In an age where AI tools are rapidly changing how we interact with technology, a debate has emerged about what skills children should focus on developing. I believe coding should remain a fundamental part of education, despite some arguing that it’s becoming obsolete.
Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed this very question, and his perspective resonates with my own experience in technology education. While some suggest children should focus exclusively on subjects like math or biology instead of programming, I think this view misses the broader benefits coding provides.
Coding as a Thinking Framework
Learning to code isn’t just about creating software—it’s about developing a structured approach to problem-solving. Altman, despite not coding regularly anymore, values his programming background because it taught him “how to think.” I’ve observed this same pattern with students I’ve worked with: coding builds mental models that apply across disciplines.
When children learn to code, they develop:
- Logical reasoning skills
- The ability to break complex problems into manageable parts
- A systematic approach to troubleshooting
- Pattern recognition abilities
These cognitive skills extend far beyond programming itself, becoming valuable tools for academic and professional success in virtually any field.
The Changing Nature of Coding
Altman acknowledges that coding “will still be important in the future. It’s just gonna change a little bit or a lot.” I couldn’t agree more. The emergence of AI tools doesn’t eliminate the need for coding knowledge—it transforms how we use it.
In my view, future programmers will likely work at higher levels of abstraction, using AI to handle routine coding tasks while humans focus on architecture, design, and problem formulation. This shift makes understanding programming concepts more important, not less, as it requires grasping the underlying principles to effectively direct AI tools.
Essential Skills for Tomorrow’s World
Beyond coding itself, Altman identifies several critical skills children should develop:
- Resilience
- Adaptability
- A high rate of learning
- Creativity
- Familiarity with technological tools
I find this list particularly insightful. These are precisely the qualities that will remain valuable regardless of how technology evolves. Coding education naturally fosters many of these attributes, as programming projects require persistence through challenges, adaptation to new requirements, and creative problem-solving.
The tech industry moves quickly, and tools change constantly. What remains constant is the need for people who can learn rapidly and adapt to new systems. Learning to code teaches children to embrace this continuous learning mindset.
Finding Balance in Education
Rather than viewing education as an either/or proposition—coding versus traditional subjects—I advocate for integration. Mathematics provides the theoretical foundation for many programming concepts. Biology and other sciences offer rich domains for applying computational thinking.
The most powerful educational approach combines these disciplines, allowing students to see connections between them. A child who learns to code while studying math and science develops a more comprehensive understanding of all three.
As we navigate this period of technological transformation, we should resist the temptation to abandon coding education. Instead, we should evolve how we teach it, emphasizing the underlying principles and problem-solving approaches that will remain relevant regardless of which specific programming languages or tools dominate in the future.
Children who learn to code today aren’t just preparing for potential careers as programmers—they’re developing a toolkit of mental skills that will serve them well in whatever future emerges. As Altman puts it, “We have a new tool.” Learning to use that tool effectively starts with understanding how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: With AI tools like ChatGPT writing code, is programming still a relevant skill?
Yes, programming remains highly relevant. While AI can generate code, understanding programming concepts is crucial for effectively directing these tools, debugging their output, and designing systems. The nature of coding work may change, but the underlying knowledge will remain valuable.
Q: At what age should children start learning to code?
Children can begin with basic programming concepts around age 7-8 through visual block-based languages like Scratch. These tools teach computational thinking without the syntax challenges of text-based languages. As they develop, they can progress to more complex programming languages in their pre-teen and teenage years.
Q: How does coding education develop resilience and adaptability?
Programming naturally builds resilience because code rarely works perfectly the first time. Students must debug, troubleshoot, and revise their work repeatedly. This process teaches persistence through challenges. Adaptability develops as programming languages and tools evolve, requiring students to continuously update their skills and apply existing knowledge to new contexts.
Q: Should coding replace traditional subjects in education?
No, coding should complement rather than replace traditional subjects. Mathematics provides the theoretical foundation for many programming concepts, while sciences offer rich domains for applying computational thinking. The most effective educational approach integrates these disciplines, allowing students to see connections between them and develop a more comprehensive understanding.
