The role of programming in IT

ABSTRACT

Early in its history as an academic discipline, depth in computer programming was frequently a distinguishing factor between IT and older computing disciplines, such as computer science or software engineering. Initially, IT was misperceived as being "computing without the programming." As IT has matured as a discipline, programming has emerged as "the" foundation skill for information technologists. However, since the requisite skill sets of IT professionals differ from those of other computing professionals, programming in IT is fundamentally different from programming in computer science or software engineering.The IT Department at RIT has changed the weight and delivery of programming in its curriculum several times since its inception in 1992. Today, programming is an essential foundation for other more advanced IT skills in all curricular knowledge areas, and it is a central outcome of our curriculum. This paper discusses the role of programming in IT, the types of skills necessary, how we see the need for this skill changing in the other "pillars" of this academic discipline, and the impact on programming curricula.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.3 COMPUTERS AND EDUCATION
      K.3.2 Computer and Information Science Education
          Subjects: Curriculum

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Languages

Keywords:
application domains, computer programming in IT, curriculum, information technology education, programming fluency