Computer Science for All!!! Watch the Weekly Address by President Obama and then complete the Discussion Question that follows:
Preconceived ideas about computer science may discourage students, especially women and minorities, from pursuing study in the field. Many of these common, but negative stereotypes are misconceptions. (Glenn D. Blank, Sally Hiestand and Fang Wei, http://www.cse.lehigh.edu/~cimel/papers/sigcse04.pdf) Using the Internet locate five misconceptions about Computer Science, and then tell us why these aren't true. What ways can teachers and students help people understand CS and get over the misconceptions? Locate five things you can learn from Computer Science that will help you in other classes and your future professions. From these 5 things - which do you think is the most important and why? Then locate 1-2 ways a school can incorporate Computer Science into the curriculum. What ways do you think the staff at PSD can incorporate CS into our classes? From President Obama's weekly address what is one thing you learned, one thing you already knew, and one thing you found shocking and why? Answer all questions is a paragraph format. Remember you are being graded on your writing skills along with your ability to complete the assignment. If you are taking any part of work from the Internet you MUST site the source (like I did in paragraph 2.) You can read the material from a website and then put that information into your own words, but you CANNOT use the same wording as the website without including the reference for the author and the website. Any citations will not be counted in your word count. When you are done - read responses from other students and comment on their misconceptions and which of their 5 you find most important and why. Also comment on their 5 things taught and what you find most important and why. Reminder you are to post to 2 students and you must have 50+ words - again be sure to proofread!!!
Alex Bremer
2/3/2016 07:28:29 pm
A common misconception about computer science is that computer scientists can hack any website or account. This isn’t true because not everybody is good with code or maybe they just don’t understand how to hack something. Maybe it isn’t in their interests! Another common misconception is that computer scientists are socially awkward. Mr. Prevost is a great example of a computer scientist that is NOT socially awkward. Some people think that you can learn everything yourself without going to college. But in reality, taking college classes can advance your learning and understanding of computers and how they function. Not everybody that studies computer science knows the answer to every single question you or somebody else may have. People are good at different things including the areas of a computer. Lastly, getting a computer science degree does not guarantee you a job in the computer industry even though the field is growing. It may be a possibility that you are not fit for the position, even if you do have a degree in computer science.
Nikki
2/4/2016 07:43:02 pm
Alex, out of the misconceptions you found, I think the most important one is that computer scientists can hack any website or account. Yes some can but it is important for people to know that not all computer scientists are even the best at hacking. Out of the five things taught I would say that being able to create a resume is the most important to me. I say this because I know that almost every job I will apply for will require me to have a resume.
Vegas
2/4/2016 08:39:51 pm
Alex, I agree on your thoughts about why those misconceptions are, indeed, misconceptions. I would think that the most important skill you would get out of computer science would be the operation of the computer because most jobs involve using a computer at some point in time and if you don't know how to use a computer, then you are at a larger disadvantage than the other employees.
Carmen
2/6/2016 11:28:34 am
Alex, I agree with your misconceptions and I think the most important one is the misconception about if you get a computer science degree that it doesn’t always mean you will get a job right off the bat. I think it’s important because with the growing need for computer science teachers and jobs there are a lot of people going for those jobs also so most of the jobs might be already taken where you want to be at. I also agree with you on the most important thing taught by computer science because it helps you be able to make a resume and if you have taken computer science classes or have experience with computer science then that can help you build your resume and make it better.
Makayla
2/7/2016 08:37:55 pm
Alex, I agree with your misconceptions. I think the most important one is that getting a computer science degree does not guarantee you a job in the computer industry even though the field is growing. I think this because a lot of people think this and they might not have enough experience or qualifications. I think your most important thing you could get from CS was how to make a resume because this will be very use full when it comes to getting a job and some classes have it as a task.
Sydney
2/7/2016 09:23:22 pm
Alex, I think the most important misconception is that everyone thinks computer scientists are socially awkward because they really aren't. I agree with you that Ed is definitely not socially awkward. I also agree with your 5 things taught because a resume is for sure the most important because you need a good resume to get a job and you need a job to financially independent and have a stable life
Nikki
2/4/2016 07:39:31 pm
A misconception about Computer Science is that several people think that it is for math wizards. This is not true because you don’t need to be in advanced math to be able to do your basic computer science stuff which is the main part that people should know. Another misconception is people think that the only people who study Computer Science are socially awkward nerds. This is most definitely not true because in like college there are so many people who study it; everyone from sororities and frats to athletes to nerds to scouts and even musicians. A very big misconception about Computer Science is people think that CS majors can hack any website or account, but a lot can’t. Formal Computer Science education has almost nothing to do with it. Several people think that you can learn it all yourself without going to college but the reality is that taking college classes can and most likely will advance you in your learning and understanding of computers and even just all of their functions. Finally, even if you get a degree in computer science, you will not be guaranteed a job in the industry like some people think.
Nikki
2/4/2016 07:39:37 pm
A misconception about Computer Science is that several people think that it is for math wizards. This is not true because you don’t need to be in advanced math to be able to do your basic computer science stuff which is the main part that people should know. Another misconception is people think that the only people who study Computer Science are socially awkward nerds. This is most definitely not true because in like college there are so many people who study it; everyone from sororities and frats to athletes to nerds to scouts and even musicians. A very big misconception about Computer Science is people think that CS majors can hack any website or account, but a lot can’t. Formal Computer Science education has almost nothing to do with it. Several people think that you can learn it all yourself without going to college but the reality is that taking college classes can and most likely will advance you in your learning and understanding of computers and even just all of their functions. Finally, even if you get a degree in computer science, you will not be guaranteed a job in the industry like some people think.
