Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!mcnc!duke!sam.cs.olemiss.edu!candy.cs.olemiss.edu!hcc From: hcc@candy.cs.olemiss.edu (Conrad Cunningham) Newsgroups: comp.edu Subject: Re: secondary education computer mastery Message-ID: <1991Apr10.141722.5697@cs.olemiss.edu> Date: 10 Apr 91 14:17:22 GMT References: Sender: news@cs.olemiss.edu Organization: University of Mississippi, Dept. of Computer Science Lines: 55 >From: freewill@nstar.rn.com (Bill Williston) > 1. What computer skills are required for freshman CS majors? This isn't the kind of specific response requested, but I'd like to comment, in general, on what "skills" I would consider as desirable for high school graduates planning to "major" in "computing" at the college level. I am addressing the situation of American students entering American colleges. (a) strong pre-calculus mathematics skills (perhaps a little more study of "discrete math" than is the norm for high school, i.e., elementary ideas in symbolic logic, combinatorics, probability, etc.) Students need to be proficient in analyzing problems and recasting them into mathematical frameworks and notation, i.e., WORD PROBLEMS. Students also need to be taught mathematical "problem solving techniques" (e.g., heuristics like in Polya's _How_to_Solve_It_), not just dry, "plug-and-grind" symbol manipulation. Knowledge of calculus would be a plus, but, in my mind, not essential. (b) mastery of the English language. Students need a large vocabulary. They should be able to read both technical and non-technical texts with understanding. They should be able to speak and write English with clarity, precision, and correctness (e.g., word choice, grammar, and spelling). Knowledge of and skill in other (natural) languages would be a plus. (c) a good general background in the natural sciences, history, geography, humanities, and social studies. (d) familiarity with computers as problem-solving tools. The students should neither fear nor be in awe of computers. They should be skilled in the use of keyboards, mice, displays, diskettes, etc. They should have had experience with the use of various application/educational programs useful to students, e.g., word-processing, graphics, and mathematical packages. Programming is a plus IF TAUGHT WELL, but is a big minus if taught poorly. I think these same skills would also be important for freshmen in any field--particularly in mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, or business. The traditional college preparatory curriculum--where computers have been integrated as problem solving tools across the curriculum--isn't far from what I'd like to see. Unfortunately, the skills of many of our incoming students don't seem very strong in these traditional areas. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. Conrad Cunningham | Dept. of Computer & Info. Sci., Univ. of Mississippi Tel: (601) 232-5358 | 302 Weir Hall, University, MS 38677 U.S.A. Fax: (601) 232-7010 | Email: cunningham@cs.olemiss.edu -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- H. Conrad Cunningham | Dept. of Computer & Info. Sci., Univ. of Mississippi Tel: (601) 232-5358 | 302 Weir Hall, University, MS 38677 U.S.A. Fax: (601) 232-7010 | Email: cunningham@cs.olemiss.edu