I think it makes sense to first teach problem solving and logic from an early age, then maybe touch a little on actual programming later on.
Yes, programming may not be useful to most people, but problem solving, however, is. The ability to break a seemingly insurmountable problem into a number of smaller feasibly possible problems is an incredibly valuable skill. Then at a later stage, maybe mid-secondary school, a short programming project could be introduced, drawing from the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving lessons. Those who become interested in programming are then encouraged to continue learning to program and those who aren't still have the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving that they can apply across a vast number of careers.
The problem, I feel, with my generation is that we're too often called 'Digital Natives'. We lull ourselves into believing that we are 'good with computers' when in reality we haven't a clue as to whats going on beneath the surface.
To make a comparison, its like being able to operate a microwave oven versus understanding how a microwave oven works. We press a few buttons and four minutes later that frozen lasagne is piping hot. But from a purely academic point of view, wouldn't it be fantastic if everyone had an understanding of the process in between?
Oh, and list 10 distinct careers where an in-depth knowledge of the Haber process is required, as that is one of the areas taught in GCSE Science for a disproportionate length of time.
Also - Just as a side note - Please share this post. I would like to get as wide a set of opinions as possible so I can assess the general consensus of opinion cross-industry in a few days. Thanks, J
Matt, its not so much the price Im worried about, If I had to, I would make that much to fund my education, the thing I worry about is he value college brings. Would I be 'wasting' 2 years for all intents and purposes when I could be applying my time elsewhere?
The tax-payer pay you to do those two years don't they?
Personally I'd stick at school to do A-levels unless you were going in to something which is guaranteeing to make you a living and progress your career.
I should probably add some more detail to the story:
1)I have a place confirmed at a good college, Im considering if I should take it
2)I have a multitude of job offers although I have one in particular earmarked as favourite
3)Through spending so much time working with startups/government/media in London, I have built up a great network of contacts already - unfortunately, I'd be unable to to the same thing at college
4)As one commenter pointed out - the startup is very time intensive and will need funding and someone to work on it full time in the near future
5)In reply to another comment, I do have a precise vision of exactly where I want to be. Being a 'successful entrepreneur' can mean a hundred different things to a hundred different people.
6)I dont fear failure if there is a possibility of success - I do however believe that taking such a massive risk is stupidity if there is NO chance of success. My blog post also acts as a way for me to 'test the waters' as it were to find out if success if possible.
I'll add a couple of points with no clear plan and trying not to lead you too much.
First, it's not education or work. You can get a job and have a day in college or get a part time job and do a part-time college course. You can do "distance learning" eg with the Open University and do a full time job. You can go to Uni and fit in some work around it (again varies with course and type of work).
You can get start up grants when you're young, eg from Princes Trust.
Consider taking a job for a year and then reassess your situation. Will going to college genuinely further your career (depends on the field IMO)?
When you leave full time education you'll have to declare your earnings to HMRC even if they don't reach the lower earnings limit, this will effect the household income if you still live with your parents and could affect whatever housing benefit and income support they have. I'm not an expert on such things (it can get very complicated) but it will be a factor if you're earning and stay at home.
As far as I know about a year or two. The problem I'd have with that is the fact that I probably wouldn't be able to fund going back to college - taking a break for a few years would set me back about another $20,000
If you take point 2) - the job offer - you could save lots of money with your lean lifestyle, no?
Or you find a big investor, found a limited and pay yourself a salary of which you save some money for school.
Of course all that is easier said than done.
If 'college' in the UK (where do I find info?) is similar to the "Kollegstufe" in Germany, specifically Bavaria, I would very much recommend it. We were allowed to choose majors, stop taking some courses, attendance wasn't always required, lots of free time and still a great and demanding liberal arts education. It was ten times more fun and effective then all the years before.
The above conversation is a perfect example of why the HackerNews community is order of magnitude better than any other community I know of. Brilliant.
Yes, programming may not be useful to most people, but problem solving, however, is. The ability to break a seemingly insurmountable problem into a number of smaller feasibly possible problems is an incredibly valuable skill. Then at a later stage, maybe mid-secondary school, a short programming project could be introduced, drawing from the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving lessons. Those who become interested in programming are then encouraged to continue learning to program and those who aren't still have the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving that they can apply across a vast number of careers.