Dear All,

It is nice having this discussion, some of my thoughts are below.


·         The kind of Computer Science graduate the market needs; in terms of knowledge and skills

You realize that this field really changes first i.e.  Languages maturing (getting simpler) by the day therefore a lot of hard coding will diminish.  This leaves the students more with alignment of technology to business requirements. Considering this, it is of utmost importance for our institutions like UON to start modeling these students to be capable of interpreting the business requirements and what technology can provide.

 

In my view, the current state promotes concentration on technology than providing business solutions (industry knowledge). The end result is having graduates who are detached from mainstream management and are therefore relegated to back office solution centres.  We would want to see the graduates rise to become CEOs of companies or illustrious industry entrepreneurs. This can happen when our institutions start inculcating in the minds, strong business principles. If you asked me i would include management and entrepreneurship in the the curriculum.

 

·         The kind of courses you would recommend to be critical for this graduate

Universities are knowledge centres so any temptation to be like a reed that dances with the wind should be avoided. We may not have a curriculum that addresses all the industry requirements lest we start teaching <experience!>.  The curriculum should be premised on the industry fundamentals, we had narrow band now it is broadband.  We had copper technology now we have fibre and it is bound to change, there is a danger in taking a reductionist approach.

Sam Aguyo
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