Programming “Next Level of Literacy”, Says Apple SVP Craig Federighi

When modern lives are so immersed in digital technology, “speaking” the “language” has become an essential form of literacy, Apple SVP Craig Federighi said in an interview with the BBC, promoting an initiative — Hour of Code — that transforms Apple Stores into classrooms for this week.

“These devices are so much a part of our lives, we have a computer in some form wherever we go, that the ability to create in that medium is as fundamental as the ability to write,” he said.

Federighi started experimenting with code when he was 10 years old. He describes his experience as a “revelation”, as he realized that he could enter some commands into a computer and make it do something.

Programming should be seen as a “language and a way of thinking”, Federighi says, as programming devices is the “next level of literacy.” He also aims to tear down a stereotype related to programming:

“People sometimes have a view of programming that is something solitary and very technical. But programming is among the most creative, expressive and social careers.

Apple’s global chain of stores should be used more often as bases for training and education, says Federighi, especially as Apple has strong links with education.