Finding the simple basics of
a field with the power to change lives.
(Attributed to: Karen Panetta, IEEE Fellow & Editor-in-Chief,
IEEE Women in Engineering Magazine)
In computer science class, students learn
how to think in a structured and logical manner. This allows them to break down
problems and develop algorithms that consider all scenarios, not just the
obvious ones. When we design and write code to do a specific task, students are
learning how to anticipate uses and misuses. It forces them to test for cases
outside the intended functionality.
Computer Science Teaches
Transferrable Skills
The courses that teach these skills
are algorithm and software engineering. While most computer science curriculum
reinforces theory by using programming languages to implement concepts or
investigating computational efficiency, these programming skills are raw. The
raw skills are what companies are looking for. But, as the languages change and
new technologies are introduced, students will rely more and more on the
fundamental concepts that will help them understand the next programming
language.
Computer science has the power to
change lives by creating simulations. It can replace animal testing, provide
modeling for space exploration, create vehicle and safety analysis, and so much
more. It has applications in robotics and medical imagery, too.
Years ago there were languages like
COBOL, Fortran, Bliss, ADA, Pascal and now it’s C, C++, C# and Java. Learning
these and operating systems has helped computer engineering students forge new
paths into cloud computing and has given rise to the development of robust
computer networks. The goal for the student is to build these networks with
reliable computer power without the daunting complexities of underlying
computer technologies.
Real-world Application Fosters
Student Engagement
Today, computer science programs are
taking a different, pedagogical approach in order to attract a diverse study
body. And what has become clear is the importance of engagement early on in
those programs. Without it, students have shown to make a quick exit,
especially if the course overloads on theory or programming syntax without any
relevant real-world application. Students want to learn how to program mobile
apps, control robots and incorporate multimedia components in a useful way.
They want to manipulate animations, produce colorful data visualizations and
find creative ways to interact and accept input. It’s activities like these
that stimulate the mind and build confidence around their abilities in computer
science.
With the advent of cloud technology,
millions of people have gained accessibility that they never had before. It has
paved the way for new and emerging fields in computer science, like ethical
hacking, cybersecurity and global health. And with each new field, students
have the opportunity to step up and push the boundaries of computer science to
combat resulting challenges or limitations. Those who stay current will find
themselves in higher demand for opportunities after their educational career.
STEM is Bigger than You Think
We must do away with putting filters
on our youth and telling children that they need to be the very best in math
and science to enter computer science coursework. An algorithm can be taught
and explained through the basic steps of making a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich; although there’s no math in that equation, there’s logic and
structure.
We must also appreciate that every
child is different and has different interests. Just like some students may not
like sports, some students may not enjoy writing programs to control robots. It
is important to provide students with a variety of experiences and projects.
Educators and parents need to be aware that youth will typically use a single
negative experience to convince themselves that all the STEM fields are not a
good match for their interests or that they are not smart enough to pursue
those fields.
It is also very important to show
the big picture of all of the incredible career opportunities that there are
for computer scientists and others in the STEM field. We have to get rid of the
notion that careers in this line of work involve sitting in a cubicle or dark
basement programming all day and sacrificing a social life.
Computer science has the power to
change lives by creating simulations. It can replace animal testing, provide
modeling for space exploration, create vehicle and safety analysis and so much
more. It has applications in robotics and medical imagery, too.
Computer science classes that
incorporate these types of real-world solutions help to retain and attract more
underrepresented groups of individuals, and that includes women. Together, with
a global community of engineers and educators, ideas will be shared freely and
opportunities will be available to anyone who wants to make their mark on the
world.
