[comp.software-eng] software education

ncmagel@ndsuvax.UUCP (ken magel) (02/10/89)

     There has been some discussion in this group as well as comp.edu
concerning how much emphasis there should be on COmputer Science theory versus
current Computer Science practice.  Several people have pointed out that
practice especially in a field like CS or Software Engineering is outdated
very quickly.  A half life of about 3.5 years for knowledge in engineering and
Computer Science has been cited by some.
     What has not been mentioned in this discussion is a third type of
knowledge:  knowledge which allows one to see how current practice is and will
be changing and to understand and relate those changes to current practice.
If knowledge of current practice has a half life of say 3.5 years and knowledge
of Computer Science theory has a half life of say 30 years, perhaps this third
type of knowledge has a half life of maybe 10 years.
     I submit that we need to teach all three types of knowledge in roughly
equal proportions to our students.  Some knowledge of current practice is
necessary to provide motivation and examples for the other two types of
knowledge and to make a graduate at least somewhat useful immediately tyo
industry.  Some knowledge of how current practice could and will change is
needed to support the careers of our graduates as opposed to just their first
jobs.  SOme knowledge of theory is necessary to indicate what is possible and
to allow one to continue to understand, develop, and use current practice as it
evolves.
      The middle type of knowledge would consist primarily of ways to analyze
and evaluate situations.  This would include techniques of analysis of
algorithms and performance evaluation.