Re-centering computer science

Abstract

The recent enrollments drop (60% since 2002) has stimulated broad concern about the viability of academic programs in computing, and a variety of initiatives to rebuild the external image of the computing field. The current external image is that computer science = programming. While our internal view of programming is broad, the external view is narrow. Most outsiders and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics use the term programmer to mean something like coder. This external view does not stimulate an appreciation of the full depth and breadth of computing, and it is not attractive to prospective students. The Education Board is interested in recommending ways to make computing curricula more attractive to prospective students. Attractive themes include organizing around innovation, experimental science, and cross-discipline connections. We will discuss these themes, and we will solicit feedback from the audience. Copyright 2006 ACM.