Updating Computer Science Education LaBRI更新计算机科学教育labri.pptVIP

Updating Computer Science Education Jacques Cohen Brandeis University Waltham, MA USA January 2007 Topics Preliminary remarks Present state of affairs and concerns Objectives of this talk Trends (hardware, software, networks, others) Illustrative examples Suggestions Present state of affairs and concerns Huge increase in PC and internet usage. Decreasing enrollment. (USA mainly) Possible Reasons Previous high school preparation Bubble burst (2000) + outsourcing Widespread usage of computers by lay persons Interest in interdisciplinary topics (e.g., biology, business, economics) Public perception about: What is Computer Science? The Nature of Computer Science Two main components: Theoretical and Experimental Mathematics and Engineering What characterizes CS is the notion of Algorithms Emphasis on the discrete and logic An interdisciplinary approach with other sciences may well revive the interest on the continuous (or use of qualitative reasoning) Related fields Sciences in general (scientific computing), Management, Psychology (human interaction), Business, Communications, Journalism, Arts, etc. The role of Computer Science among other sciences (How we are perceived by the other sciences) In physics, chemistry, biology, nature is the ultimate umpire. Discovery is paramount In math and engineering: aesthetics, ease of use, acceptance, permanence, play key roles Uneasy dialogue with biologists It is not unusual to hear from a physicist, chemist or biologist: “If computer scientists do not get involved in our field, we will do it ourselves!!” It looks very likely that the biological sciences (including, of course, neuroscience) will dominate the 21st century Differences in approaches Most scientific and creative discoveries proceed in a bottom-up manner Computer scientists are taught to emphasize top-down approaches Polya’s “How to solve it” often mentions First specialize then