Vegas
2/4/2016 08:44:18 pm
Nikki, I like your reasons of why the misconceptions are false. Out of the five things that computer science teaches you that operating a computer is most important because computers are used in many jobs and also in school districts such as Pomeroy. If you didn't know how to operate a computer, you couldn't even take an online state test!
Carmen
2/6/2016 11:33:23 am
Nikki, I agree with your misconceptions and I think the most important one is that people think that computer scientists can hack any website or account. I think this is important because people might go into computer science for only that reason and they should know before they start taking computer science that they won’t be taught specifically that. I think that the most important thing to be taught it the formatting documents because when you have a job when you are older you will have to make many word documents or write papers depending on what your job is and you want to be able to format it correctly.
Karrie
2/7/2016 08:39:38 am
Nikki I agree with you when you said that people think that computer scientists are people who are socially awkward. All because you like computer science doesn't make you are a nerd or socially awkward. People need to stop judging a book by there cover. I also think what you said about having PSD teaching the students how to use the programs, that could help by a long shot.
Alex
2/7/2016 09:44:15 pm
Nikki, I think that the misconception that you found about computer science being only for math wizards is the most important. Not everybody is able to do math well, but they might be amazing at working in the computer industry. I think out of the five things that you can learn from computer science, making a resume is the best. If you didn't know how to make a resume, then you wouldn't have something to give your possible future employer some back round about yourself.
Sariah
2/7/2016 10:28:02 pm
I totally agree with you Nikki. People who study Computer Science are defiantly not socially awkward nerds, because in this field most jobs require lots of communication skills, and if your socially awkward then you don't have very good communication skills. Therefore whoever thinks Computer Science is for socially awkward nerds then they are completely wrong.
Vegas
2/4/2016 08:53:42 pm
A few common misconceptions about computer science is that computer scientists can never reach higher management positions. This is completely the opposite of reality although when you look at it. Computer scientists have organizational and communication skills which makes them a great fit for higher management positions. Another misconception is that computer science is only for men. This is untrue, although men outnumber women in that field, there are many female computer scientists. Another huge misconception is that computer science is for “nerds”. It is not just for “nerds” as in the antisocial type with no social life, it requires lots of creativity and imagination. Also, they are taught great communication skills which makes them not be “antisocial”. A misconception is that if you get a degree in computer science, that you will practically be chained to a computer your entire life. Wrong. A degree in computer science can apply to many other job fields such as criminal justice. One last misconception is that computer science is just about the internet. It isn't just about internet. It is more so about the software on the internet. A few ways students and teachers can help people understand computer science is by making it more well known to the community and by proving that computer science isn't just for nerds. Computer science could teach me better problem solving skills, which is good for any career. It would teach me programming, which I could use to program computers in any business. It would teach me how to give more effective presentations, this would be very helpful in all my classes because I could make a presentation and barely have to talk with them still getting the point. It would teach me how to be a better team member, which would be helpful in group projects in school. One more thing it would teach me is better communication skills, that could help in any career and in any class. I think that better communication skills would be the most important because they can be used all throughout life and in most situations involving other humans. Schools can incorporate it by making a class on it and by making kids do assignments that involve computers such as games that teach them how to code. Pomeroy School District already does both of these things but they could make more classes on it that younger kids could take. After watching the video, I already knew that administrators are being encouraged to raise standards, I learned that they are cutting the digital divide by half, I was shocked to learn that 9 out of 10 parents want computer science taught to their kids because I didn’t think that parents were of the “technology age” and that most thought it was a waste.
Nikki
2/7/2016 10:36:57 am
Vegas, I love the misconceptions you said about Computer Science. I believe the most important one is that people think that Computer Science is only for men because there are women who want to be Computer Scientists and they could do very well at it but they won’t go into the field because they think only men are it. I think that communication skills is very important because it is something that will stick with and help you throughout your whole life and any job or project you have
Deana
2/7/2016 09:24:35 pm
Vegas, I agree with you on Computer science and how it can teach use better problem solving skills, which is good for us now and any career in the future. It is very helpful to learn how computers operate and how to use different programs. Making presentations in any class is very helpful for school and could possibly help with future careers.
Alex
2/7/2016 09:48:34 pm
Vegas, I totally agree with your common misconceptions about computer science. The most important misconception that you found is that computer science is only for men. These days, women are just as rightful as men are. The most important of the five things that computer science can teach you is better communication skills. If you are communicating over chat with someone for business purposes, or presenting in front of a group of people, is extremely important.
Avery
2/7/2016 10:26:11 pm
Vegas I agree with your misconception that you can't work your way up to manager positions because of all of the skill sets that CS have. It shows that CS need lots of skill sets in order to work efficuently in their jobs.
Anna
2/5/2016 11:42:11 am
Hally
2/7/2016 05:04:15 pm
Anna, I agree with your second misconception because handwriting is a lot slower than typing it. You could also have many drafts but it could be on the computer so it would save you time. Also I agree with that because my hand alone cramps more when I have to write than type and you also save paper when you type. I also agree with one of your things to teach, that experimentation is key because without experimenting, there would be no way to decode all the code in the world.
Cali
2/6/2016 10:14:58 am
One misconception about Computer Science is a common misconception is that a degree in computer science is somewhat trivial and some people, therefore, believe that computer science is easy. My second misconceptions is often the belief that the computer profession consists of a multitude of computer “geeks” who sit in dark corners somewhere by themselves staring at computer screens. Third misconception is a mistake to think that one can become a successful computer scientist without sufficient knowledge and experience in programming. Fourth misconception is that computer science is all about math. But it isn’t really all math though you do need math. My fifth conception that most people think is that computer science jobs are boring, lonely and are all taken. I think if teachers and students can help people understand computer science and get over the misconceptions by just having them tell the students all the pros of computer science instead of all the misconceptions. I think computer science is really tough to understand and if I were to take the class I would have to be able to learn how to fail but then get up again so kind of like determination. Another thing you could take from computer science to other classes is the math skills or other skills that computer science gives to you. And I think that another one is that you could take for future professions is the social skills that computer science gives you.
brandyn
2/6/2016 03:41:10 pm
Cali, i agree with you that alot of people believe that the field of computer science is only for geeks or people that are super smart. This is important because if everyone is saying that you have to be a geek to go into the field and somone that is a average student wants to go into the field this misconception could push them away from the field. I also agree that it is a important skill for everyone to learn in school, that it is a skill that can be used anywhere and could come in helpfull in many ways.
