Computer Science Education Fails to Meet the Needs of a Changing Market

In most fields and industries, a basic understanding of computing technology is more important now than ever before. This is true not only because of an increasing demand in the job market, but also due to our increasing reliance upon web tools and computer programs.

Over half a century ago, C.P Snow argued in a lecture (now called “The Two Cultures”) that technology would divide people into two classes. On the one hand, he argued, there would be people who understood both the uses and misuses of technology. On the other, people who remain uneducated regarding computing technology would be ruled by it.

In the modern economy, this has been especially true in the retail industry as giants like Borders have been swept away by thriving Internet businesses. Having a physical location is no longer the key to success and, in fact, for many firms it has been a huge problem.

As New York Times writer Steve Lohr points out, the sentiment behind CP Snow’s thoughts has carried through the decades into the current stance of the National Science Foundation. Within the last three years, the organization has aimed to educate young Americans about the concepts behind technology, as opposed to real-world technical skills, “Across the board, the approach is less emphasis on the digital equivalent of shop classes — how to use PowerPoint and Excel, or do Java programming. Instead, the goal is to ‘teach them the magic of computing.’”

Even though the face of computing has changed drastically since the 1960s when C.P. Snow delivered his famous lecture, the importance of computer science education has not necessarily been heeded by schools as many do not have the resources to teach students something they will inevitably learn. Basic programs students have continuous access to help them navigate the city in which they live, organize their schedules, and to provide entertainment in between classes; however, these students also need to understand the fundamentals of technology and artificial intelligence. Without proper training, it is too easy to let new video games, schedule apps, and Facebook (News - Alert) apps take priority over real-world goal-setting and skills applicable in the modern labor market.

Education in computer programming, itself, may also be one of the most highly valued training types across the globe. In terms of employment, there are over 900,000 software developers, and another 300,000 computer programmers in the U.S., earning salaries of $70-90,000, on average.

However, the current education system does have the infrastructure to support the needs of the workforce. As reported by NPR (News - Alert), the University of Washington’s computer science program, the top rated program located in one of the world’s biggest hubs of technology companies and innovation, has not grown its undergraduate population in the last decade. Capable, willing, and ambitious students are constantly rejected by the program, simply because there is not enough space. Reporter Wendy Kaufman pointed out that UW’s dilemma is not unique: “Indeed, government reports suggest that between now and the end of the decade, the number of students graduating with degrees in computer-related fields won't even begin to meet the economy's demand for computing know-how.” Traditional universities have not adapted quickly enough to reflect the changing needs of the American business world.

Even if traditional universities stall, there are plenty of other computer science programs, which offer training, certificates, and degrees in computer science. For example, MITx, an offshoot of the prestigious university, has an opencourseware program offering Introduction to Computer Science and Programming for free. An MIT (News - Alert)-Harvard collaborative online platform, EdX, will offer similar courses, and opens this fall. Additionally, many other university sponsored programs boast online courses that have become available and can award well-respected degrees.

If brick-and-mortar institutions cannot adjust their physical capacity, perhaps they will be able to adapt through new, innovative, online platforms. Regardless of delivery method, instruction on computing technology needs to increase, both in terms of technical know-how and conceptual understanding.

Today’s post, contributed by Olivia Leonardi is a writer and researcher for a website devoted to providing students information about computer science schools, focuses on the growing deficit in the computer science field. Jobs are plentiful but in some places adequate talent is almost impossible to find and despite the effort to eliminate pitfalls and streamline programming processes, the need for trained professionals only continues to grow. Leonardi hopes by discussing the problem and providing access to the many available resources, the unemployment rate and talent deficit will be corrected simultaneously.

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