Computer Science Transitions From Elective to Requirement

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hi, guys im passionately interested and wish to be in this field of information and technology. But im faced one major problem finance. so i would like appeal from any instituition, to please help me to make my dream come true. I would work very hard i promise. It will be a pleasure if request can be taken into cosideration.

simon of AL 7:40AM April 11, 2012

Well, first off, I'm pretty sure what this article is referring to is more like a CS0 class, not a CS1. CS1, from my understanding of the ACM curriculum, is for CS majors and is a first language course. I currently teach CS0 classes at California community colleges in the Los Angeles area.

Secondly, trying to teach a non-technically oriented person who has no real interest in programming computers and are just taking the class 'cuz they got to, is like pushing a string. I've tried that.

However, MIT hosts tools that I use to teach non-programmers how to program in my Intro classes. There's actually two tools. One is called Scratch, and the other, the one I use, is called App Inventor. App Inventor is a development environment that lets you program Android apps and then run them on your Android smartphone. I find that using App Inventor really motivates the students to learn how this all works, teaches them a bit of Java, how computers really work, and is just a lot of fun!

Frank Moss of CA 1:25PM April 06, 2012

Computing is a critical component in everyday life. Understanding the underpinnings and the basics of what makes it work (and I DON'T mean HTML/CSS!) are an important part of any education -- I can't believe we are just talking about it now. And starting in college? Shouldn't the discussion be -- when should students begin learning about computing and computer science, rather than should it be required.

Kipp Jones of MA 1:19PM April 06, 2012

Most college students these days have computer proficiency already. Targeted computer courses -- graphic design, programming, statistics, etc -- would be better than a generic "CS101" type class. Requiring a "Personal Finance"/"Managing Your Money" course would serve students better than a generic computing course.

Robin of TX 11:55AM April 03, 2012

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