How to Correct Some Myths and Misconceptions about Computer Science
MYTH: Girls don't take Computer Science. Computer Science is only for boys.
FACT: Unfortunately, this myth can become self-fulfilling if it results in girls avoiding the study of Computer Science simply because they feel as if they do not belong. Not only do girls belong in Computer Science, but their input and perspective is essential to the growth of the field and the development of relevant and meaningful new technologies that can enhance all of society.
FACT: Computer Science classes that have a more balanced male-to-female ratio are much more effective, educational, and rewarding, to the benefit of all students, both boys and girls alike.
FACT: Women have played some of the most pivotal roles throughout the history of computing. Lady Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, is widely heralded as the world's first "programmer" for her work with Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine back in 1842. Also, one of the most respected and admired pioneers in the field of modern computing, Rear Admiral Grace Hopper of the US Navy, developed the first compiler for a computer programming language in the 1950's. Today, Helen Greiner is the co-founder and chairwoman of iRobot, the largest and most prominent consumer robotics company. And the list goes on...
MYTH: Job opportunities in Computer Science and Information Technology are limited.
FACT: The IT industry currently generates more than 140,000 new jobs each year. In contrast, colleges and universities are producing only about 70,000 Mathematics and Computer Science graduates each year. Simply put, there are twice as many new jobs each year than there are qualified, new graduates to fill them.
FACT: The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, "Computer and mathematical science occupations are projected to grow more than twice as fast as the average for all occupations" and projects more than 1.7 million professional IT jobs by the year 2016.
MYTH: All of the Computer Science jobs are being "outsourced" to other countries.
FACT: Fortunately, due to changes in economic factors and the backlash of bad press, the trend of sending large numbers of IT jobs overseas has largely been reversed in recent years.
FACT: The jobs that Computer Science graduates are best suited for are not the kinds of positions being moved overseas. Instead, the jobs that are still being outsourced are those for which most Computer Science graduates are typically overqualified, as they are mostly lower-tiered positions that require only minimal levels of computing expertise. The strong, broad foundation in general computing theory and advanced design/engineering concepts taught by Computer Science programs throughout the US makes their graduates extremely adaptable in the workplace and far too valuable to employers to afford sending these critical and more desirable jobs overseas.
MYTH: I have no use for Computer Science.
FACT: Just as not all students who take an English course will become a professional writer, not all Computer Science students will become a programmer or even go on to a career in a technology-related field. As with English courses, Computer Science courses help students to develop and strengthen more generalized skills that carry over and enhance all other fields of study. These skills, which include general problem solving, logical reasoning, and the ability to communicate with a high degree of clarity and precision, are becoming so important in our increasingly technological world that Computer Science has even been considered to be the new "liberal art of the 21st century". In short, all students will benefit from exposure to the ideas studied throughout a Computer Science course.
FACT: Many of the products that we depend on everyday are a direct result of the work of Computer Scientists. Desktop computers, laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, graphing calculators, gaming consoles, digital cameras, DVRs, GPS devices, anti-lock brakes, traffic lights, barcode readers, Google, YouTube, e-mail, and countless other products and services that we encounter on a daily basis are all made possible by the application of the very principles studied in a Computer Science classroom.