Topic: Politics (12)
U.S. colleges retool programming classes, miss point completely
Wednesday May 30, 2007 9:33 AM
Yahoo is featuring an article by AP writer Greg Bluestein about how US universities are changing their approach to computer science education in an effort to counter the declining number of comp-sci majors. The article describes efforts by educators to create more engaging curriculum to attract more undergrads to CS programs.
The article concludes with this little nugget:
"The number of new computer science majors has steadily declined since 2000, falling from close to 16,000 students to only 7,798 in fall 2006, according to the Computing Research Association.
And the downward trend isn't expected to reverse soon. The association says about 1 percent of incoming freshmen have indicated computer science as a probable major, a 70 percent drop from the rate in 2000."
And the downward trend isn't expected to reverse soon. The association says about 1 percent of incoming freshmen have indicated computer science as a probable major, a 70 percent drop from the rate in 2000."
"The course is aimed at reigniting interest in computer science among undergraduates. Educators at Georgia Tech and elsewhere are turning to innovative programs like the Scribbler to draw more students to the field and reverse the tide of those leaving it."
"At risk, professors say, is nothing less than U.S. technology supremacy. As interest in computer science drops in the U.S., India and China are emerging as engineering hubs with cheap labor and a skilled work force."
This view is myopic at best. The decline in interest in CS degrees is directly caused by the shrinking job market due to the outsourcing of skilled technical jobs. Right now, 20 year veteran developers are competing with recent CS grads for positions. This article seems to tacitly blame disinterested students for the decline of "U.S. technology supremacy" - gimme a fucking break. The dot-com bust started the ball rolling and the large-scale outsourcing of tech jobs has brought us to where we are today. Todays undergrads may as well pursue a degree in buggy whip design as CS."At risk, professors say, is nothing less than U.S. technology supremacy. As interest in computer science drops in the U.S., India and China are emerging as engineering hubs with cheap labor and a skilled work force."
The article concludes with this little nugget:
"The aftermath of the dot-com bust may have triggered the exodus, but computer scientists admit they've also been slow to adapt to the changes by reprogramming their teaching methods."
OK, so the decline may be related to the job market, but...
Pirate Radio is Legal, War is Peace, Slavery is Freedom
Thursday December 28, 2006 4:06 PM
Pirate Cat Radio in California is using some of G-Dub's recent legislation to legally operate a low-power community station in the commercial FM band.
They seem to have a pretty diverse program schedule, running the gamut from Indie rock to radio dramas to an occult talk show.
Take back the airwaves!
They seem to have a pretty diverse program schedule, running the gamut from Indie rock to radio dramas to an occult talk show.
Take back the airwaves!
Sig Heil!
Wednesday November 15, 2006 5:02 PM
Creep
Thursday November 9, 2006 5:01 PM
What do you think he just said to her?
Death of Democracy
Wednesday September 15, 2004 4:21 PM
A Grim Milestone
Tuesday September 7, 2004 4:18 PM
One Thousand US troops have now been killed in Iraq.
Electoral Map
Friday August 13, 2004 4:13 PM
Here's a site that predicts the electoral vote count based upon current polls. Pretty nifty.
"The Audacity of Hope"
Wednesday July 28, 2004 4:10 PM
Say hello to the first black president.
His address at the DNC convention last night blew me away. Where did this guy come from? The truth and clarity of his speech was simply amazing. In the time of jaded lesser-evils, Barack Obama is an inspiration.
[edit] I've heard that most of the networks didn't carry Obama's speech. That's a damn shame. If you missed it, here it is.
His address at the DNC convention last night blew me away. Where did this guy come from? The truth and clarity of his speech was simply amazing. In the time of jaded lesser-evils, Barack Obama is an inspiration.
[edit] I've heard that most of the networks didn't carry Obama's speech. That's a damn shame. If you missed it, here it is.
Anti-Spyware Bill
Friday July 2, 2004 4:02 PM
There's an anti-spyware bill in congress right now, and it's getting huge support on both sides of the aisle. Make sure your representatives and seantors are behind it.
