260 likes | 374 Views
Who wants to be a Computer Science Student?. Barbara Ericson Georgia Tech ericson@cc.gatech.edu. There is a Shortage of CS Students. The number of CS majors has dropped 40% since 2001 Nationwide The percentage of women has dropped to about 12% From a high of about 30% in the early 80s
E N D
Who wants to be a Computer Science Student? Barbara Ericson Georgia Tech ericson@cc.gatech.edu
There is a Shortage of CS Students • The number of CS majors has dropped 40% since 2001 • Nationwide • The percentage of women has droppedto about 12% • From a high of about 30% in the early 80s • There has never been representative numbers of African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans
Why the Huge Drop in Students? • Myth #1 • All computing jobs are going overseas • Only about 1-2% have • There are actually more jobs now in this area than in 2001 • The US Labor Department predicts that computer software engineers and computer systems designers will be among the fastest growing occupations in 2002-2012 • Many jobs require interaction with and knowledge of computers
Why the Huge Drop in Students? • Myth #2 • Only geeks do well in computing
Not True Even Long Ago • Can you spot me?
Who is in Computer Science? They all are!
Why the Huge Drop in Students? • Myth #3 • You have to like to play computer games • Professionals in computing • Say that you should like: • Problem solving • Working with others in a team • Being creative
Why the Huge Drop in Students? • Myth #4 • The job is boring! • Introductory classes are often boring • Students find the examples irrelevant, and tedious • Computer Science juniors are often surprised how creative it is • Once you are past the early classes • Example: Digital Video Special Effects
What Computing is Today VirtualEnvironments Graphics Wearable Computing Bioinformatics
What Computing is Today Robotics UbiquitousComputing Databases Information Security High Performance Simulation
Computing Is … • Begin Artistic and Creative
Computing is … • Synthesizing information
Computing Is … • Aiding People with Disabilities Sign Language to Speech
Computing Is … • Enhancing medical care Working with physician scientists and medical staff at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) in Miami to develop computer-based, low vision technologies that can automatically adapt, or morph themselves, to suit the visual capabilities of individual users.
Computing is … • Creating models and simulations Firefighter training Internet Traffic
Computing is … • Enhancing Education AquaMOOSE 3D: Play with Parametric equations eClass: Capturing Lecture
mathematics biology information security law stress management training simulations video games graphic design music technology environmental research psychology robotics medicine neurology bioengineering telecommunications assistive technology education computational modeling agriculture What fields need computing?
Who Hires our Students? • Lockheed Martin • Lucent • Microsoft • National Instruments • NAVAIR • Network Associates • NVIDIA Corporation • Radiant Systems • Raytheon Company • Texas Instruments • Universities • Pixar • Google • Bell Labs • AT&T • CIA • Dell • Kodak • Hewlett-Packard • IBM • Intel • Livewire
Consider Computing • It can lead you to a exciting and lucrative career where you can • Help people • Be creative • Be an important member of a team • Do research • Develop cool new digital devices • Change the world