CIO & LEADER-November 2017 (1)

Opinion
IIn
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
modelling 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
modelling 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
–The author is IEEE Fellow & Editorin-Chief,
IEEE Women in Engineering
Magazine
November 2017 | CIO&LEADER
33