President Obama suggests computer programming in schools

Recently in a Google+ Fireside Hangout conversation, President Obama got on the topic of videogames, in which he announced that students across the country should be learning how to develop videogames - not just playing them.

Obama credited children's existing knowledge of technology and the internet as a main reason for introducing computer programming into elementary schools. These programs would inspire a stronger passion for programming which, in turn, makes the students job-ready when they graduate from highschool.

The argument is highly logical, seeing how booming the videogame industry is. Simultaneously, good computer programmers are being sought after by all types of companies.

President Obama acknowledged that a lot of high-school graduates are not going to pursue a four-year education at a University, but it is still important to work with those students to try developing a new-found passion.

A key aspect of the President's argument is the potential for students to become more interested in math and sciences, as both are very closely tied in to computer programming and videogame development.

As President Obama stated, "Given how pervasive computers and the Internet is now and how integral it is in our economy and how fascinated kids are with it, I want to make sure that they know how to actually produce stuff using computers and not simply consume stuff."

The President has recently called for further research on whether there is a legitimate connection between violence in videogames and real-world violence.

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, Pittsburgh Video Game Examiner

Sam T. Tuchin is a published writer for several online entertainment magazines, including What Culture and We Got This Covered. Sam is a second year college student majoring in criminology and minoring in computer science. Sam is the host of a videogame-themed television show for his university ...

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