Karrie
2/7/2016 11:34:12 am
Cali I agree with what you said about the 4th misconception about how the person said computer science is just math. I agree with your answer, how you said that computer science isn't just about math, but yes, there is still math involved. I also agree when you said if teachers maybe could explain a little more about what computer science is and when you said computer science is kind of hard to understand, it is hard to understand.
Hally
2/7/2016 04:57:49 pm
Cali, I also agree with you about your fourth misconception. People do think it is all about math and it is not really about math. Code has numbers in it and some of it needs subtracted or added. Other than that there is not as much math as people think there is. I agree with your thing you can learn about the social skills and how they can help a student become better for their future in college or at their future job.
Makayla
2/7/2016 08:44:43 pm
Cali, I agree with your misconceptions. I think the most important one is that is often the belief that the computer profession consists of a multitude of computer “geeks” who sit in dark corners somewhere by themselves staring at computer screens. I think this because a lot of people think this is and it limits them because of this common stereotype. I think your most important thing you could get from CS was how to be able to learn how to fail but then get up again so kind of like determination because you will need this in the future.
Jace
2/6/2016 11:18:17 am
A misconception about computer science is that you have to be a geek or nerd to do or understand it. This is not true because many people have taken a computer science class. For example Chris Bosh is a NBA basketball player but he took computer science. Another is that you have to be a man to learn computer science. There are many computer science girls, in fact a woman invented the first programming language. Computer science is a narrow very narrow field is also another. Manufactures and even people in the fashion industry do computer science. Another is computer science professionals are not likely to help people. Our computer science teacher Mr. Prevost helps us in many other ways than just computing. He teaches us how to present things the right way and how to help people so they get the idea of things. Computer science is the study of computers. This is a huge misconception because it goes way farther than just sitting at a computer, it can go all the way to just normal science. The field is too difficult for the average person. The reality is that computer science involves math but however, there are many ways to learn new techniques and to gain practice in this are if the student remains interested. Teachers can have students just do a simple computer science game to make the students want to keep playing it and to make them interested. They can also tell those 5 misconceptions about it and why it sounds so hard. 5 things computer science can help you with for other classes is being able to run a computer, creating presentations, formatting documents, how a computer functions and problem solving skills. The most important to me is formatting documents because every class has different formatting. In English you need to have a specific formatting and computer science can help. Pomeroy School District already has computer science classes but not many people take it because they don’t know much about it. I think that if we get students of younger age we can get kids more interested in it and they might enjoy it and want to take it in high school. After watching President Obama’s weekly address, I was shocked that 22 states don’t allow it for their diplomas. I learned that only a quarter of k-12 schools teach it and mechanics are working on machines that run on 100 million lines of code. I knew that 9/10 parents want their kids to learn computer science.
Cali
2/7/2016 01:39:15 pm
Jace I agree with your first misconception about how people think that you have to be a geek or nerd to do or understand computer science and I like how you answered back with an example. I think the biggest misconception is that computer science is too hard for the average person.
Carmen
2/6/2016 11:20:25 am
A common misconception of computer science is that computer scientists are socially awkward people. That is not true because there is a big variety of people who learn computer science for example there are athletic people, boys and girls, etc. Also in computer science you have to interact with one another, so for a job you can’t be socially awkward. Another one is that people with computer science majors can hack any website/account but the truth is that a lot of times they can’t even hack things. Computer science education has nothing to do with hacking. A misconception is that computer science majors are not creative. The truth is that in computer science its thinking a lot about things outside the box and creating new tools and things for people to use. Some say that you can learn everything you need yourself and you don’t want to waste money on college. You can learn some things on your own but if you run into a problem you haven’t seen before then you will probably get stuck. Another misconception is that you have to know a lot about the internet to do well in computer science. Its fine to know a lot about the internet and how to use programs on the computer but it’s not necessary for a computer science class.
James
2/7/2016 09:02:05 pm
Out of the five misconceptions you listed, the one about a large variety of people, in my opinion, is the most important because many thousands of people can be turned off from such amazing things just because there aren't people like them participating in it.
Payton
2/7/2016 09:07:35 pm
Carmen, I agree with your first misconception of people thinking that computer scientists are socially awkward people, and think that house you say our school district should incorporate computer science into our curriculum is a good idea and hope that someday we do use that in more than just one class.
Deana
2/7/2016 09:14:03 pm
Carmen, I agree with you on your five things we can learn from computer science that will help us in other classes and future professions. I strongly agree with you on the fact that computers can help us with thinking in other classes. I also agree with you that computers help a lot with designing or editing pictures. If we learn about computers and computer science now, it could help us now and in future hobbies or professions.
