Tech in the world of today cannot be overlooked at all, not just because of the potential it has in transforming people's financial status for the better, but, because of it's high demand. Tech encompasses many aspects In which coding and programming is just one of them, there are other areas like the UI/UX, account management, cyber security, data analysis , product management, and many more.
Now back to the prompt question of if it's necessary to make It compulsory for everyone to have a basic knowledge of Tech before they're old enough to choose their field?
At first glance, this sounds like a good idea to enforce for many reasons, but, on deeper thoughts, Is it really necessary?
In my opinion , what should be compulsory should rather be skill acquisition, but , the skill in particular should be left to the discretion of the person. This is because every person has their own comfort zone- the environment, activities, and leaning methods where they thrive the most.
What is the need of knowing a little bit of everything, yet a mastery of none? Why not channel that energy into perfecting that singular field you so much love? Even though perfection is a mirage, lol.
Believe me, when you are not interested In anything or for instance coding as the case may be ,but, you are made to have background knowledge of it, when a real-world task arises for yourself, you will eventually go out In search of a pro. So what's then the point of spending so much hours learning something you might never be able to apply confidently or independently? Time is a limited resources which should be invested wisely.
Maybe it is because I am coming from the point of view of someone that studied and stays in Nigeria where we have so many irrelevant courses imbibed in our academic curriculum with courses that has no alignment with what the students are studying. Before you know it, you lose track of what you are actually studying as you keep on juggling between irrelevant subjects and guess what? Those other courses drain not just your long hours of time but also your energy because they somehow take longer hours for you to grasp them, probably because they weren't your niche to start with and when you eventually start studying what you were meant to study, you are rushed to do it as there is little time left before your graduation.
Please do not get me wrong, I am not saying coding is not good or relevant especially not in our world of tech today. What I am saying rather is that everyone would not be a coding pro, there are other components of tech like I have mentioned and each of them needs a pro there.
I rather suggest teaching students about Tech in general with the various components duly outlined, then allowing everyone to make the decision of the field the prefer and would love to explore because Education they say, should be about offering exposure and choice, not enforcing uniformity.
To me, I believe that would bea better approach in equipping our generation.
Thanks for reading and have a nice day ahead 👍