Readings

The readings for this week are focused on Computer Science Education. First is the push for Computer Science 4 All:

Second, is the Computer Science Education you received here at Notre Dame:

Optional: Computer Science 4 All

These articles discuss the political push for Computer Science 4 All:

These articles discuss how some cities and states are considering implementing CS 4 All:

These articles discuss what should go into CS 4 All:

These articles push back on the CS 4 All movement:

These articles discuss the obstacles to implementing CS 4 All:

These articles discuss how companies are helping support this movement:

These articles discuss whether or not everyone can learn to program:

Optional: Computer Science Education

These articles focus on what should go in a Computer Science Education:

These articles discuss whether or not college is needed for Computer Science:

These articles discuss whether or not bootcamps are viable alternatives to a traditional university education:

These articles discuss the boom in CS enrollment:

Questions

Please write a response to one of the following questions:

  1. After reading the articles, do you believe that coding is the new literacy? Should everyone be exposed or required to take a computer science or coding class?

    • What are the arguments for and against introducing everyone to computing or programming? What challenges will schools face as this CS4All push moves forward?

    • How should computer science fit into a typical K-12 curriculum? Is it an elective or a requirement? Does it replace existing subjects or is it an addition? What exactly should be taught in this CS4All curriculum? Is this computational thinking? programming? logic? computer literacy?

    • Can anyone learn to program? Should everyone learn to program? Explain why or why not to both.

  2. Review the Computer Science and Engineering course catalog, and compare it to the Computer Science 2013: Curriculum Guidelines and ABET Criteria.

    • How does Notre Dame's computer science curriculum match up with the the ACM guidelines and the ABET criteria? Does it mostly meet these learning goals or does it fall short?

    • What do you think of the ACM or ABET guidelines for a computer science program? What areas or topics need more exposure? Conversely, what areas or topics require less coverage?

    • What do you think of coding bootcamps? Would it have been better if you just went to a bootcamp out of high school or perhaps gotten a degree in another major and then done a bootcamp program? Do bootcamps replace a college degree?

    • Do you need to go to college to be a good computer scientist, computer engineer, software developer, or programmer? Do you feel Notre Dame has prepared you adequately for your future career? Do you know everything you should know (or want to know)? Explain.