Kiley
2/6/2016 11:59:57 am
A misconception of Computer Science is that people think that Computer Science is all about programming. They think that it’s far too technical. Well Computer Science is not about writing code. Computer Scientists use programming as a tool. Another misconception is people think it’s all about math. Not really, actually you don’t need to be in a smart math class to know Computer Science. The third misconception is that computer science undergraduate studies restrict the choice for postgraduate studies. A computer science degree opens a range of potential. The fourth misconception is Computer science is only for men. Yes, men have outnumbered women in computer science, but it’s changing. Women are becoming extremely successful professionals. And lastly Computer Science is for “nerds/geeks”. That’s not true. Computer scientists talk to each other with some big words like any other Doctors or Engineers or Lawyers would do. Teachers and students can help people have a better understanding about computer science and get over the misconceptions by talking about the cons of computer science and telling them that anyone can do computer science. Some of the things I can learn from computer science that will help me in other classes and my future professions are my social skills. 1. You have to have social skills wherever you go. You can’t not talk to someone and expect to be successful. 2. Typing skills. You’re going to need that in any job or place you go. 3. Learning computer programs 4. Learning how to get back up on your feet if you fail. 5. Creating professional PowerPoint’s. I think the most important one is learning how to get back on your feet when you fail. Computer Science really does teach you that if you try then you’ll be alright, but if you do fail you need to get back on your feet and keep going. Schools can incorporate CS into our classes by making the students use the programs in the computer. I think the staff at PSD could incorporate CS into our classes by adding more PowerPoint’s and making them learn about them more and making them more professional by presenting their presentations. One think I learned was that 22 states don’t allow computer science to count toward a diploma. I found it shocking that our graduation rate is high. I did know that our new technology can replace jobs.
Brandyn
2/6/2016 03:50:18 pm
Kiley, I agree with you on the fact that many people think that computer science is all about programming. It is not all about programming and I think this is important for people to know because if people think that it is all about programming and writing code then they will all think that it is a boring job to have, when it can be the exact opposite. Computer science is a big field and many of them could be very fun or interesting to go into. I also agree with you saying that being able to create professional PowerPoints is a skill that we all can use, also PowerPoints help with public speaking and that is also a good skill to have.
Asusena
2/7/2016 12:03:58 pm
Kiley, I like your fourth misconception because its true even though men have outnumbered women in Computer Science it doesn’t mean that it’s just for guys. The numbers will start changing once more involvement happens with more schools. I also agree with your fifth misconception, Computer Science is not just for nerds and geeks. Today even athletes do Computer Science which proves that it’s not just for nerd and geeks.
Cali
2/7/2016 01:28:41 pm
Kiley I also thought that our graduation rate was high. I think it’s interesting how people think Computer Science is all about programing but it doesn’t surprise me that they think it’s too technical though. I agree with on how teachers and students get over the misconceptions I think that’s exactly what people should do.
Billy
2/7/2016 06:08:41 pm
I used to think that computer science was all programming and entering code. but I now know it is not there is more to it. there is actualy some creativity to it. You can actulay use computer science concepts to fix things. You can save companies from being hacked and hack the companies you want.
Sariah
2/7/2016 10:15:09 pm
I totally agree with you Kiley. Computer Science is defiantly not just about programming it is about a lot more than that,if it weren't for computer scientists we would not be were we are right now with technology. So Computer Science is defiantly not just about programming it has lots of different skill sets that some people just don't get.
Brandyn
2/6/2016 03:30:51 pm
One common misconception about the field of computer science that i found is that is only for math geeks. This myth can be true is certian fields of computer science, but not in all fields. There is a basic understanding of math that is needed for the field.In computer science basic problem solving is important, but you do not have to be a nerd it is a skill that can be learned overtime and takes practice. Another misconception about computer science is that the job is boring and that all you do is sit infront of a computer day and night all alone. This is also not true, the field of computer science is not a boring proffession. Also alot of computer science takes more that one person.There may be some time that is spent alone and you may use computers alot, but some of the work takes people working together to get the best results. Another misconception about computer science that is common is that the field is only for men. The job can be done by both men and women. The field has to do alot with helping to solve problems and this is not a skill that only men have. One other misconception is that computer science is a field that is too difficult for the average person. This is not true anyone could do the job if they put there mind to it and took the time to learn the skills that are necessary. The last misconception that i found is that the field of computer science is narrow and that is is difficult to find a job. This is not true because the field of computer science is very large and there is a very high demand. This is because there are people needed in this field all over because it is essential for the advancement in many fields of science.
Asusena
2/7/2016 12:11:21 pm
Brandyn, I agree with your misconception that says that if you work in Computer Science you will just be sitting in front of a compute all day and all night. This is untrue because Computer Science involves a lot of socializing with a lot of other Computer Scientist and other people. You won’t just be sitting in front of a computer you will also be able to travel. This is important for people to know this because if they think that you will just be sitting in front of a computer all the time they might not even consider taking a job like that.
Tiffany
2/7/2016 06:19:54 pm
Brandyn I agree with your misconception that says that computer science is a field that is too difficult for the average person. If someone really wants to do it they will be able to as long as they put their mind to it. I think that this is important because people may not want to do computer science because of this reason. People just need to try and see that anyone can really do it.
Asusena
2/7/2016 11:40:37 am
There are many misconceptions about computer science. One common misconception is that computer science majors can hack any website or account handed to them. This is untrue because the ones that can hack websites and accounts are the ones who are good in that level. These people have better skills than those who are at a different level. Another misconception is that those who major in computer science are not creative. That is very untrue because computer scientist are the ones who create tools that help us. For example, the program Photoshop. This program helps us edit and crop pictures. Two other misconceptions people use a lot is, “Computer scientists are socially awkward” or “Computer Science is for geeks.” Both of these are untrue because in their daily jobs they have to interact with other people and other computer scientist which makes them social. Today, some athletes are involved in computer science. Some believe that “Computer Science is just for guys.” This statement is untrue because there are many girls who do computer science. For example, Lixia Zhang, who is a leader of the UCLA Computer Science Department’s Internet Research Lab. Also, Mary Allen Wilkes, who is a computer programmer and was the first person to use a computer in a private home.
Tiffany
2/7/2016 06:32:21 pm
Asusena I agree with your computer science misconception that people think that they are not creative. Most of them are really creative because they have learned to be. I think that this is important because being a computer scientist makes you creative because you need to solve a bunch of problems and find solutions.
