Technology is ubiquitous: from our Alexa alarm waking us, to Bluetooth-enabled toothbrushes monitoring our dental hygiene habits, to our Apple smartphone and watch guiding us to our daily school timetable.
Our recreation is fueled by gaming computers and virtual reality goggles.
In the modern world, computing capability and knowledge may be as important as reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Our school was established during an industrial engineering revolution, with the machines, trains, and automation of many tasks. It was also when Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron and the mother of machine programming, developed her mathematical algorithms.
Haverford has always been at the forefront of scholarship and advancement; however, we seem to have slowed down in embracing the computer science revolution.
Given the increasing significance of technology in every job sector, making computer science a compulsory course in high school could benefit students and future society.
English is a key subject in school, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will become a writer; it will teach you how to speak, write, and understand your country’s language.
A similar truth is present in computer science, where basics taught at a young age can help the future generation be aware of their online presence and understand how their electronic devices work.
Ultimately, a basic understanding and application of algorithms, data analysis, and programming will equip the Haverford graduate with skills that can be applied to whichever career path they may follow.
The elite athlete could apply computer science to track and enhance his performance, the future film producer would utilize the skills to transform the cinematographic experience, and the future medical doctor could harness technological capabilities to enhance human health.
Computer science is the most integrated of all subjects, incorporating math, physics, chemistry, language, engineering, creativity, art, and design. I argue it is the most important subject to master and should be compulsory for all students.
