Perspectives on computer science education

Abstract

It is claimed that there should be a difference between education at the university level and that in a trade school. The student at the academic level should receive training in analyzing and abstraction in addition to building. Yet theoretical knowledge must be applied and should lead to clearer and neater designs. Another important goal is to learn to distinguish the essentials from the “bells and whistles,” genuine needs from toys. The conclusion is that it may be hard to design a reliable and effective system, but it is even harder to design one that others will want to use.