Jace
2/7/2016 08:38:25 pm
James
2/7/2016 09:06:39 pm
The misconception about all computer scientist being able to hack is a very good and important one to understand, especially if someone actually wants to be a hacker and doesn't know that, Computer Science is a very general term. It's good to understand this because then people realize just how much computer science actually does, and that may spark a new interest in computer science leading to more computer scientists.
virginia
2/7/2016 01:33:42 pm
The five misconceptions about computer science that I have found are that computer science is about programing which is kind of true computer science is about fixing PCs when they break. Another misconceptions is that computer science is math but its not really. Yes we do need math because they are required to establish correctness and soundness of the applications developed. Third misconception is that computer science jobs are boring lonely and are all taken. There not boring because there is always a problem that need to be solved. Lonely not really because not just one person can do everything, and taken no because the economy is increasing and making more room for more jobs.
Wyatt
2/7/2016 01:58:35 pm
One of the most common misconceptions about computer science is that you have to be a genius to do it. This is false because people of any age can do it and no matter how smart you are. I think teachers can help with is problem by incorporating Computer Science at a young age. Another misconception is hacking, hacking is not what everyone thinks it is getting into any website computer account etc. but its not. Hacking involves a series of complicated actions not just punching in a code and 10 seconds later you got your answer. I think teachers can help with this by going into detail about the profession. Another one is Computer programmers are loners and people who don’t get out much. This is false because lots of them do other things such as biking, tennis and more. I think we can get rid of this stereotype by just looking at more than the common known Computer Science people we all know.
AIDEN
2/7/2016 07:38:09 pm
Wyatt, I agree with your first misconception because you really don’t have to be a genius to be successful in the computer science field. People really misconceive this and it is not the right thing to do. From yours I learned new ways that teachers can put computer science into their daily lessons and how simple it would be.
Jace
2/7/2016 08:07:37 pm
Wyatt I agree with your first misconception about not having to be a genius to learn computer science. I also agree with you about having teachers go into detail about it and actually tell students what it’s about and that it’s not that difficult and any student can do it. I also liked how you talked about how computers scientists don’t just sit in front of a computer all day, they do many other activates.
Connor Dixon
2/7/2016 02:57:03 pm
One common misconception of computer science is that you can’t learn it, or it’s so hard to learn we shouldn’t have it in schools across the country. Competency isn’t all you need to learn this skill… creativity and memorization also plays a major factor in learning CS. Another misconception is that computer science is just EE, but easier. Engineering is computing, but it’s not coding. This doesn’t necessarily make it easier… depending on the person. Computer science is just programming. This is a misconception because programming is just a tool for coding. They are similar though, for example; you don’t need a degree to code. You don’t need a degree to program. Technically, though, you don’t need a degree to do anything. You just need a degree to acquire certain occupations. But that’s beside the point. Computer science is boring, lonely, and all the jobs in this field are taken. These are all misconceptions. Major ones, not to mention. Let’s start with boring; how is sending code back and forth as a team boring? Rhetorical question. It’s not. It isn’t lonely either. Some of the coding is so complex that you have to work as a team. Not all the jobs are taken. As a matter of fact, the need of these jobs are INCREASING.
Hally
2/7/2016 04:50:36 pm
Internet junkies are the only ones that would do well in this class. This is false because anyone can do well in this class if they pay attention and try hard. 2. Girls don’t have a logic mind, so this class is easier for the boys and harder for the girls. This is not true because girls are just as capable as boys if they try. 3. Computer science is a program for people that are capable to program their own calculators. This may be true but anyone can learn how to program their calculator if they work at it. 4. Computer scientists are overweight because they sit in front of their computer all day. This isn’t necessarily true because they could exercise on their off time and they could eat healthy food. 5. Computer scientists are geeks and nerds that wear glasses. This is false for most people because everyone is different. Just because they are smart, doesn’t mean that they are going to look a certain way. Hally I think that your most important misconception is your first one. That is very true that you do not have to be an internet "junkie" to succeed in Computer Science. You just have to try your best in the class and be willing to take the time making sure you understand the concepts given. You do not even need to be top of your class smart to succeed either. You just need a basic understanding of computers and how to work them to succeed.
AIDEN
2/7/2016 05:03:59 pm
One major misconception about computer science is that you have to be a genius in school in order to be successful in that field. You don’t have to be a super-smart person in order to be successful, you just need the interest and patience in order to learn it. Another misconception about CS is that women are incapable of learning how to do it. In the 1980s the CS field was about 30-40% female that number has dropped to under 20% since. I think that women should be more into this field because having a more equal number in this field gives a balanced opinion for what the future holds in this realm of study. Another major misconception is that being interested in computer science makes you a “nerd”. This is a terrible misconception because there really isn’t a specific definition of a nerd. So putting computer scientists into that category is immature and wrong. Another misconception is that computer scientists are socially awkward people. Just because you are on a computer for your job doesn’t mean that you are socially awkward around other human beings. The last misconception I have is that computer scientists are just hackers and can hack into anything and everything. Yes, there are people who do that but computer science is bigger than that, it is writing code, programming machines and deciphering computers as a whole. (http://www.scilogs.com/communication_breakdown/comp-sci-stereotypes/) (https://www.teachforamerica.org/top-stories/why-its-important-break-computer-science-stereotypes)
Billy
2/7/2016 06:01:08 pm
I used to think that you did have to be super smart to go into the field of computer science. But now I know you don't have to be super smart. You just have to learn how things work and what they do. I am not going to consider this field but I now know I don't have to be super smart.
