The need for Mandatory Programming in Namibia's Basic Education Curriculum

THE BIGGER PICTURE

African has been left far behind on industrial revolution; we imports all machineries and we became mere users… though very good users sometimes; we did little to manufacture and produce our own machineries even if raw materials used are available; we blame this on “bantu education”, “colonialism”, shortage of “energy/power” etc.; we spent and invest resources on acquiring of machines more than on venturing on how to make some; we have been relying on western for technical services until now… ever heard of an African company contracted to do work in Europe or America…? When they are here we mostly play role of labors…Anyway… Industrial revolution seemed to have passed and we have lost it…

WHAT EXCUSES DO WE HAVE TODAY?

As the world is embarking upon the third revolution…. What excuses do we have to be left as mere users…? Can we still blame bantu education/colonialism/shortage of energy? What resources is mostly needed to excel in the third revolution…? Do we have such resources? For industrial revolution, resources for Machines needed lots of energy and efforts to produce and be made available for use… is it the same case in the current revolution…? What are the resources needed most for the current revolution…?

   In the current revolution, our brains are the most useful resources, but how do we make sure that our brains are ready for the challenges and solutions of the 21st century….?

Education/Curriculum

Research shows that peoples tend to grasp concepts and master skills when at younger age; currently, Computing is only available at few schools in the country and only from Junior Secondary level; there is a need to introduce learners to programming from Primary level; more than 50% of European countries have made coding compulsory for their curriculum right from primary; Estonia, Japan, Israel, China, USA and Canada are also among the countries that have made coding mandatory from primary level; I am yet to learn about an African country that has done the same… can you relate the rate of innovation and development in those countries…? In Africa, we are focusing more on teaching our learners how to use software/computer application more than how to design/develop them; so, what would happen if we don’t take action and start programming?

Douglas Rushkoff (2010) has warned that if you cannot program, then you risk being programmed by someone else…We learnt “not only how to listen but also how to speak” we learnt “not only how to read but also how to write” we must learn “not only how to use programs but also how to write them” “The industrial age challenged us to rethink the limits of our bodies… while the digital age is challenging us to rethink the limit of our brains” Are we ready to program or do we given in to continue being programmed by others… time is now, program or be programmed!