Computer Science Proves that Fundamental Skills are No Longer Adequate

In America today, there are about 500,000 computing jobs which are open to computer science graduates. Unfortunately, less than 43,000 students graduated with a computer science degree in 2016. By 2020, the difference between these same open jobs and the available workforce will be close to a million, with computing jobs being more. The degree that was once referred as a “nice-to-have” or that which gave someone a competitive advantage is no longer an option; it is a requirement. Previously, if you could read and write, you could communicate and follow instructions. If you could do the math, you could count your money and have a successful business.
Today, however, computers are penetrating every sector of our lives. Air conditioning appliances can be repaired remotely by computer literate technicians without the need of physically driving all the way to someone’s home. This makes it necessary to teach students computing skills from an early age. It’s no longer a reserve for boys, geeks and those who wanted a computer engineering degree. Educators and curriculum setters need to be taught about the importance of computer science in today’s world. By incorporating the subject into normal learning, the world will get a chance of keeping up with the rapidly changing times and increasing jobs. Additionally, this will enable students to think critically when faced with challenges in life.
Research source link:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/11/24/stop-talking-about-need-for-computer-science-and-start-teaching-it.html

Experience Over a Computer Science Diploma

Adaptability, willingness, and skill are three attributes of a fresh computer scientists that are greatly important in the tech world. These beat computer science diplomas and degrees any day. But, this is not to say that such certificates are entirely useless. Technical professionals from a range of fields have a lot to say when it comes to differences and similarities between certificates and hands-on experience. Margaret Potter, Calabrio’s data scientist, believes that both are distinct but complementary. Students benefit from what they learn in school out in the real world. Potter credits much of her success to what she was able to experience in school. She learned how to ask for help when stuck, made connections, found good mentors and also assisted others to succeed.
According to James Maude, Avecto’s senior security engineer, whatever you learn in a classroom helps you to know how things are supposed to be done. In a workplace, you get to learn the many ways in which things can go wrong. This then makes it important to have hands-on experience. He, therefore, advocates the need of stepping out of the classroom to engage in open-source projects. HackerOne’s technical account manager, Ben Sadeghipour, believes that academics help to build foundational knowledge. This is then put into practice to improve one’s knowledge. Feel free to pursue a particular degree, and if you already have one, don’t be afraid of putting it into practice.
Research source link:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencebradford/2017/11/17/why-hands-on-experience-beats-a-computer-science-diploma/#928fc667f246

Programs Evolution in Computer Science

The current structure in which computer courses are designed allows students to break down problems and build algorithms to solve them based on all scenarios. These skills are taught in software engineering and algorithm units. In most computer science curriculums, the media through which such skills are taught is programming languages. But with the rate at which technology advances year after year, students may require fundamental concepts that will help them understand subsequent languages. This is true as the previous languages such as Bliss, Pascal, ADA, COBOL, and Fortran were replaced by the current C, C#, Java, and C++. Students now want to learn how to control robots, incorporate multimedia components and build mobile apps.
For this reason, computer science programs are taking in a pedagogically different approach to creating a diverse study base. This will ensure that students do not exist due to the bulky theory and programming syntax. New technology such as storage of data in clouds has opened new areas of study. This means that courses need to be stretched to incorporate issues such as cybersecurity, global health, and ethical hacking. Also, parents need not pressure their children to excel in math and science subjects. Algorithms can be taught in simple ways as long as the child is interested. Incorporating real-world solutions in computer science classes has a high capability of attracting a lot of enrolments, including from under-represented groups such as women.
Research source link:
http://www.cxotoday.com/story/the-evolution-of-computer-science-programs/

High Demand for Computer Science Skills in Non-Tech Jobs

According to the report, Rebooting Jobs: How Computer Science Skills Spread in the Job Market, published by Burning Glass Technologies and Oracle Academy, about 66% of the highest paying jobs in fields such as marketing, production, engineering, and design are now demanding data analysis and coding skills. The research was conducted on more than 100 million jobs posted between 2014 and 2016. The two labor market analytics firms currently play a huge role in ensuring that students and workers all over the world are aware of the importance of computer science in today’s world.
In their findings, the two firms discovered that even though most of the jobs do not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, a mix of skills in the field was needed. For example, for marketers to effectively carry out campaigns, they must deal with a lot of big data analytics. Apart from the normal courses like engineering where it’s mandatory for students to take up programming and computer science, the research found that in other fields where it’s unlikely for students to take up computer classes, future students may need to. It also showed that computer science is key to future earnings and many wage jobs might require some programming and technology related knowledge. With this trend, regardless of student’s career interest, it is important for them to take up courses in programming and computer science.
Research source link:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/employers-increasingly-demand-computer-science-skills-in-non-tech-jobs-300555478.html

The Relationship Between Computer Science and Psychology

Computers and studies that surround the technology behind them are designed by humans and for humans. To a larger or lesser extent, psychology does influence computer science. Computer systems are designed to be run by humans. Today, with little knowledge on how to operate a computer, users can easily get simple daily tasks done without a background in computer science. Humans can carry out most of the computer functions manually, but unfortunately, we are slow. This is a real psychological insight. It is more like art and literature. The two forms are highly entwined with human psychology, and yet, the majority of the artists and authors have little to no experience in learning academic psychology.
Formal psychology, however, does greatly influence software engineering and human-computer interaction (HCI). Both of these fields deeply rely on psychologists and their methods of research. Psychological concepts are important to the understanding of how artificial intelligence works. They are also used to design software/hardware user interfaces that are effective and great for use for the common man. Determining, analyzing, evaluating and understanding neural modes of computation and examining methods of biological perceptions also involve a lot of psychological concepts. Although still young, this interdisciplinary relationship is rapidly growing.
Research source link:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2017/10/27/how-are-psychology-and-computer-science-related/#1b85fe1c11c0