Tiffany
2/7/2016 06:06:27 pm
(1)One common misconception about Computer Science is that the class is harder for girls rather than it is for guys. This is not true at all. The women have led the boys in average course GPA each year. (2) Another misconception about Computer Science is that it is all about computers. Its more about how you use them. The actual definition of computer science is the study of the principles and use of computers. (3) Another misconception is that computer scientists is that they can hack any website. This is not true because some websites or accounts may be harder to hack than others. (4) Another misconception is that you can learn everything you need to know about computer science yourself. But, then you dont even know how these codes work. You may be able to solve the exact same code you've seen before but when it comes to a new problem you wont even know how to solve it or look for solutions to it. (5) One more computer science misconception is people think that computer scientists can fix any computer problem. Although some do know how, it does not mean that they know everything that has to do with a computer. Tiffany I think that your 5th misconception is most important. It is most important because not all computer scientists can fix every computer issue. My uncle works in computer science and he builds firewalls for large companies. So he knows how to get rid of and protect against viruses but I do not think he knows every little thing about computers and how to fix all their problems.
Karrie
2/7/2016 07:30:51 pm
Tiffany I agree on the misconception that says that computer scientists can hack whatever website they please, thats not true because, they have responsibility they have to follow such as the rules and all the requirements. I also like your thought about how you said using creativity in computer science and if we learned how to incorporate those skills it would have a large impact in are future.
wyatt
2/7/2016 09:20:53 pm
. . . .
Karrie
2/7/2016 06:51:22 pm
The misconceptions about computer science. 1. One computer science conception is “majors are not creative”, this becomes a lie because, and computer scientist are very creative with creating an image in their mind and expressing that image through their work, with sculptures and writing. This all comes together as a big project to do with computer science. 2. Another person said that, “You can learn everything yourself about computer science.” The thing is you can’t learn everything there is always a bigger fish in the water. You, yourself doesn’t know exactly everything. Yes, you can know lots of knowledge and understanding what computer science is but, of course you’re not going to know everything. 3. Another misconception is usually nerds are the only ones that study and have interest in computer science, not everyone is a whiz kid, but all because someone likes to study CS or is interested there not a nerd. They could even be people you would see walking down the street, don’t judge a book by its cover. 4. Another misconception is people think that when you become a computer scientist is you can hack into people’s Wi-Fi and if they do hack in someone’s there comes responsibilities, when you become a hacker you don’t hack someone for no reason, neither is it for your purposes you hack to help others for their jobs and yours. 5. The last misconception is that people think that Computer Science is a waste of time, Computer science is “The study of the principles and use of computers.” Most if use are computer users, but a computer scientist can solve out problems and fix them, and proving they are right. Computer Scientists find effective and learning programs that can help, people to getting right to the problem. They have different of better techniques for building programs that helps, the state and or classrooms. Also if you go to school to finish and get a degree the better chance, you’ll have a job in computer science. http://www.quora.com/What-are-some-common-misconceptions-about-computer-science-degree 5 things that I have learned about computer science and how could this eventually help me in the future. The first way is how we use computer’s pretty much computer science is all about computers, with the new technology this can help all kinds of classes from Digitools, and even science it’s become easier to keep organized into code or even you computers software. 2. Computer Science can show you how to use and with that you can use it if you go into the business world. 3. When you work for a company of computer science it doesn’t even have to be a job it could even be a hobby that you get payed for. 4. CS can make the internet even a safer if used right with the power to hack for a job is crazy, they say that “computer science has been the strongest connections to hacking and controlling and finding cyberbullying”, therefore they can find the cyberbully and report it and to making it safer. 5. There is tons of jobs in computer science from a coder, Developer, Programmer, and even computer scientist. http://www.hanselman.com/blog/ACoderAprogrammerAHackerADeveloper The most important I believe is all the jobs computer science offers and they really can help with the new economy, because as the technology changes we have to change too. The Staff of PSD could maybe offer more classes of Computer Science or make it mandatory to take Computer Science before you graduate. PSD could also instead of having it in one class we can learn a little bit in every class because, pretty much in all classes we use computers so why not blend it in with the classes. My intake on Obama’s weekly address, I learned that the economy and the technology is changing, with the change people need to work with it and smarter, so therefore we have advantages that can help us to become more productive in the technology changing. What I already knew, that Obama has a good reason why he raises the standards to make us better. What I found shocking and why, I found it shocking that Obama thinks that every student should, finish school, go to college and get a job. That hit me because, that would be amazing if he could do that.
Tiffany
2/7/2016 07:33:27 pm
Sierra, I agree with your misconception that says "people think that they can learn everything themselves about computer science." People can be really smart but they cant learn everything themselves. They need to be able to understand what they are doing also. I think that this is really important because they may not be able to figure out everything that they need to know.
Tiffany
2/7/2016 07:45:24 pm
Karrie, I agree with your misconception that says "people think that they can learn everything themselves about computer science." People can be really smart but they cant learn everything themselves. They need to be able to understand what they are doing also. I think that this is really important because they may not be able to figure out everything that they need to know.
A misconception in computer science is that there is no creativity involved. Making high-quality computing solutions is a very creative activity; computing supports creative work in many different fields. Another misconception is Computer science is a very narrow field to work in. Computer science workers are not only working with software companies, they are working in financial firms, ad agencies, food and drug makers, manufacturers and even are in the fashion industry. Also computer science is not about the study of computers. Computer science is not about the tools, it is how we use them, and the information we receive when we do. A fourth misconception is Computer Science is a field too difficult for the average person. Computer science does involve a lot of math and you must be disciplined enough to work at learning those math skills but skills involve simply problem solving skills. One way or another any skill can be learned through certain methods. One more misconception is that there are few jobs in the field. But according to Stephen Ibaraki, who is president of Canadian Information Processing Society, “Over the next five years, Canadian businesses will have to fill no less than 90,000 new IT positions.” So obviously there are plenty of jobs in the field.
