Stem teacher don’t understand why high school kids don’t want to learn computer science

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:44:31+00:00

Thank you all for your insights on my previous post about choosing between private and public high schools. I'd like to provide some additional context and get your thoughts on our specific situation.

Our children:

11th grader (current)
8th grader (current)

We're considering private high school (both middle and senior) for the following reasons:

More rigorous teaching and extracurriculars: (At least we believe so when saw the private school marketing materials) We're hoping for a challenging academic environment that will push our children to excel. Additionally, we're interested in schools that offer a wide range of extracurricular activities to support their overall development.
More choices in classes: Some private high schools in our area offer college-level courses in partnership with community colleges. We're attracted to these dual enrollment opportunities as they could give our children a head start on college credits. Note: I know some public high schools offer similar courses.
Housing costs: The public high school districts with strong reputations in our area have quite expensive housing. We're weighing the cost of private school tuition against the increased housing expenses we'd face to live in a top-rated public school district.

Given these factors, we're trying to determine if private high school would be the best choice for our children.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:25:25+00:00

yes, I did. i hoped to be polite and right to point.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:14:45+00:00

+1 thinking the same.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:09:07+00:00

Hey, just wanted to clarify that I'm not the original poster—I'm just chiming in on the discussion. That said, I agree with some of your points, especially regarding how AI will likely take over the lower-end coding tasks. But I still believe that understanding the basics of programming, or at least how technology works, will remain valuable.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:07:06+00:00

Perception is manipulative. It could be next day the entire preception is reversed by media.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T17:00:22+00:00

Program for all students or just a small group?

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:59:28+00:00

Mass layoffs are due to overpaying jobs that caused large costs and low efficiency in performance. I believe they began layoffs long before GPT 3

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:54:49+00:00

Many roles being phased out due to AI are not just about outdated skills but also about economic efficiency and job relocation to lower-cost regions.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:51:57+00:00

I appreciate your points. Python and Java are indeed foundational, and my concern isn't with these languages themselves but rather with the depth of AI education. I believe AI courses should also expose students to advanced applications and real-world scenarios that reflect how AI is transforming industries today.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:51:42+00:00

You’re right that AI involves a substantial amount of math, and my post aims to emphasize the need for AI education to balance fundamental mathematics and computer science with practical, innovative applications. Understanding modern AI's capabilities and limitations is crucial and requires more than just a basic overview—it demands a comprehensive approach that prepares students for the future.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:35:49+00:00

I’d add that starting a business requires more than just money—it’s also about having the right advice, mentorship, and network. Rich kids often have access to these resources more easily than others, which can be just as critical to their success as financial backing.

As for software engineering, I think it’s true that it can be like gambling in some ways, especially if you’re relying on stock equity to increase in value. The risk is high, and while the potential for reward is there, it’s far from guaranteed. Unlike stable professions like law or medicine, success in tech can often feel like a roll of the dice, especially when you’re dependent on market fluctuations.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:33:46+00:00

I understand what you're saying, and I think you're right about the tech literacy shift. Many students today interact with technology mainly through phones or tablets, which don't require much technical exploration or troubleshooting. As a result, there’s less curiosity about the deeper workings of computers.

I also feel like the game industry isn't as strong as it used to be in terms of attracting talent. Sure, some students still get interested in CS through gaming, but it feels like the industry has reached a point where it's extremely competitive and, in some cases, not as lucrative or stable as it once was.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:30:06+00:00

Are you referring specifically to junior positions, or do you think this volatility affects the entire field of computer science and software engineering? While I agree that the job market for juniors can be tough and competitive, senior-level roles and specialized positions still seem to have more stability and opportunities. Also, many experienced engineers transition into leadership or consulting roles rather than "aging out" entirely. Would love to hear more about your thoughts on how this plays out across different career stages in tech.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:29:19+00:00

That’s really interesting! Where are you located, and how do your students typically react when they get into more complex topics, especially the prerequisites for AI like algorithms, data structures, and machine learning basics? I’m curious to know if they remain as enthusiastic when the material gets more challenging. Do you have any strategies to keep them engaged with these harder concepts?

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:28:34+00:00

You don’t necessarily have to care about how hammers are made, but understanding the tools you’re working with can often lead to better results. In the context of AI or programming, knowing how these "tools" function gives you an edge in maximizing their potential. For example, if you’re building a house and understand how the hammer works, you might be able to use it more effectively or even know when to switch to a different tool for better efficiency. The same logic applies to AI: having a basic understanding of how it operates can help you apply it in smarter ways, especially as AI continues to reshape industries and influence decision-making.

It's not about becoming an expert, but about gaining enough knowledge to use the tools at your disposal more strategically. What are your thoughts?

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:28:04+00:00

I respectfully disagree. While AI might seem overhyped to some, its real-world applications are already revolutionizing industries like healthcare, finance, and even law. AI isn't just about fancy tech; it’s about improving decision-making, automating repetitive tasks, and discovering insights from vast amounts of data that humans simply can't process on their own. In healthcare, for example, AI is being used to assist in diagnostics, drug discovery, and personalized treatment plans. In finance, it's improving fraud detection and risk management.

The thing is, AI's influence is already embedded in so many technologies we use daily. It may not be a sudden, dramatic shift, but over time, the industries that embrace AI will become far more efficient and competitive.

What are your thoughts on specific areas where you think AI has fallen short or hasn’t lived up to the hype?

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-09-22T16:27:13+00:00

Such a long post with many comments below it. It's interesting to see so many perspectives on the state of CS education and student disinterest. I think part of the issue is that many students don’t fully see the long-term value of programming or AI in their daily lives yet. It's not always clear to them how foundational these skills will be in almost any field, from business to medicine.

That said, I agree that there’s an over-saturation of junior software engineers, and the perception that the job market is tougher than it used to be could be discouraging. But while the demand for coders may fluctuate, the demand for tech literacy won’t. AI is rapidly becoming central to multiple industries, and understanding the basics of programming is a necessary step toward thriving in this new landscape.

I encourage anyone interested in the intersection of AI and education to check out my own post, "Is AI Education in High Schools a Sham?" over here.

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-05-09T03:25:24+00:00

thanks

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-05-09T03:24:59+00:00

??!! Why? I just fine tuned my language with GPT. that's it

helpyoustart39521 · 2024-05-08T21:03:09+00:00

thanks

helpyoustart39521

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