"Code Stars" - Short Film

Summary

This video script highlights the importance of learning to program in today's technology-driven world. It features a range of perspectives, from children's aspirations to become various professionals, to adults reflecting on the value of programming. The script emphasizes that programming teaches critical thinking and problem-solving skills, applicable across all fields. It addresses the misconception that programming is difficult, asserting that anyone can learn it with determination. The script also points out the significant job market for computer science and the creative potential of coding, likening skilled programmers to wizards with superpowers, and encourages viewers to start learning this empowering skill at Code.org.

Takeaways

• 💡 Steve Jobs believed that everyone should learn to program because it teaches critical thinking.
• 🚀 Children have diverse aspirations for their futures, ranging from astronauts to mermaids, but many are unfamiliar with computer programming.
• 🤔 The concept of a computer programmer is not well understood by some, with misconceptions about what the role entails.
• 🔍 Programming is described as a process of instructing computers to perform tasks, often misunderstood as decoding mysteries.
• 🛠 Programming is an essential skill in modern society, with applications in nearly every industry and a significant job market demand.
• 📈 There is a projected shortage of computer science professionals, with more jobs available than qualified graduates to fill them.
• 🌟 Personal stories in the script highlight how individuals found motivation in programming through specific interests and goals.
• ✨ The process of programming is likened to creating something new from scratch, similar to playing an instrument or a sport.
• 🧩 Coding is often simpler than perceived, focusing more on problem-solving than complex algorithms.
• 💼 The tech industry offers attractive benefits to attract top talent, emphasizing the value placed on engineers and programmers.
• 🌐 Computers and programming are pervasive across all sectors, indicating the ubiquity of technology in various professional fields.
• 🌱 Programming can foster creativity and innovation, with the potential to make previously impossible ideas a reality.
• 🤝 Success in programming often comes from collaboration and teamwork, rather than individual effort alone.
• 🏫 The importance of early exposure to programming in education is underscored, as it builds critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• 🌟 The potential impact of programming is vast, with the power to change the world and empower individuals to create at scale.
• 📚 Learning to code is not limited to the exceptionally intelligent; it requires determination and basic mathematical skills.

Q & A

What did Steve Jobs believe everyone should learn to do?

Steve Jobs believed that everyone should learn how to program a computer because it teaches you how to think.

What are some of the various career aspirations mentioned by children in the script?

The script mentions children aspiring to be astronauts, fashion designers, basketball players, actors, doctors, teachers, chefs, and artists.

What is the general perception of a computer programmer among the students interviewed in the script?

The students seem unsure about what a computer programmer does, with some suggesting it involves code and decoding mysteries, while others admit they do not know.

What is the basic concept of programming according to the script?

Programming is essentially explaining to a computer what you want it to do for you, teaching it how to perform tasks.

Why is programming likened to playing an instrument or a sport in the script?

Programming is compared to playing an instrument or a sport because it starts off intimidating but becomes easier over time as one gets the hang of it.

What is the projected shortage of computer science graduates in relation to job availability over the next 10 years mentioned in the script?

The script mentions a shortage of a million people, with 1.4 million jobs available in computer science and only about 400,000 graduates qualifying for those jobs.

How does the script describe the process of learning to program?

The script describes learning to program as starting with a clear goal, such as wanting to see a map of a city on the screen and being able to interact with it.

What is the script's perspective on the complexity of coding for beginners?

The script suggests that a lot of coding is fairly simple and more about breaking down problems rather than coming up with complicated algorithms.

What are some of the benefits of learning to code mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that learning to code can build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and can be applied to various fields such as math and reading.

How does the script relate programming to creativity and self-expression?

The script relates programming to creativity by suggesting that creating code and programs is a different way to express creativity, limited only by one's imagination.

What is the script's view on the importance of collaboration in programming?

The script emphasizes that all great things are built in teams, and the magic in programming happens when people collaborate, stimulate each other, and build something together.

What does the script suggest about the future of programming and its impact on society?

The script suggests that programming is an empowering skill, and programmers of the future will have what seems like magic powers, making them akin to wizards or rockstars.

Outlines

00:00

🤖 The Essence of Programming

This paragraph emphasizes the importance of learning to program as a way to enhance one's thinking skills, as highlighted by Steve Jobs. It captures the diverse aspirations of children to become various professionals and contrasts their limited understanding of computer programming with the ubiquity and necessity of programming in modern life. The summary explains that programming is about instructing computers to perform tasks and is akin to creating something from scratch. It also touches on the intimidation factor of coding and the reality that much of coding is simpler than perceived, focusing more on problem-solving than complex algorithms. The paragraph concludes with the stark revelation of a looming shortage of qualified computer science professionals, urging the need to start learning programming.

05:22

🌐 The Universality of Programming and Its Benefits

This paragraph delves into the various aspects of programming beyond the traditional tech industry, illustrating its pervasiveness across all sectors. It discusses the integration of programming in everyday life, from communication to banking, and the surprising lack of coding literacy among the populace. The narrative includes personal anecdotes and experiences that demonstrate the empowering nature of programming, such as using software for practical applications like class scheduling and the impact of programming on educational outcomes, such as improved test scores in science. The summary also addresses the misconception that programming requires genius-level intellect, asserting that determination and basic math skills are sufficient. It concludes with a call to action, advocating for programming as a fundamental skill and a superpower that can enable individuals to make a significant impact, likening great coders to modern-day rockstars.

