Why learning to code, think computationally, and understand technology matters more than ever
"We are in a moment of opportunity, not only for our young people, but for AI. We need our young people involved if we want AI to be shaped by the boldest and brightest and solve society's most intractable problems. Youth perspective is crucial to the future of AI, and a computer science education will be critical to empowering our young people."
— Time Magazine
In 2026, understanding technology is as essential as reading and math. But here's what many people miss: AI doesn't replace the need to understand how technology works. It amplifies it. Students who learn to code don't just write software. They develop a way of thinking that helps them navigate an increasingly digital world. They learn to break down complex problems, recognize patterns, and create solutions. These skills apply whether they become software engineers, doctors, entrepreneurs, or artists.
In a recent conversation with an engineering manager at Adobe, I learned something important: their engineers write code alongside AI chatbots and MCP servers every day. But here's the key detail that often gets lost in the hype: every engineer is still personally responsible for every line of code they check in. AI hasn't replaced the need for understanding. It's raised the bar. Engineers need to understand what AI produces well enough to stake their professional reputation on it. The ones who thrive are those who can direct AI effectively, catch its mistakes, and know when to trust it and when to verify.
One of the most important skills young people can develop today is knowing how to learn effectively with AI tools. This isn't about skipping the hard work. It's about getting to the good stuff faster. Think of it this way: using AI as a learning tool doesn't mean "now I don't have to do work." It means "now I can spend more time on what matters." More time building. More time creating. More time actually learning instead of just searching. Of course, there's real value in the struggle of finding your own path through difficult material. That's how you develop patience, resourcefulness, and the ability to synthesize information from scattered sources. But AI is changing the landscape whether we like it or not. The question isn't whether to use these tools, but how to use them wisely. AI works best as a tutor. When students already know what they're confused about, AI can help them work through it quickly. When they don't have that self-awareness yet, traditional learning with teachers and structured curriculum tends to work better. This is why we teach students to use AI as a learning amplifier, not a shortcut. We help them develop the metacognitive skills to know when they understand something and when they need more practice. They learn to ask AI good questions, verify its answers, and use it to accelerate their understanding rather than replace it.
Just because AI can perform a skill doesn't mean it won't make mistakes. Just as teaching children to add numbers has remained a core part of math education despite decades of cheap calculators, many skills that AI performs will remain important for humans to learn. Why? Because to think efficiently, much knowledge and skill needs to be in your own brain, not outsourced to machines. When you understand how something works, you can:
In a world where AI touches everything from medical diagnoses to loan applications, we need people who understand how algorithms work. Not to distrust technology, but to engage with it thoughtfully and improve it.
Learning to code gives young people the skills to become creators in an AI-powered world. With artificial intelligence, there are endless opportunities for creative problem-solvers. Young people can use their skills to create AI-powered tools that make life easier, turning their ideas into reality. The professionals who will thrive in this environment aren't pure coders OR pure AI users. They're people who combine both. They understand the technology well enough to direct AI effectively, and they have the creative vision to see possibilities that AI can't imagine on its own. Whether your child dreams of building apps, saving lives, improving the mental health crisis, or pursuing a completely different path, the computational thinking skills they develop will give them an advantage in whatever they choose.
The process of learning to code develops thinking skills that apply to all aspects of life:
We're always looking for new ways to empower students. If there's a specific coding topic or tech skill you'd like to see us teach, please let us know!
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