In the early 1980s, when computer science courses were first introduced at institutions of higher learning around the globe, the big task for many students was to design a simplistic “program” that directed a cumbersome dot-matrix printer to print a Christmas tree using the letter “X.” Literally no one predicted the advancements that have been made in computers and computer science in the past quarter of a century.
One is now hard pressed to find even a small institution of higher education, college or university anywhere that does not offer a degree in computer science or incorporate computer science into another degree program. In recent years, a number of important trends have developed in regard to computer science education in most countries in the world.
As mentioned previously in this article, one of the developments has been the advent of interdisciplinary incorporation of computer science into nearly every degree program offered by many colleges and universities. For example, the literature major who at the advent of the computer age never imagined looking at let alone using a computer now relies extensively on PCs and the Internet to advance towards a degree.
Another developing trend in computer science education is seen in the rise of internship and co-op programming at colleges and universities. Computer science education is markedly enriched and enhanced by providing to student hands-on and real world experience. These apprenticeship-like programs in computer science vastly improve a student’s chances for success on the job market at the conclusion of his or her academic career.
A significant developing trend is found in the area of distance learning opportunities. In many parts of the world, distance learning via the Internet provides interested persons an opportunity for an education in computer science. More and more technical schools are broadening their academic reach by offering computer science training and classes online.
An annual assessment of changes and progress in the area of computer science education certainly will demonstrate an even more wide spread reach in this area of practical training.