The growing debate over mandatory computer programming education in middle schools has sparked diverse opinions among educators and technology experts. The Toronto District School Board is currently considering a proposal to make coding classes compulsory for grades 6-8, replacing some traditional elective technology courses. Marcus Chen, a computer science professor at Ryerson University, strongly advocates for mandatory programming education. 'In today's digital world, coding literacy is as fundamental as reading and writing,' Chen argues. 'By making programming mandatory in middle school, we ensure all students have equal access to these crucial skills, regardless of their background or initial interests.' Chen points to successful implementations in countries like Estonia and Singapore, where early exposure to coding has led to increased technological innovation. However, Patricia Thompson, a veteran technology teacher at Oakwood Middle School, expresses concerns about this approach. 'While programming is important, making it mandatory could be counterproductive,' Thompson says. 'Not all students have the same aptitudes or interests, and forcing them into programming might actually create resistance to technology education.' She believes the current elective-based system allows students to explore technology in ways that align with their natural inclinations. Sarah Rodriguez, an educational technology consultant, offers a middle-ground perspective. 'The issue isn't whether to teach programming, but how to integrate it effectively,' she explains. 'Instead of making standalone coding classes mandatory, we should be incorporating programming concepts into existing subjects.' Rodriguez suggests that this integrated approach would help students see the practical applications of coding while maintaining flexibility in the curriculum. The local parent council, represented by David Kumar, supports the mandatory programming initiative but with conditions. 'Parents recognize the importance of digital skills,' Kumar states, 'but we're concerned about maintaining a balance. We don't want traditional subjects and creative pursuits to be sacrificed.' Kumar suggests a pilot program to assess the impact before full implementation. Meanwhile, tech industry professional Jennifer Walsh questions the focus on traditional programming classes. 'The technology landscape changes rapidly,' Walsh notes. 'Rather than mandatory coding classes, we should focus on teaching computational thinking and problem-solving skills that remain relevant regardless of which programming languages are current.'
1 . Choose the best option according to the information.
The main argument made by Marcus Chen in favor of mandatory programming is that 1 ..... Patricia Thompson's primary concern about mandatory programming is that 2 ..... Sarah Rodriguez's position differs from both Chen and Thompson in that she 3 ..... The parent council's stance on the issue can best be described as 4 ..... Jennifer Walsh's perspective suggests that 5 .....
2 . The following is a comment by a reader. Complete the comment by choosing the best option to fill in each blank.
As a software developer with 15 years of experience, I believe the debate over mandatory programming education 1 ..... While Chen makes some valid points about digital literacy, 2 ..... Thompson's concerns about student aptitude are somewhat misguided because 3 ..... Rodriguez's integrated approach seems promising, but 4 ..... The most practical solution might be to 5 .... while maintaining some flexibility in how it's taught.