Avery
2/7/2016 08:59:56 pm
Sierra, I agree with what you said about computer scientists having a large options of fields and how it's not all going to be for a large company. I also liked how you included that it has creative aspects to it as well.
Payton
2/7/2016 09:03:12 pm
Sierra, I completely agree with your first misconception knowing that people think that is a non creative job knowing that there is a lot of different types of code that you have to be creative with to make them join together as one main code line so that they actually do make or do what you were trying to get them to do.
Hazel
2/7/2016 07:06:12 pm
A common misconception would be that only nerds study in the Computer Science field. This is definitely not true. Yes, there may be some that are smarter than others in the field, but that doesn't mean that people can't learn as they go along and adapt to what they are doing. Another common misconception would be that all Computer Science is, is coding. Coding is just a part of Computer Science. In the field you cover hardware devices and systems, networks and communication, data and information, social an cultural impacts. A third misconception would be that Computer Scientists are socially awkward due to staring at their computer screen all day long. Some may be an others may not. It all depends on who the person truly is. Just because someone chooses to be more intrigued in their learning in Computer Science, does not mean that they're socially awkward. Then, they say "it's all math math math." Yes, you will need to know some math, because you're required to test the correctness an soundness of applications, but like I said before there is more to it than what people think they know. A final misconception would be that all computer science jobs are boring, lonely, and all taken. This is totally untrue. New problems arise, meaning you're probably not gonna get use to do doing the same old boring thing. It's not lonely because you can work in teams. The jobs are definitely not all taken due to the need arising. With the way our world is turning towards technology, as the years pass by the need may become higher. In my opinion one of the best ways for people to realize these things are not true, an to get over the misconceptions would be to go out an talk to an actual computer scientist, who deals with these things first hand every day an knows what it is truly all about. Do the research. Some ways that computer science could be put into the curriculum in schools would be as we did this year an hour of code. According to huffingpost.com an hour of code is all that is needed to get started. Another way would be to take a day out of every week to study into the field. I think this would be a good idea for PSD, due to the way that technology is becoming more involved in our lives everyday. Ways that I can learn from computer science in my future plans would be, I want to go into the science/medical field meaning I'm going to need to understand how the charting programs an other programs work, an by getting a jump start in highschool for this will help me in the long run. Something that I didn't know from Obama's weekly address would be that he's trying to work with others in our Government system to get funding to incorporate computer science into school. Something I already knew was that some schools don't allow it as a graduation requirement. I didn't really seem to find any of it shocking.
AIDEN
2/7/2016 07:42:42 pm
Hazel, I completely agree with your first misconception, computer scientists aren’t nerds in any way shape or form. This is a very bad stereotype that is not true about these people. What I learned from yours is that local schools can easily put computer science into their curriculum by just doing the hour of code every year, it is an easy and simple way to input this into their system.
Deana
2/7/2016 08:44:29 pm
There are many misconceptions about computer science. The biggest misconceptions is probably that it is really hard because when you think of computers you think of high tech and when you think of high tech you think of very smart people. Computer science is about coding and programming. Anybody can do these things if they are interested in it. You do not have to be smart or very intelligent to get computer science or to take the class. Another misconception is that computer science is for nerds. You don’t have to be nerdy to take computer science. Another misconception I found was that it is harder for girls than it is for boys. This is not true, computer science is for everyone and can be very useful. In fact when I was googling, I found the following on edweek.org it said, “Boys are more confident, and more likely to believe they'll have a job one day in which they'll use the subject of computer science, according to new survey results from Google and Gallup.” One big misconception about computer science is that it is just about computers and this is not true because computer science can help you in other fields of learning. The last misconception I found was that people feel they have to be internet junkies to take computer science. While it is perfectly fine to know a lot about how the internet works and how to use software programs on your computer, it is not necessary to know any of those things for a computer science course.
Sydney
2/7/2016 09:26:54 pm
Deana, I agree when you say that the most important misconception of CS is that people think it is really hard and people don't want to do it because of that. When I used to think of it I always thought you had to be like SUPER smart but now that I know more about it I know you don't have to be and you can learn. I agree with you saying that knowing how to function the computer in general is more important because if you don't know how to function a computer you don't know how to do anything else.
Payton
2/7/2016 08:59:49 pm
A common misconception of computer science is that it is used by hackers to hack government information people not want to do this job because they think that they will get in trouble and they make that assumption seeing TV shows or any other type of criminal activities. Another common misconception of computer science for women is that seeing men out number them in a computer work facility makes them think that there is no point for them to do it or maybe that it is all emails and coding. Another misconception is that you need to have a masters degree to have a job opportunity in computer science a fact against that is that sometimes in different businesses they won't make you have a masters degree in computer science only that you actually know how to program. A different misconception is that you need to be highly advanced in math to be given a computer science placement in junior developer job a disagree in fact with that is that you only need to know basic math like algebra logic and a little bit of trigonometry. The last misconception is that computer scientist graduates do not get higher level management positions because most computer scientists are thought to be in small dark rooms wearing normal clothes and not business attire a fact that makes this not entirely true is that the have good organizational skills. I think that our school could incorporate computer science more is by having a presentation and games during Computer Science Week which makes people no more about computer science. One thing I did not know if found shocking is that 22 states do not allow computer science to go towards their diploma. One thing I knew was that 9 out of 10 parents want their children to take a computer science class. HTTPS://blog.nerdery.com/2013/03/changing-careers-to-be-a-developer-3-misconceptions-to-avoid/
Sydney
2/7/2016 09:18:33 pm
A very common misconception of computer scientists are that you have to be super smart and very nerdy and weird to be one. Well that is not true at all because I know some really cool computer scientists that are awesome and definitely not weird. Another misconception is that if you are a computer scientist that your face will be glued to the computer screen all day but in reality they don't. They give presentations, help others, and teach others. People often think that you have to be born smart to be a computer scientist. Well you don't. You can go to college for this and get a degree. Also many people think that computer scientists are just hackers.. Well they aren't. They use their skills for many good things but some people use them as bad, but not all. One last misconception that people have of computer scientists are that you don't make much money. In fact, if you use your skills for good things you can make LOTS of money in this topic.
