growing importance of technology, computer science education has seen a decline, with fewer students and especially fewer women pursuing this field.
• 👩‍🎓 Computer science is not just about learning to code; it teaches problem-solving, logic, and creativity, skills foundational to many future careers.
• 📚 Public education must evolve to keep up with the rapid technological changes and prepare students for future jobs that may not yet exist.
• 💻 The 'Hour of Code' initiative introduced millions of students to computer science, showing that it is fun, accessible, and crucial for future success.
• 🚀 The movement to introduce computer science in schools is growing rapidly, but there is still much work to do to reach more students globally.

Q & A

What significant events occurred during the speaker's childhood in Tehran, Iran?

During the speaker's childhood, a brutal monarchy was replaced by an Islamic revolution, followed by a totalitarian regime. Soon after, the Iran-Iraq war broke out, and Saddam Hussein's air raids targeted their neighborhood.

How did the introduction of a computer change the speaker's life?

The speaker's father brought home a Commodore 64, which led the speaker and his twin brother to learn programming. This skill later allowed the speaker to pay his way through college and launch a successful career in the tech industry.

What does the speaker mean by 'the American dream' today?

The speaker explains that the American dream is no longer about building a log cabin but is instead a worldwide ideal centered around opportunity, especially in fields like technology.

Why does the speaker believe computer science is important for all students?

The speaker believes computer science is foundational because technology affects every field today, and understanding it is necessary for problem-solving, creativity, and participation in the modern world.

What is the current state of computer science education in public schools, according to the speaker?

Computer science education has been on the decline for the past decade, and most schools do not teach it. However, there is now a growing movement to reintroduce it to schools.

Why is computer science education crucial for future job prospects?

The speaker states that computer science is crucial because job growth in technology is outpacing student growth, and it provides skills essential for future jobs, which will increasingly rely on technology.

Who was Ada Lovelace, and why is she significant to computer science?

Ada Lovelace was the first computer programmer, who came up with the idea of algorithms to manage machines. She represents the foundational importance of computer science, showing it is more about logical problem-solving than just technology.

What is the 'hour of code' and why is it important?

The 'hour of code' is a movement designed to introduce students to computer science in just one hour. It helps students realize that computer science is accessible, fun, and that anyone can learn it, planting a seed for further learning.

How has the 'hour of code' impacted computer science education?

The 'hour of code' has introduced 48 million students to computer science globally, and 50,000 new classrooms are now teaching computer science as a result of the movement.

What is the speaker's vision for the future of computer science education?

The speaker envisions that soon every school will teach computer science, there will be equal participation from girls and boys, and access to education in this field won't depend on geographic location or demographics.