Computing Pre-University: Challenges in K-12 Computing Education

Many educators agree that computer science provides the knowledge and skills foundation for contemporary technological advances; thus, learning computing, and in particular computer science, is essential for enhancing IT fluency. Specifically, the instructional design should concentrate on educating a proficient graduate who would master IT on three orthogonal axes—concepts (basic ideas that underlie the domain), capabilities (related to problem solving), and skills (related to IT literacy).

One main goal is to assist students in bridging the gap between using and understanding computers. Another important goal is to make students realize the benefits of studying computer science, since it may serve as an entry point for other disciplines. Computing education should be planned for and adapted accordingly to various populations: (a) all students, especially those who wish to obtain expertise in the field, and (b) scientists of tomorrow.

Keywords: computing science; educational technology; computing education