Terms[]
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Educational Technology
- Programming
- Digital Media
- Coding
- Tech
- Software development
- Mobile development
- Server development
Computer Scioence Majors and a field of study[]
Computer Science is an established discipline at the undergraduate and graduate college levels. However, educators and Computer Science professionals are concerned that K-12 students lack the opportunity to become well prepared to pursue an expertise in this area at the college level.
This has contributed to the existing shortage of expertise in Computer Science related careers. In an article published in the Washington Post, Bill Gates, Chairman of Microsoft Corporation, stated that "Computer Science employment is growing by nearly 100,000 jobs annually. But at the same time studies show that there is a dramatic decline in the number of students graduating with Computer Science degrees" (How to Keep America Competitive; Washingtonpost.com).
Computer science education in K-12 schools is an area of increasing interest and concern to educators as well as to Computer Science professionals.
Importance of Computer Science for students[]
- 30 states out of 45 that completed a survey (67%) felt that Computer Science is very important at the secondary level.
- 27 (60%) felt it is very important at the middle grades level, and
- 21 (47%) felt it is very important at the elementary level.
Computer Science Leads to Multiple Career Paths[]
The vast majority of careers require an understanding of computer science. Many jobs in 10 to 20 years haven’t been invented yet. Professionals in every discipline — from artists and entertainers, to communications and health care professionals, to factory workers, small business owners, and retail store staff — need to understand computing to be productive and competitive in their fields.
Thomas Friedman, in his best-selling book The World is Flat (book) (2006), argues that our economy most needs “Versatilists,” people who have expertise both in some domain and in technology. Computer science is the glue that makes it possible for Versatilists to bridge domain-specific expertise and technological innovation.
There is an unmistakable link between success, innovation, and computer science. It is hard to imagine any field that has not been impacted by computer science.
Computing professionals are solving challenges in the sciences, business, art, and the humanities and creating new career opportunities in all of these fields.
Studying computer science can prepare a student to enter many career areas, both within and outside of computing. Professionals with computer science training are in demand. Computing scientists are working with experts in other fields, designing and building computer systems that support the functioning of modern society and are enabling us to tackle the critical challenges that face our world. These challenges include global energy, healthcare, and world hunger. In addition, computing skills are now preferred, if not required, for work in almost any profession.
Cooperation and Teamwork in Computer Science[]
The users and clients have to think about how the system will be used in day-to-day life and anticipate its use in the future. Computer scientists draw on their training and experience to confront problems and to create the best possible solutions.
ET vs. IT vs. CS[]
Educational Technology[]
Educational Technology can be defined as using computers across the curriculum, or more specifically, using computer technology (hardware and software) to learn about other disciplines. For example, the science teacher may use pre-existing computer simulations to provide students with a better understanding of specific physics principles, or an English teacher may use word-processing software to help students improve their editing and revision skills. While educational technology is concerned with using these tools, computer science is concerned with designing, creating, testing, modifying, and verifying these tools.
Information technology (IT)[]
IT is “the proper use of technologies by which people manipulate and share information in its various forms.” While Information Technology involves learning about computers, it emphasizes the technology itself. Information Technology specialists assume responsibility for selecting appropriate hardware and software products, integrating those products with organizational needs and infrastructure, and installing, customizing, and maintaining those resources. Information Technology courses, therefore, focus on:
- installing, securing, and administering computer networks;
- installing, maintaining, and customizing software;
- managing and securing data in physical and virtual worlds;
- managing communication systems;
- designing, implementing, and managing Web resources; and
- developing and managing multimedia resources and other digital media.
IT is an applied field of study, driven by the practical benefits of its knowledge, while computer science adds scientific and mathematical, as well as practical, dimensions. Some of the practical dimensions of computer science are shared with IT, such as working with text, graphics, sound, and video. But while IT concentrates on learning how to use and apply these tools, computer science is concerned with learning how these tools are designed and why they work.
Computer science and IT have a lot in common, but neither one is a full substitute for the other. For example, the complexity of algorithms is a fundamental idea in computer science but would probably not appear in an IT curriculum.
Computer Science (CS)[]
Computer Science spans a range of computing endeavors, from theoretical foundations to robotics, computer vision, intelligent systems, and bioinformatics. The work of computer scientists is concentrated in three areas:
- designing and implementing software,
- developing effective ways to solve computing problems, and
- devising new ways to use computers.
Computer science (CS) is the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their principles, their hardware and software designs, their applications, and their impact on society.
A basic understanding of computer science is an essential ingredient to preparing high school graduates for life. The goals of computer science:
- introduce the fundamental concepts of computer science to all.
- present computer science in an accessible and worthy pathway.
- offer computer science courses that allow interested students in depth study that can prepare for entry into the work force or college.
Computer Science Supports and Links to Other Sciences[]
To solve the big scientific problems of today, Pittsburgh needs people with diverse skills, abilities, and perspectives.
The human brain is complex and amazing.[]
The use of modeling and simulation, visualization, and management of massive data sets has fostered the emergence of a new field that bridges science, technology, engineering and math—computational science. This field integrates many aspects of computer science such as the design of algorithms and graphics with their application in the sciences.
In science classes, sophisticated simulation software of molecules and geological processes may interest some. But software come to life if a fast break is simulated and one of the program's Xs or Os is the student and those others are team-mates and opponents.
Writing computer programs that model behavior allows scientists to generate results and test theories that are impossible to test in the physical world.
Advances in weather prediction, for example, are largely dependent upon computer modeling and simulation. Computational methods have also transformed fields such as statistics and chemistry.
Scientists who can understand and contribute to technological innovation have a huge advantage. Good training for future scientists must therefore include a solid basis in computer science.