There was a time when not being tech savvy was an acceptable option, it was for the young ones, or you could just do without. This is no longer the option as we continue to see the digitisation of almost every bit of our lives, be it in the home, in schools or in the workplace.
Similarly, computer science teachers in schools, were once upon a time an option in schools until it became a necessity for every child to be equipped in this area. The area of focus now for computer science teachers is to equip learners with the knowledge and confidence to make use of advanced technological skills so that they can confidently engage the world when they leave school.
For decades now we have often sat down to watch a movie that paints a picture of a future were almost every function has been automated and manual labour has been done away with. Although we may not have cars flying around as yet, we are, due to advanced technology and artificial intelligence, beginning to see a lot now in 2022, what used to be just a fantasy we watched in 1990 movies. Self-driving cars, self-service pay points in shops, online banking services, 3D printers advanced technology in medical fields for less intrusive surgeries, digital and online marketing taking over traditional marketing across all industries.
It is simply no longer an option for school leavers to walk out of academic institutions without the desire and know-how to interact with a highly digital society such as we find ourselves in. It is essential that computer science teachers themselves become fully knowledgeable about the different technology and its affordances. They need to know that it is essential for them to learn and model these to the leaner. Matching the demands of the century in the classroom. They cannot be teaching with outdated machines and software. Learners need to receive relevant information. Above all, it is essential that the learner be equipped with knowledge on how best to apply this knowledge and skill in the real world.
It is also crucial that learners that are pursuing studies that are not tech-inclined be equipped to be able to navigate a high-tech society. You can not teach if you do not know technology, you cannot practise even psychology if you do not understand technology, farming is using advanced technology, there is no field that stays unaffected.
The role of computer science teachers has then become very crucial in academic institutions, because no learner can afford to be ignorant about digital technology, regardless of their key area of study. It is their responsibility to highlight to learners why it is important they learn these skills and the benefit it will add to their lives and careers.