Computer science worthy of separate class

A letter from a former English teacher states, "computing is not something that should be taught as a separate subject" ["Computers should be tools to teach," Jan. 11]. I must emphatically disagree.

There is a desperate need for schools to teach computer science subjects. Computer science teaches how to identify problems, design and test solutions, as well as problem solving, critical thinking and other higher-order skills. It provides them with an opportunity to apply what they learn in math, science and other subjects to real-world scenarios.

These are critical skills needed in the 21st century, when virtually every profession will be more involved with technology. In areas such as math, science, engineering, economics, law and medicine, students who graduate high school having taken courses in programming, graphics, computer-aided design and more will be at a distinct advantage as they begin their higher-education careers.

To my English teacher colleague, I would argue that just as I believe that every teacher is a teacher of reading and writing, so I believe that the 21st century educational system must embrace technology as both an educational tool and a serious academic subject.

Ronald J. Martorelli

Manorville

Editor's note: The writer is the local chapter president of the Computer Science Teachers Association and teaches science at St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School.