Poland's education system has always been strong on hard science and computing, but looming skills deficits are calling for an even more radical approach. While a Samsung-sponsored initiative has been aiming to bring skills in coding projects to even the youngest pupils since 2013, next year the country is planning to test a new primary- and secondary-school curriculum that focuses on software development.
"But the earlier we introduce children to coding, the more comfortable they will be when presented with more in-depth learning opportunities in middle and high school. Also, early exposure to coding helps teach children how important it is to understand computers as the valuable tools they are rather than merely fun playthings."
As with other aspects of tech use in early childhood, deep discussions are underway about the appropriate role coding has in young children's classrooms-and in the library. Sometimes referred to as the "new literacy" in schools, teaching coding means teaching children the language used to operate tablets, computers, and other devices they interact with every day.