JoshPic

I think it makes sense to first teach problem solving and logic from an early age, then maybe touch a little on actual programming later on.

Yes, programming may not be useful to most people, but problem solving, however, is. The ability to break a seemingly insurmountable problem into a number of smaller feasibly possible problems is an incredibly valuable skill. Then at a later stage, maybe mid-secondary school, a short programming project could be introduced, drawing from the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving lessons. Those who become interested in programming are then encouraged to continue learning to program and those who aren't still have the skills learned in Logic and Problem Solving that they can apply across a vast number of careers.

The problem, I feel, with my generation is that we're too often called 'Digital Natives'. We lull ourselves into believing that we are 'good with computers' when in reality we haven't a clue as to whats going on beneath the surface. To make a comparison, its like being able to operate a microwave oven versus understanding how a microwave oven works. We press a few buttons and four minutes later that frozen lasagne is piping hot. But from a purely academic point of view, wouldn't it be fantastic if everyone had an understanding of the process in between?

Oh, and list 10 distinct careers where an in-depth knowledge of the Haber process is required, as that is one of the areas taught in GCSE Science for a disproportionate length of time.

Just my 2 cents - J

Also - Just as a side note - Please share this post. I would like to get as wide a set of opinions as possible so I can assess the general consensus of opinion cross-industry in a few days. Thanks, J

Correct, thanks for clarifying that david, I should've mentioned it in the original post

Matt, its not so much the price Im worried about, If I had to, I would make that much to fund my education, the thing I worry about is he value college brings. Would I be 'wasting' 2 years for all intents and purposes when I could be applying my time elsewhere?

As far as I know about a year or two. The problem I'd have with that is the fact that I probably wouldn't be able to fund going back to college - taking a break for a few years would set me back about another $20,000

I should probably add some more detail to the story:

1)I have a place confirmed at a good college, Im considering if I should take it 2)I have a multitude of job offers although I have one in particular earmarked as favourite 3)Through spending so much time working with startups/government/media in London, I have built up a great network of contacts already - unfortunately, I'd be unable to to the same thing at college 4)As one commenter pointed out - the startup is very time intensive and will need funding and someone to work on it full time in the near future 5)In reply to another comment, I do have a precise vision of exactly where I want to be. Being a 'successful entrepreneur' can mean a hundred different things to a hundred different people. 6)I dont fear failure if there is a possibility of success - I do however believe that taking such a massive risk is stupidity if there is NO chance of success. My blog post also acts as a way for me to 'test the waters' as it were to find out if success if possible.

The above conversation is a perfect example of why the HackerNews community is order of magnitude better than any other community I know of. Brilliant.