“Code to be a developer!”
The goal is not to all become developers with super powers, as if this were the only profession of the future (even if it is known that the demand for these skills is very high). But to give everyone the basis for understanding our world today and tomorrow. Understanding is needed to live well and consciously. Giving everyone the opportunity to come into contact with computer science, robotics and engineering is wonderful and is our goal. Then these subjects can be exciting or not. But giving girls and boys positive and innovative role models is the key to a better future.
“They are digital natives!”
Limits should never be placed on studying and learning a priori. “They are too young to learn..” “Better they study something else..”. No one is too young to learn good examples and behaviors. There are many activities on critical thinking and computational logic that do not involve the use of screens (unplugged coding for example). Learning the language of technology (computer programming, coding, engineering principles) does not prevent one from learning about the other. Indeed, technology captivating nature can often make the study of other subjects engaging and effective. From digital natives to digital learners to digital creators and aware citizens.
STEM is not for everyone.
Knowledge of technology cannot and must not make distinctions. Society mistakenly pushes us to believe that STEM "aren't things for girls". But prejudices are just prejudices. We all deserve an opportunity to try, experiment and get passionate. Examples and models that can be as inclusive as possible are important.
“Creativity is just about breaking rules”
Creativity is a competence we all can learn as everyone can have ideas. Creativity doesn't mean breaking the rules, is about research and study. You can only be creative when you really know a topic inside out. Creativity is the highest step of learning (Bloom, 2001). You can invent a new recipe only if you know all the ingredients. This is why we believe, against all clichés, that creativity is the best incentive to study, commitment and perseverance!