by KYW's Dr. Marciene Mattleman

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and mathematical science occupations are expected to grow by about 24% over the next decade, a rate that would add 822,000 new jobs to the field.

One source of talent is developing in high schools where students are learning video-game design. Many teachers believe that such programming should be part of the curriculum.

Large numbers of high schools in Florida, California and Texas have created double digit growth of video game design courses, using an interactive role play game created by I Support Learning, Inc.

An example of what students learn beyond programming was described in an article from the Huntingdon, VA Herald Dispatch.
 
A virtual soccer ball created in one project didn’t appear to move realistically because it traveled in a straight line, unaffected by gravity, wind or rotation of the ball. So the students had to do math and physics research to solve the problem.

Such activities have kids highly motivated and not only prepare them as programmers, but to think, to apply knowledge and to strategize while using a tool they love--video.