Academic Paper Summary

In order to obtain finance for his research, Guido Van Rossum, the creator of the Python programming language, intended to take advantage on the good cultural connections with literacy. Nearly as soon as programmable computers were developed, this comparison between programming and literacy emerged. The idea of "literacy" has been utilised by computer fans to highlight the value, adaptability, and strength of writing for and with computers. A non-profit organisation called Code.org features quotations from educators, engineers, and public personalities who argue that learning to code is a matter of "civil rights," the "4th literacy," and a means of empowering people. The presentation of computer programming as a kind of writing suitable for the general public is frequently viewed in inappropriate ways.

This article suggests that, in contrast, textual literacy and computer programming share many similarities, and that our conceptions of literacy must change to include the new style of digital writing. Understanding the social, technological, and cultural aspects of this important writing tool may be made easier with the help of literacy studies.

References:

Vee, Annette (2013) "Understanding Computer Programming as a Literacy" Literacy in Composition Studies, 1 (2). pp 42-64. (Accessed: June 02 2023).