So What Is Computer Science?

It has been an exciting three terms for our computer science students.  We are currently fostering skills in problem solving and looking at how computer science fits into the bigger scheme of things.

So what is computer science?

Computer science is the study of processes that interact with data and that can be represented as data in the form of programs. It enables the use of algorithms to manipulate, store, and communicate digital information.

Why the sudden hype around, and spike in interest in, the coding field?  How does this field of study benefit the student?

There are so many reasons to learn coding from job opportunities, critical thinking skills and creative outlets. Programming teaches problem-solving skills, offering challenges which develops resilience in the students. Coding teaches students how to think and instills a love of mathematics.

Margaret Mead said “Children must be taught how to think not what to think”

Too often we give students the answers to remember, instead of problems to solve.  Although computers are an everyday tool for the 4th industrial revolution generation, it is extremely important that we train our next generation to think like humans and not like machines.

Our Year 9 IGCSE computer science group did a practical demonstration showing how sensors are used in a computer system to create warning and action programs. Traditionally, this concept is taught through textbook-learning, without any practical application.  At Blouberg International however, we are fortunate to have technologies which allow our students to experiment with the practical application of their learning, bringing the content alive!

We look forward to creating the next great software developers and mechanical engineers.

Gemayel Kroukamp
IGCSE & AS Computer Science