Keywords

💡Programming

Programming is the process of writing instructions for a computer to execute. It is central to the video's theme as it is presented as a fundamental skill that teaches individuals how to think logically and solve problems. Steve Jobs' quote emphasizes its importance, and the script discusses its application in various industries, illustrating its versatility and necessity in modern life.

💡Computer Programmer

A computer programmer is a professional who writes code for computers or software programs. The video script explores the misconceptions about what a programmer does, suggesting that it involves more than just decoding mysteries and includes creative problem-solving. The role of a programmer is highlighted as essential in various job markets.

💡Coding

Coding refers to the act of writing source code in a programming language. The script simplifies the concept by stating that coding is about breaking down problems rather than creating complicated algorithms. It is portrayed as an accessible skill that can be learned by anyone, not just geniuses.

💡Algorithm

An algorithm is a set of rules or steps to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations. In the context of the video, algorithms are part of the programming process but are not the sole focus, emphasizing that programming is more about the approach to problem-solving.

💡Creativity

Creativity in the script is linked to programming as a means of self-expression and innovation. It challenges the stereotype that programming is solely logical and rigid, showing that it can be a medium for creating new ideas and solutions, as seen in the 'making' culture mentioned.

💡Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information objectively. The video script mentions that programming builds critical thinking skills, as it requires breaking down complex problems into manageable parts, which is exemplified by the integration of programming in educational settings leading to improved academic performance.

💡Collaboration

Collaboration is the process of working together to achieve a common goal. The script highlights the importance of teamwork in programming, suggesting that great achievements are often the result of collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

💡Technology Jobs

Technology jobs are positions within the tech industry that require specialized knowledge or skills. The video discusses a significant gap between the number of available tech jobs and the number of qualified graduates, indicating the high demand and importance of programming skills in the job market.

💡Scratch

Scratch is a block-based visual programming language designed for educational purposes, particularly for children. The script mentions its use in classrooms to foster problem-solving and critical thinking, demonstrating the accessibility and educational value of programming from a young age.

💡Code.org

Code.org is a non-profit organization that aims to expand access to computer science in schools and increase participation by women and underrepresented groups. The script ends with an encouragement to learn this 'superpower' through Code.org, positioning programming as an empowering and essential skill for the future.

💡Wizards of the Future

The term 'wizards of the future' is used metaphorically in the script to describe programmers, suggesting that their ability to create and manipulate technology will seem magical to others. It encapsulates the transformative potential of programming skills in shaping the future.

Highlights

Steve Jobs emphasized the importance of learning programming as it teaches how to think.

Children have diverse aspirations for their future careers, including astronaut, fashion designer, basketball player, actor, doctor, teacher, chef, artist, and even a mermaid.

Many students lack a clear understanding of what a computer programmer does, with some associating it with decoding mysteries.

Programming is described as teaching computers to perform tasks, often compared to playing an instrument or a sport that becomes less intimidating over time.

Coding is more about breaking down problems than creating complicated algorithms.

There is a significant job shortage in computer science, with 1.4 million jobs expected in the next 10 years and only 400,000 qualified graduates.

Learning to program can start with a clear goal, such as creating an interactive map of a city.

Early programming experiences often involve simple tasks like asking for personal information or creating shapes on the screen.

The feeling of creating a 'Hello world!' program can be astonishing and enlightening.

Programming can lead to a sense of illumination and understanding as one opens doors to new knowledge.

Creating with code is a form of creativity, with the potential to make previously impossible things.

Collaboration in programming is key to success, as it stimulates ideas and leads to greater achievements.

The demand for engineers and programmers far exceeds the supply, leading to a 'charmed life' for those in the field.

Offices are being made more attractive to attract the best talent, with perks like free food, laundry, and recreational facilities.

Computers and programming are pervasive across all industries, not just traditional tech jobs.

Despite our reliance on technology, many people lack the ability to read and write code.

Programming in classrooms can enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with potential positive impacts on other subjects.

Learning to code does not require genius-level intelligence, but rather determination and basic math skills.

The potential impact of software on humanity and its role in helping people was a realization that could have changed perspectives earlier on.

Programming is an empowering skill that allows one to turn ideas into reality and potentially reach millions.

Programmers are likened to the wizards of the future, possessing 'magic powers' in comparison to others.

Great coders are compared to today's rockstars, highlighting the cultural impact and admiration for programming skills.

Code.org is presented as a resource to start learning this 'superpower'.

Transcripts

"Everybody in this country should learn how to program a computer...

because it teaches you how to think." - Steve Jobs

What do you want to be when you grow up? Um... an astronaut.

I want to be a fashion designer. A basketball player. I want to be an actor. A doctor. A

teacher. A chef. An artist. What do you wanna be when you grow up? A mermaid!

