One Man's View of Computer Science

ABSTRACT

A number of observations and comments are directed toward suggesting that more than the usual engineering flavor be given to computer science. The engineering aspect is important because most present difficulties in this field do not involve the theoretical question of whether certain things can be done, but rather the practical question of how can they be accomplished well and simply. The teaching of computer science could be made more effective by various alterations, for example, the inclusion of a laboratory course in programming, the requirement for a strong minor in something other than mathematics, and more practical coding and less abstract theory, as well as more seriousness and less game playing.

REFERENCES

• 1: William F. Atchison , Samuel D. Conte , John W. Hamblen , Thomas E. Hull , Thomas A. Keenan , William B. Kehl , Edward J. McCluskey , Silvio O. Navarro , Werner C. Rheinboldt , Earl J. Schweppe , William Viavant , David M. Young, Jr., Curriculum 68: Recommendations for academic programs in computer science: a report of the ACM curriculum committee on computer science, Communications of the ACM, v.11 n.3, p.151-197, March 1968 [doi>10.1145/362929.362976]
• 2: FORSYTHE, G. E. What to do till the computer scientist comes. Am. Math. Monthly 75, 5 (May 1968), 454-461.
• 3: HAMMING, R.W. Numerical analysis vs. msthematics. Science 148 (Apr. 1965), 473-475.
• 4: CAREY, J. L., AND DOHERTY, W.A. Ethical Standards of the Accounting Profession. Am. Inst . CPAs., 1906.
• 5: Donn B. Parker, Rules of ethics in information processing, Communications of the ACM, v.11 n.3, p.198-201, March 1968 [doi>10.1145/362929.362987]

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Additional Classification:
  D. Software

General Terms:
Design, Management, Theory