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]