OCG and Informatik Austria require computer science as a high school subject
Vienna (OTS) – „Our future is digital. Therefore, we must adapt the educational criteria to the standards of our modern world.
Only by anchoring the subject of computer science more firmly in the school curriculum can we cope with rapid developments.”
, says Professor Andreas Bollin, member of the IT training and didactics of computer science working group at the Austrian Computer Society (OCG).
Studies show that Europe is falling far behind the USA and China in the IT sector and Austria suffers an annual loss in value added of up to 4.9 billion euros ((1), (2) and (3)). “We have to start with school education to make up for this deficiency. We are therefore vehemently committed to quickly including computer science as a separate Matura subject in the school curriculum
“said Professor Roderick Bloem from Informatik Austria.
The OCG and Informatik Austria still see potential, especially among girls and young women. Modern teaching is intended to convey an attractive image of computer science in order to encourage young women to choose a career in the field of computer science. “We need women on board so that the full potential for the economy in Austria and Europe can be exploited
“, said Bloem.
For the OCG and Informatik Austria, the introduction of comprehensive computer science lessons in all Austrian schools is a crucial step in preparing young people for the digital future and thus strengthening Austria as a business location. In-depth computer science instruction lays the foundation for critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and understanding of complex systems. In today’s era in which artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping everyday life and the job market, it is essential that AI systems are not only used, but also (further) developed.
„A deep understanding of computer science is key to ensuring we remain in control of the technologies that increasingly dominate our lives
“ Bollin concludes.
(1) Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), 2022. Europe needs High-Tech Talent.
(2) European Union’s Digital Compass, 2021.
(3) https://go.ots.at/w5vzXMa8
Questions & Contact:
Austrian Computer Society (OCG):
Andreas Bollin, Andreas.Bollin@aau.at, +43664266588
informatics_austria:
Gerti Kappel; to drink@big.tuwien.ac.at and
Roderick Bloem; roderick.bloem@iaik.tugraz.at +43664608735580