How Big Tech Built Its Influence in Schools Through Free Coding Curriculum

The current push by artificial intelligence companies to provide free resources and curriculum to schools mirrors a well-established playbook the tech industry has utilized for over a decade. According to Natasha Singer, an education technology reporter for the New York Times, this narrative is not new; it is part of a 15-year pattern where tech giants have embedded themselves into the educational system.

In her new book, Coding Kids, Singer details how these companies positioned themselves as central figures in promoting computer science and coding skills within schools. By framing their tools as essential for future job readiness and student success, they offered these educational materials often without charge. This strategic generosity allowed the industry to shape classroom content and build significant influence over how students learn to code, a trend that is now being replicated with the rise of AI education.