The lights are on
In a Google+ Fireside Hangout on February 18, President Obama stated that video games could be a good way to attract children to computer programming.
President Obama said that introducing computer programming in elementary schools makes sense because children nowadays are knowledgeable about the internet and video games, and this would drive passion in the programming department. According to the President, an education and background in programming could benefit children in later years, making them “job ready.”
“I think given how pervasive computers and the internet is now, and how fascinated kids are with it,” says President Obama, “I want to make sure that they know how to actually produce stuff using computers, and not simply consume stuff."
[Sources: Gamasutra, Polygon]
I'm pleasantly surprised. This needs to happen. I'm having to wait until college to learn about programming because my school doesn't have anything about it.
Finally he says something that I could agree with. The vide game industry is getting bigger and bigger every year, and me studying to be a game designer, the timeframe couldn't be any more perfect.
Nice comment, Mr. President! :)
I still don't trust the guy.
A common sense approach to video games from a politician? Yes please.
sounds like a good idea to me
Obama atually said something i agree with
Great initiative from a great President. I'm not surprised.
Considering how much we have to withstand the alleged negatives of gaming, it is a relief to see someone recognize the positives.
It's a good start, but I'll believe it when I see it, Mr. O. Talk is always cheap when it comes to actually making this stuff happen, so let'e make it happen already. We could afford stuff like that if we weren't blowing up people with drones, FYI. . .
well its good to see some news about games and politics that is not putting games down or blaming it for something.
Wow, for once he says something that makes sense!
This is a brilliant idea. Whether it will actually come to fruitition remains to be seen, but I love this idea.