Is computer science still relevant?

zjmarx

ABSTRACT
Has our success become our failure? As computer scientists are successful at developing easy-to-use interfaces, end-user programming environments, and embedded appliances, the standing of Computer Science as a discipline is now questioned. While programming in Assembly and C is considered highly specialized and almost an art, new hypertext markup and scripting languages and highly graphical languages such as Visual Basic have reduced the complexity of programming to the point where it seems as if formal training in Computer Science is no longer needed. Tools such as word-processors, spreadsheet and presentation software have become intuitive enough that many people can learn how to use them without specialized instruction. The Internet has transformed itself from a computing application to a powerful communication medium and information source easily accessible with minimal knowledge of computers. Furthermore, it has facilitated outsourcing, reducing even more the appeal of Computer Science as a college major leading to attractive, high-paying technical jobs. Faced with the prospect of completing a difficult, technically challenging degree only to face the uncertainty of a shrinking job market and relatively low salaries, more students turn away from Computer Science and choose other majors - business, economics, medicine, etc. Even those, who are technically inclined, opt for such fields as Biology and Biochemistry.We believe it is time to ask some important questions: Is Computer Science truly becoming irrelevant, or are there still challenges that will attract students to our discipline? What is the future of Computer Science education in this country? What is the overall outlook for Computer Science as a discipline? These are the topics that our panel wishes to explore.



INDEX TERMS
Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
     K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
        Subjects: Computer science education


Additional Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
     K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
        Subjects: Curriculum
     K.3.m Miscellaneous


Collaborative Colleagues: Haldun Hadimioglu: Richard Connelly
Patrick Crowley
Robert J. Flynn
Mark Franklin
Mark A. Franklin
Michael B. Gousie
David Herscovici
Mark Hoffman
Lubomir Ivanov
David Kaeli David R. Kaeli
Fabrizio Lombardi
Ashwini Nanda
Peter Onufryk
Peter Z. Onufryk
Mark Hoffman: Ted Beaumont
Jonathan Blake
Richard Connelly
Michael B. Gousie
Haldun Hadimioglu
David Herscovici
Lubomir Ivanov
Scott Leone
Jill McKeon
Maureen Schorr
Lubomir Ivanov: Richard Connelly
Michael B. Gousie
Haldun Hadimioglu
David Herscovici
Mark Hoffman
John S. Mallozzi
Aaron Kershenbaum: Bowen Alpern
Mon-Song Chen
David M. Chess
Yanghee Choi
Robert I. Chou
Julian Dolby
Colin G. Harrison
Robert D. Johnson
Larry Koved
Hong Liu M. Malek
Keitha Murray
Yongsuk Park
Marco Pistoia
Darrell Reimer
Teresa Rubinson
Robert J. Schiaffino
Edith Schonberg
Kavitha Srinivas
Harini Srinivasan Richard Van Slyke
M. Wall
Edward K. Wong
Maria C. Yuang
Michal Ziv-Ukelson
Robert Schiaffino: Frances Bailie
Mary Courtney
Keitha Murray
Sofya Poger
Catherine Ricardo
Sylvester Tuohy

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