Coding — A necessity across the globe

Humans have always been the most intelligent primates to populate this earth. The constant hunt for knowledge clubbed with the speed of evolution has made us one of the most unconquerable species. The speed with which humans have evolved can be attributed to the fact that they have upgraded their skills faster than the changing environment around them.

The birth of fire is one of the oldest examples of the win of human excellence over its surroundings. Nothing much has changed over the centuries. Skill Upgrade is still recognized as an important catalyst for our growth. Right from tracking the daily trades by using pebbles, to developing models that predict business, using Artificial Intelligence (AI), technological evolution has come a long way. Computers and the multitude of codes within are no longer just Sci-fi concepts to us.

The pace at which technology has overpowered the animate and inanimate world equally, there will be a scarcity of people who are prepared to readily adapt to it. Getting oneself go toe by toe with the world around you while being a step back will be a Herculean task, which is why imbibing new skills at a regular pace, from a young age is the need of the hour.

This is where the saying “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today” comes handy.

Where does Coding fit in?

It is time that we accept the fact that just as learning new languages is important, so is learning the language of computers. Figuring out how the 0s and 1s of the binary world work help build an analytical mind, in turn shaping a creative perspective towards life problems.

All across the globe, nations have started to recognize the link between Technology and Economic growth. Their progressive policies and execution plans help them stay ahead in this dynamically challenging game. These are the countries that have now declared their presence on the Digital map.

As an example, let’s look at Singapore.

One of the smallest nations, it is one of the most prominent on the Digital map. Children there are introduced to coding and its importance even before they enter primary school, at an age as early as 4. Recently, a mandatory 10-hour coding program has been built into their upper primary school curriculum. Along with other improvements in its education sector, it is also making huge investments to promote Robotics and AI. This digitally skilled population is in turn helping in the country’s growth and also creating viable solutions for others.

Likewise, there are many other developed nations who are leading this change from the front. Not just Silicon Valley, but multiple technology hubs are sprouting in London, Tokyo, Tel Aviv, Stockholm, and many more, making more and more jobs available for the enthusiastic.

As per experts, coding and mastering more than one programming language will be one of the major skills that almost every technology job would demand. Secondly, as a result of constant Digitalization, there is also a negative shift in the overall Employment graph for other vocational practices. As per a survey conducted in 2016, 4 out of every 10 jobs created are technology-oriented. Automation of almost every process around us is another key factor taking over the global market, wiping out manual labour slowly and steadily.

As per the projections shared by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, around 14% of workers are facing an unsure towards the sustainability of their job. Another 32% will be facing a skill challenge, as they will be forced to update their skill set to survive in the near future. Digitalization is profoundly affecting the work scenario, as to how people are now envisioning their workplace, how their job impacts their social and private life. Dusty workplaces requiring manual work are being replaced by more productive and rewarding jobs.

How can we make it happen?

India, as a rapidly developing nation, has started this journey too. Although we are at a very nascent stage right now, there is a lot of traction happening on this front. Giants of the technology world have recognized the talent hidden in the country, which is our responsibility to nurture. There is still a lot of ground to be covered, no doubt before we see coding and programming being accepted as a form of liberal art and expression of intelligence that everyone can embrace. Currently, most of the Indian schools are focusing only on the textbook knowledge of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The irony here is, that 67% of the jobs in the STEM system require digital capability, but unfortunately, less than 12% of students opt for Computer Science in their Bachelor’s degree.

It is to bridge this disparity that the Government is steadily coming up with policy changes to build a strong ecosystem that will ensure that the coming generations are future-ready. Many startups have worked their way into children’s homes through their easily accessible and affordable online applications. According to the final draft of the New Education Policy 2020, Coding and Programming will be one of the mandatory subjects in the secondary school’s curriculum. It should be followed by every private and public school operating in the country.

This ongoing Digital revolution would very well be called the Industrial revolution in the near future. So, let’s make our children not only literate but also Digitally Literate.