Embracing the aesthetic in programming practices
In an effort to tackle the persistent IT skills shortage in Europe, it is crucial to adopt a creative and interdisciplinary approach to digital learning. Chris Zwicker, Dean of the Avaloq Academy, emphasises the importance of inspiring young people to pursue digital careers by focusing on the artistic aspect of coding and engineering.
Zwicker advocates for teaching children about the diversity of code from an early stage, believing that this will prepare them for a world where coding is ubiquitous. He is concerned that the current approach to teaching coding in schools may drive people away from these subjects instead of instilling a love for them.
The curriculum should include teaching children about algorithms, creating and debugging simple programs, and using logical reasoning to predict program behaviour. Understanding Boolean logic instead of just being capable of writing a conditional statement in a specific language is essential. This will better equip young people for real-life scenarios.
Moreover, teaching children to simply apply methods instead of understanding the core concepts risks keeping them "thinking within the box." To encourage creativity, it is important to showcase the different paradigms of programming languages and where they are best used. Programmes such as Scratch encourage children to approach coding in a fun way.
European AI startups succeed not just with coding skills but through combining programming with sector-specific expertise and soft skills like communication and project management. Education should reflect this by promoting project-based, real-world problem-solving that mixes technical and domain knowledge.
Cloud platforms dominate 65% of digital classrooms in Europe, facilitating scalable, accessible, and collaborative learning environments. Utilizing these tools helps educators make coding and STEM training more interactive, inclusive, and adaptable to diverse learning styles.
About 58% of European EdTech startups focus on STEM education, indicating strong momentum in coding and tech skills training. Early exposure to coding concepts through engaging, creative formats like robotics kits, coding games, and simulations builds foundational skills and interest.
The IT skills gap persists partly because education lags behind rapid tech advances (cloud, AI, cybersecurity). EU initiatives like the Digital Education Action Plan (2021-2027) and the Pact on Skills target this by fostering flexible, inclusive digital education ecosystems that quickly adapt curricula and training to emerging skills requirements.
Cultivating creativity through personalised, interdisciplinary learning can unlock innovation potential, especially in underperforming regions. This also means including regulatory, ethical, and business aspects of tech alongside programming to prepare well-rounded professionals.
Programmes that enable mass upskilling and partnerships between industry and education help keep workforce skills aligned with digital transformation needs, addressing the gap between technology speed and talent supply.
The article also mentions Singapore's digital skills drive as a related topic. Interestingly, a WW2 code-deciphering base is set to be turned into a coding school, reflecting a global shift towards prioritising digital education.
Learning to code creatively could inspire potential software engineers and help close the skills gap. By adopting these strategies, Europe can foster a new generation of tech-savvy, creative professionals, ready to meet the challenges of the digital future.
Technology plays a significant role in education-and-self-development, particularly in bridging the IT skills shortage in Europe. To inspire creative and interdisciplinary approach to digital learning, it is crucial to incorporate programming languages, algorithms, and logical reasoning into the curriculum, fostering a better understanding of the core concepts of coding rather than just teaching simple applications of methods.
