Coding is today's education, tomorrow's literacy

More than 90% of today's jobs require high-level digital skills, with demand increasing annually by 3% and the number of computer science graduates decreasing. In a few years we will learn computer science the way we learn reading and writing. Many executives warn that in a few years those who do not know code will be considered illiterate as it will form the core of all workforce skills». Unfortunately, however, our country's digital image is negative, as shown in a European Commission study, which ranks it 26th among the 28 EU member states, 3rd in digital capabilities. It is only ahead of Bulgaria and Romania.

Why, however, should someone who does not belong to the field of Computer Science learn programming?

Having programming knowledge, a young person will have easier access to the job market, becoming automatically competitive. Basic programming skills will now be required from candidates and will be included in the descriptions of many job positions in the near future.

Sectors such as Banking, Medicine or Journalism will have as a prerequisite basic knowledge of code and programming, said the president of CEPIS, underlining the need to upgrade IT in Greek education.
Programming, on the other hand, is an integral part of all of our everyday lives (e.g. when we use GPS while driving or other online applications). The average programmer's salary exceeds $ 140,000 per year. Despite the high demand and high salaries, the paradox is that the number of IT graduates in Europe is constantly decreasing. Today, less than 20% of IT professionals are under 30 years old. At a European level, the average age of IT professionals is 42 years old. The sector lacks talent. At the same time, the representation of women is also low: the percentage of women in the IT sector is only 15% across Europe (highest percentage in Ireland 22%, lowest percentages 10%-11% in Italy, Belgium, Spain, the Netherlands) according to a CEPIS survey.

Getcoding.gr

Getcoding.gr, an initiative for young people who wish to acquire basic programming knowledge, is now “in the air”. The action specifically aims to become a very useful tool for parents and educators who wish to inspire the youth in the logic of New Technologies.

The young participants in the Getcoding game learn easily and quickly basic concepts such as loops, conditionals, questions, and flowcharts, while developing skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, logic, creativity, and algorithmic thinking. As part of the initiative, school visits, informational seminars and workshops will be held in many regions of Greece, through which educators will provide targeted information to the youth about Programming and its prospects.

At the same time, prizes such as tablets, laptops and mobile phones will be raffled among the candidates who will complete all 10 tracks of the game. Getcoding.gr is part of the international Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Microsoft YouthSpark, through which Microsoft places young people at the center of its actions, having taken into account two parameters: the high unemployment rates observed among young people and the ever-growing opportunity gap between those who have the skills and opportunities to succeed and those who lack them. Getcoding is implemented by the Hellenic Network of IT Professionals (HePIS), Microsoft Hellas and PEOPLECERT, while it is supported by ManpowerGroup, Master KEK and Career in Progress. The game is sponsored by the educational applications development company Intelearn.

Simultaneously, Getcoding joins the initiative “Computing in Schools” of the European Council of Professional ICT Unions (CEPIS) through which CEPIS aims to encourage the inclusion of ICT in school curricula. According to Mr. Timo Platsa, Director of Communications & Corporate Social Responsibility at Microsoft Hellas: “Through this collective initiative we aim to help young people across Greece acquire basic programming knowledge and maximize their capabilities. Just like Getbusy.gr, GetCoding, as part of the Microsoft Youthspark program, will be close to the youth to contribute towards this direction».

Mr. Panagiotis Georgiadis, General Secretary of HePIS noted: «HePIS as a sponsor of programs that encourage creativity, ambition and youthful vision, actively contributes to initiatives that showcase the potential of young people through the use of IT. Thus, Getcoding.gr aims to encourage young people to become informed about Programming, acquire useful knowledge and skills for their professional career».

Source: naftemporiki.gr