(interviewer) Do you know what a computer programmer is? (student) Yeah--umm... no. No. Uhh, no.

I think it's something that has code and it's able to decode a mystery. I think that they...

umm, wait what? (interviewer) Computer programmer? (student) No.

Nowadays, just about everything requires some form of programming. So what is it?

Programming is basically explaining to a computer what you want it to do for you. When you're programming, you're teaching possibly

the stupidest thing in the universe, a computer, how to do something. Programming is one of

the only things in the world that you can do where you can sit down and just make something

completely new from scratch-whatever you want. It's really not unlike playing an instrument

or playing a sport. It starts out being very intimidating, but you kind of get the hang

of it over time. Coding is something that can be learned and I know it can be intimidating,

and a lot of things are intimidating, but what isn't? A lot of the coding people do

is actually fairly simple. It's more about the process of breaking down problems than

coming up with complicated algorithms as people traditionally think about it. Well if it's

fairly simple, why aren't there more of us doing it? Over the next 10 years there will

be 1.4 million jobs in computer science and only about 400,000 grads qualify for those

jobs. That's a shortage of a million people! So how do you start?

I was obsessed with maps when I was a kid, and cities specifically, so I taught myself how to program. I had a

very clear goal of what I wanted to do which was to see a map of the city on my screen

and play with it. Put things on the map, move things around the map, see what was happening

in the city. How it worked, how it lived, how it breathed. The best early thing was

actually using software to decide when the classes in my school would meet. And that

put me in a position to decide which girls were in my class.

The first program I wrote asked things like, "What's your favorite color?" or "How old are you?" I first learned how

to make a green circle and a red square appear on the screen. The first time I actually had

something come up and say "Hello world!" I made a computer do that? It was astonishing.

When I finally learned a little bit of programming, that blank wall resolved into a bunch of doors.

And you open them and finally you start to open enough doors that the light comes in.

And to me, a finished program is like a structure filled with light. All the corners are illuminated

and you understand the structure of it. It's a really serene feeling to have completed that.

It took me some time to realize that creating things with your hands or creating

code, creating programs is just a different way to express creativity. I think right now

there's a big emergence of the culture of making. People who make their own scarves

and hats, people who write their own apps. Now it's just limited by your imagination.

And sort of what kinds of ideas, what kind of understanding can you build into a computer

to do these things that were previously impossible.

All great things are built in teams when you

collaborate with other smart people. You're testing your ideas, you're stimulating each

other, that's what makes us successful. It's not some flash of brilliance from somebody

who codes 24 hours a day for 3 weeks. The magic happens when we're all on the same page

collaborating and building something together. There's a much greater need in the world for

engineers and people who can write code than there will ever be supply. And so we all live

these very charmed lives. To get the very best people we try to make the office as awesome as possible.

We have a fantastic chef. Free food. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Free laundry.

Snacks. Even places to play and video games and scooters. There's all these kind of interesting

things around the office.

Places where people can play or relax, or go to think, or play music, or be creative.

I went on the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the United States

and there's about a third of the pie that's all the things that you would expect. They're

working for the government, they're working in typical technology jobs, but then the rest

of the pie--the majority of the pie--just split down into these little tiny slices of

every industry imaginable. And what it is, is computers are everywhere! Do you want to

work in agriculture? Do you want to work in entertainment? Do you want to work in manufacturing?

It's just all over.

Here we are, 2013, and we all depend on technology to communicate,

to bank. Information. And none of us know how to read and write code.

So you guys, what else? Who else has an idea of what we can change with our program?

What else can we do?

What I saw my students take away from using Scratch and programming in our classroom

is that they're willing to push through problems. It really builds critical thinking. It builds

problem solving. And it's something that they can then apply to math in the classroom. Or

their reading skills. We integrated science with this programming and I saw my scores

go up 30%. When I was in school I was in this after school club called the Whiz Kids and

when people found out they laughed at me. You know all these things. And I'm like, man

I don't care. I think it's cool. You know I'm learning a lot and some of my friends

have jobs. It's important for these kids. It should be mandatory. To be a citizen on

this planet, to read and write code.

I just think you have to start small. That's one of the biggest misconceptions about

computer science and programming overall is that you

have to learn this big body of information before you can do anything. You don't have

to be a genius to know how to code. You need to be determined. Addition, subtraction, that's

about it. You should probably know your multiplication tables. You don't have to be a genius to code.

Do you have to be a genius to read? Do you have to be a genius to do math? No. I think

if someone had told me that software is really about humanity. That it's really about helping

people by using computer technology, it would have changed my outlook a lot earlier. Whether

you're trying to make a lot of money or whether you just want to change the world, computer

programming is an incredibly empowering skill to learn. To be able to actually come up with

an idea and then see it in your hands and then press a button and have it be in millions

of people's hands, I think we're the first generation in the world that's really had

that kind of experience. The programmers of tomorrow are the wizards of the future. You're

going to look like you have magic powers compared to everybody else. I think it's amazing. I

think it's the closest thing we have to a superpower. Great coders are today's rockstars.

That's it.

To start learning a superpower go to Code.org.