Makayla
2/7/2016 09:35:33 pm
The first misconception I found was Computer Science is sending emails, browsing the internet, word processing, and learning to use specific application programs. This is not true because Computer Science is targeted toward developing such software, services and applications for other people’s use. The second misconception says that Computer Science is about programming. This is false because programing is a tool for Computer Scientists. Another misconception said that Computer Science is math, math, and math. This is incorrect because yes you do need math, but you only need math’s specific to this discipline. The fourth misconception was that Computer Science studies are only for men. Men have outnumbered women in this field but this is changing. The more common misconception is Computers Science is for “nerds or geeks” this is a common stereotype that is complete blown out of proportion.
Wyatt F
2/7/2016 09:38:42 pm
Some of the misconceptions of Computer Science are its’s just watered down EE, the only people who study CS are socially inept nerds, or you only learn programing. Teachers can help student get over the misconceptions by making the class a little bit more fun during the days so you’re not just staring at the computer waiting till the class is done.
Sariah
2/7/2016 09:49:03 pm
Five misconceptions are 1. You only learn programming. 2. CS majors are not creative. 3. Guaranteed a job. 4. CS majors can hack any web site. 5. CS majors always know the right technology to get. First of all none of these Ade true. 1. You can learn many things. Here are some classes that are required to take: comparison in the major, printers and all in one devices, popular router firmware, and lots more. 2. CS majors are not creative. This is seriously not true some computer scientists make video games if you say that isn't creative your crazy. 3. Guaranteed a job, just saying g lots of majors don't get a job in this subject. 4. CS majors can hack any web site, this is so not true most majors cant , mostly only people who teach themselves can do this.5. CS majors know all the right technology to get, also not true most only know the simple features which is not unlike any one else.
Billy Paul
2/7/2016 10:05:13 pm
Misconceptions about Computer Science:
Destany
2/7/2016 10:14:32 pm
The first misconception about computer science was that it’s only about programming. Programing is just a tool used in computer science it’s not all about righting lines of code or fixing computers when they break. The second misconception is that all computer science jobs are boring and taken. With new advances in technology the need for understanding technology are greater, everyday there is a new job opportunity waiting to be created. The third misconception is that computer science graduates never reach higher management positions. This is false because computer science offers communication skills that are good for high management positions. The fourth misconception is computer science is only for men. While it is true that men are more common in computer science do to the changes in society more and more woman are going into jobs that were once thought to be men only. The fifth misconception is that computer science is for nerds or geeks. This mainly started due to Hollywood films portraying computer scientists like that computer science actually requires communication skills.
Avery
2/7/2016 11:08:59 pm
One misconception about CS is that you need to get a degree and lots of training to be good at this job. This isn't true because lots of people that aren't necessarily good at schooling are in the CS field and are just as smart just based off of their knowledge they already have. Another misconception is that hackers are just creepy, needy guys sitting in a dark room behind a computer screen but really they can be anyone you know. I think a good example is Mr. Prevost being a hacker and if you looked at him just in person you wouldn't assume that he's a hacker. The 3rd misconception is that CS is all technical and doesn't require any other skills which isn't true because, technical skills are a huge part in CS they need other skills in order to work or having the people skills in general to get a job. Another misconception is that you would be a 4.0 student to be a CS which isn't true. Different parts of the brain controls different things and everyone is different. Kids that don't like school or aren't just good at it can be really good in CS and I think that's important for everyone go realize. The last misconception CS can just be used in large companies that only real with technology but really CS can be used in so many fields anywhere from small businesses, teaching to the food industry.
James
2/7/2016 11:30:16 pm
Misconceptions are everywhere, and because of that it's important to clear those misconceptions up. 1: It is said computer science is more of a mans thing rather than for everyone. That is totally not true. Computer science is for everyone, because everyone has the potential to make something great. 2: Most associate hackers with computer scientists, and computer scientists with hackers just because they both deal with programming in some form. Computer science is actually a wide variety of things, that only includes hacking. 3: A big misconception is that you can learn everything in computer science by yourself. Now while you can learn and teach yourself a great deal of programming and computer science, there will always be something that you won't know, and a teacher can help you find those things and help you learn them. 4: You have to be really into computers, or know a lot about them in order to be a computer scientist. Not true, not true at all. There are many cases where a person doesn't know a single thing about something, yet can learn and be very proficient in it. All because they were interested in it, and wanted to learn. 5: The last misconception is that computer scientist are awkward because they sit at a computer all day. Just because someone does one thing, doesn't mean they lack in other areas. There are tons of millions of people who study computer science, and are very social.
Gustavo
2/9/2016 02:57:11 pm
1.Computer scientists lead solitary antisocial lives. 2: Computer science is about hardware. 3: Mathematical ability is essential for writing programs. 4: Computer science is all programming 5: Computer science is the study of the uses of software. Yet the majority of U.S. schools require only that students use computers. Schools prepare students to innovate and create the new technologies that drive local and national economies. This ability to innovate with technology is also important for students future success and ability to make a difference in a global society. They could hire a new teacher that knows about computer science. I learned that computer science is really important to life and our future. I already knew that some states don’t provide computer science or computers. I found out that 22 states don’t provide computer classes and that some parents don’t want their children to learn about computers and other stuff like that. Comments are closed.
|
AuthorMrs. Miller will use the blog to help students ask questions, remember what we did in class and just a place to discuss class topics. Categories
All
Archives
May 2017
|