Why Elementary Schools should Teach Java | Andrew Svehaug | TEDxElCajonSalon

What if our schools made Computer Science as high of a priority as our sports programs? How young can students begin learning actual programming languages - such as Java? In this uplifting TEDx talk, Andrew Svehaug makes a case for why students should learn Java beginning in elementary school, and for how high expectations will benefit students of all backgrounds to be prepared for success in school and life.
Andrew Svehaug is the Founder and CEO of Code To The Future, an organization dedicated to developing advanced Computer Science skills in students beginning in Kindergarten. He believes ensuring that all students have access to high-quality Computer Science and STEM programming is a social justice issue, and that high expectations are the key to equity in Computer Science Education.
In an effort to create a replicable model for advanced Computer Science Education at the elementary school level, Code To The Future partnered with the Cajon Valley Union School District to launch America’s first K-5 Computer Science Magnet Schools. Among other distinct characteristics in this model, students as young as 4th grade begin learning Java in a programming environment used by professional software engineers.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@stevenmcdonald1901]

Wish I had an opportunity like that even in high school. I didn't realize I enjoyed Boolean mathematics or start programming until two years ago when I was introduced to it in my second year of college. SE 9 just introduced jshell which may make it a bit easier to teach the basics when starting out.

[@thememestar2090]

I agree Java is the source program the kids at elementary schools should teach Java

[@upamasimkhada5596]

I agree with your concept

[@pyrimad8]

Im thinking of taking a 10 week course of learning java at my school

[@stevenmcdonald1901]

Konko there are many other cheaper or free options to do that. I learned SE 6 in one class and SE 7 in Java 2. This was less than two years ago, and SE 9 is out with other major updates on the way. Learning legacy libraries and classes is most likely not worth it unless your job role would force you to work with outdated systems. SE 9 also introduces jshell which helps make it easier to start learning Java. Try checking out other alternatives for learning materials before paying exuberant prices to a school. I've learned more up-to-date information watching KZbin videos, looking at JEPs, buying newer versions of text books on Amazon, etc. than I did from my Java courses in college. In fact I had to look for research materials outside of the course just to do the assignments properly. Two books I would recommend are the classic Design Patterns Elements of Reusable Object-Oriented Software which helps to teach some tips and tricks for design, and the latest version of an intermediate (not introductory) Java book as a reference and introduction to advanced topics and the latest updates in Java once you've learned the basics from the many free sites out there. At the time of this comment Java SE 9 would be the version to look for material on, however this may change soon so make sure to check on sites like oracle for up-to-date information before ordering any research materials, or wasting your time learning depreciated classes and libraries.

[@EldenSoulsVids]

I feel like i didnt learn anything worth a damn when i was in gradeschool

[@petersenrex]

Actually Javascript is the most widely used computer language by far and it's not a bad choice for beginners. My 7 year old has is coding in Javascript and is really loving it.

[@cttf4551]

If you view the Tiobe index at the time of the speech, you can verify that the speaker was correct about Java. As he mentions in his summary, his premise was about the importance of teaching real programming languages, which would also include Javascript. Code To The Future teaches multiple languages including Javascript.

[@violent_bebop9687]

Nah man, didn't you get the memo? Some guy said we should make Individual Reparation Accounts instead.....that'll help society advance further for sure dude...

[@deadleaves1985]

I disagree, kids should try something more fun and simple to get into programming, not damn Java. Something simple, maybe intepreted language like Ruby with dynamic typing but not awful implicit type coercion (which rules out javascript and php, among other). Or maybe elixir - it's compiled, but with great tooling and simple syntax. Or smalltalk, really. Something that is real OO or functional, not enterprise pseudo OO like Java. Kotlin is another fine choice - runs on JVM and google's recommendation for mobile apps. Those kids surely all have smartphones, it must be fun for them

[@stevenmcdonald1901]

Java SE 9 introduced jshell specifically to make it easier to learn Java as a first programming language. There have been many other major changes in the past few versions (7, 8, 9) as well. It is a full OOP language, it is versatile, and powerful. The learning curve used to give Java a bad rap, you should check it out now security has greatly improved, SE 9 just introduced modularization, there have been many major changes to ensure stability, speed, and accuracy, etc.

[@rd434]

Disagree. Teach children java will make most of them hate programming.

[@DickNiaz26]

Come on, Java is not that bad. I'll thumbs up you anyways for making me laugh.

[@deadleaves1985]

My thoughts exactly, I started with C# when it was miles ahead of Java, and still very happily switched to Ruby/Elixir, never looked back

[@makara2711]

ikr, he's spoke as if it can be applied to all children, but sadly, more than half of all learners will hate programming, and introducing a language like java will only increase it

[@codetothefuture]

@@makara2711 He is speaking from firsthand experience of seeing the positive impact on students through this approach.