Coding is Coming to Schools: Japanese Parents Want to Give Children Head Start in Computing
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Japan will make computer programming lessons compulsory in elementary schools from 2020. The aim of the new courses is to foster logical thinking and develop information literacy. The curriculum will include fifth graders studying how to digitally draw polygons in math class and sixth graders learning how to create basic commands to control LED lights in science class.
A Rakuten awareness survey of 1,000 parents of children aged 0–6 found that 75% of respondents knew about coding becoming compulsory. However, only 8.4% said they felt they clearly grasped what was involved, indicating overall understanding of the subject is still quite low.
The majority of parents also responded that they want their child to be able to have fun while studying coding, and approximately 40% said that they want to learn coding together with their child. Many parents of pre-school children have grown up with computers and more recently smartphones and have a high level of interest in the subject.
| Views on Making Coding Compulsory (multiple responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Want child to learn while having fun | 53.5% |
| 2 | Want to study together with child | 37.9% |
| 3 | Feel it will open opportunities for their child | 36.9% |
Compiled by Nippon.com based on data from Rakuten.
When asked how they intended to prepare their child for the new classes, 23.5% of parents said they planned to purchase toys that taught coding concepts. However, the top three toys thought to be good for coding already include building blocks like LEGO that have been popular with children for generations.
| How Will You Prepare Your Child to Code? | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purchase toys that teach coding principles | 23.5% |
| 2 | Take part in coding-related events | 17.3% |
| 3 | Learn coding at home through correspondence or online courses | 7.5% |
Compiled by Nippon.com based on data from Rakuten
| What Toys Help Teach Coding? (multiple responses) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Building blocks that can be put together in a wide range of combinations | 41.40% |
| 2 | Puzzles and wooden blocks that teach spatial awareness and three-dimensional recognition | 35.20% |
| 3 | Board games and card games for logical skill training | 29.70% |
| 4 | Gadgets with motors and LEDs that are controlled using coding | 24.40% |
| 5 | Books and apps that teach basic coding | 17.70% |
Compiled by Nippon.com based on data from Rakuten.
(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo © Pixta.)