Google is going to fund computer science teachers -- as well as teaching aids such as the Raspberry Pi mini computer -- in UK schools, the BBC reports.
The search giant is partnered with a charity called Teach First, a programme that trains graduates in the art of computer education before sending them out to schools, where they mould young minds with classes taught over a two-year period.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt -- who last year criticised the state of the UK's computer education -- unveiled the company's plans at a conference in London.
"Technology breakthroughs can't happen without the scientists and engineers to make them," Schmidt said. "The challenge that society faces is to equip enough people, with the right skills and mindset, and get them to work on the most important problems."
Google's aim is, presumably, to ensure the UK keeps producing programming whizz-kids, who it can hire can keep the country competitive when it comes to crafting exciting new technology.
"While not every child is going to become a programmer, those with aptitude shouldn't be denied the chance," Schmidt said.
Google's cash will be used to train up over 100 teachers over the next three years. The scheme is currently limited to seven UK regions -- the East Midlands, Kent and Medway, London, the North East, North West, West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber.
The dirt-cheap Raspberry Pi computer is going to be deployed in the scheme, with Schmidt likening the £22 computer to the BBC Micro, which gave many UK kids their first taste of computing. The Google chief said there's "no reason why Raspberry Pi shouldn't have the same impact, with the right support".
Arduino starter kits were also mentioned as a possible teaching aid.
How was your tech education? Would you have enjoyed lessons in programming? Do you think big companies like Google should have a say in what our children learn? Chalk up a comment or permanently mark our Facebook wall.
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anonymous 24 May, 2012 10:54
That ginger kid is cute. Shame he will grow up to have no human rights. At least, I think that's the law.
anonymous 24 May, 2012 11:09
I wish they had this when I were still at school.
It ought to be the government that realise that education in computing border on useless. I was taught how to use Excel, Word and a bit on the names of a few pieces of hardware - of course I never paid any attention because, like most kids, I knew all this stuff already and wasted the time on Flash games instead.
So I suppose that my respect for Google grows dramatically when they do things like this. I imagine that the long-term plan is proving how useful it is so that the government will invest more and have change the syllabus, thus forcing schools to hire more capable teachers.
anonymous 24 May, 2012 12:40
And this is why it's not necessarily a bad thing when - as recently reported - the government holds meetings with companies like Google. What do you think they discuss at meetings like that? Hmmm?
Anyway...I'm all for this. Kids should be given the opportunity to learn programming languages like they would be given the opportunity for learning vocal languages. I would have much preferred to exchange my French lessons for the opportunity to learn a programming language or two.
anonymous 24 May, 2012 12:43
The important question here is whether this policy will turn, handsome and sporty students into fat, pizza-gorging layabouts of the type who are, without exception, interested in computers and self-abuse
anonymous 23 March, 2013 23:39
When I was a lad thermionic valves ruled the roost of electronics. Logic gates were made of discrete components. You knew what "and" and "or" and latches were because you could see them working, monitoring with a volt meter. Computing was an engineering requirement you built up. There are plenty of young engineers who can still think and design this way despite the way they have been taught.
Education should be a science by now but it has not yet reached that level. New teaching methods seem to rise as frequently as new education ministers. An example of how futile some efforts can be was the UK schools IT initiative, Despite billions spent on new IT ewuipment the level of numeracy and literacy actually fell. What were the kids doing? Playing games on the new gear? What were the teachers doing? Wondering how to us all this gear to teach kids who did not want to learn? After 3 years the equipment was out of date and not much use even for teaching keyboard and editing skills!