Introduction
When compared to the general population, it can be said that college students heavily make use of the Internet (Jones 2). Internet usage is usually a part of their everyday routine, partially because computers have been a part of their lives while they were growing up. It has become a part of their everyday communication habits and has become as ordinary a technology as televisions or telephones.
According to Jones (2), 20% of college students began using computers at the age of 6 or 7 such that by the time they reach the ages of 16 or 18, they would already be very adept at using the Internet. Compared with 59 percent of the general population, 86% of college students have gone online (Jones 2).
According to Jones (2), college students claim that they use the Internet to access library materials, to do research, and to communicate with classmates and professors. They consider the Internet as a functional tool that has influenced the way they interact with information and with others during the course of their studies. In particular, the Internet enables them to share their ideas with their professor when they aren’t able to do so in class, to discuss their grade with the professor, or to report their absences. They also use it to communicate with other students in their classes. They use the Internet more than they use the library. They also use the Internet to subscribe to academically oriented mailing lists.
Even the social life of college students has been influenced by the Internet where they use the Internet to enhance their social lives. In particular, college students use the Internet to communicate in a social manner, as a form of entertainment, to communicate with friends, or to forward messages to family and friends.
In another study, it was found that 4% of all the Internet searches made in the United States were for tutorials, curricula, and educational courses (Bughin et al. 34). This equated to six billion searches being performed in 2010, with an average annual growth of 12% between 2008 and 2010 (Bughin et al. 34). In yet another survey, it was found that about 42% of Indians who used the Internet claimed that they used it mainly for learning and education (Bughin et al. 34).
Given that the Internet does have a great impact on the lives of college students, this paper aims to narrow down this scope to an exploration of the specific ways that the Internet impacts a student in the Computer Science major. This paper first describes the field of Computer Science and then explores the different ways that the Internet influences the learning experiences of a student with a major in Computer science, both in their lives as a student and in their future as jobseekers. In addition, this paper explores some of the ways by which the Internet influences the curricula for the Computer Science major.
Description of the Computer Science Major
While there is no known concrete definition for Computer Science, Jim Foley, the Chair of the Computing Research Association Board describes it as a field of study that “discovers and uses the laws of ‘how to’ compute and ‘how to’ organize information to create computational and information artifacts” (Keleman 37 ). It is also concerned with the architecture or organization of the physical artifacts that store and transmit information and that perform computations.
The field of Computer Science emerged from the widespread use of information technology and computers in various job functions (Sloan Career Cornerstone Center). Computer specialists include data communication and network systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists, although changes continue to occur with these occupational titles and job tasks in order to reflect changes in technology, new areas of specialization, and the practices and preferences of employers.
A degree in Computer Science enables a student to prepare for the role and responsibilities of a computer scientist who must be detail oriented, analytical, inquisitive, and creative. This would require a strong grasp of computer systems, statistics, probability, and mathematics, which includes calculus. It would also require preparation for at least one science, which includes biology, chemistry, and physics. As well, t is important to develop skills that would enable the student to communicate well and to work as part of a team. As such, some of the recommended coursework for the development of these skills would include humanities, social studies, writing, and English.
The curricula for a major in Computer Science would include computer organization and architecture, programming language concepts, software design, data structures, and algorithms, as well as mathematics and science topics, which would usually include laboratory experience. Students will also learn about solution design, problem analysis, and theoretical foundations.
The Impact of the Internet on Students with a Computer Science Major
With the prevalence of the Internet, it can mean that more and more courses will be offered online, which would see a possible end to the traditional brick-and mortar schools. Experts speculate that some of the country’s universities and colleges will be “replaced by virtual universities in cyberspace” (Pittinsky). They speculate that 100 of the top universities will remain strong but that 3,400 other schools will have to offer ways by which they can add value to the students’ educational needs (Pittinsky).
Even Computer Science courses are now being offered online where the most commonly used methods of communication and formats of course contents include emails, phones, Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint, although the use of animated simulations and flash technologies are also encouraged to increase the level of interactivity (Huan, Shehane and Ali 1) between the teacher and the student. Asynchronous communication technology is also used as a collaborative platform to enable teacher and student to share applications in real time.
In addition, Web-based courseware is now being used by Computer Science students. An example is the Computer Science CourseWare (CSCW), which was developed by Miami University’s Department of Computer Science and Systems Analysis (Helmick 1). It is a “Web-based integrated online courseware system for the management of computer science courses” (Helmick 1). It provides students with a unified experience for programming assignment management and content delivery. It fosters incremental development by enabling students to get rapid feedback and aims to minimize the need for administration. It focuses on the course requirements, with the use of computer programs as the main assessment measure.
However, regardless of whether a student is taking the degree online or in the traditional manner, the Internet has introduced new online teaching tools such as e-libraries and virtual lectures, which provide students with a more effective education (“What is the Impact of Internet on Higher Education? “). With the creation of a learning environment outside the classroom, students are able to become independent learners. This enables them to communicate with teachers and classmates and access online material anywhere at any time. This allows them to build the habits and attitude that would later enable them to work effectively in their respective job roles. In the field of Computer Science, most jobs entail working in a global and collaborative environment where employees are required to work with colleagues in a virtual manner.
As well, curricula for a Computer Science degree are constantly revised to include curriculum for new and evolving Internet-related concepts. For example, computer security is now integrated into Computer Science education (Yang 233). There’s an urgency that comes with the protection of information, especially given that business organizations have widely adopted the use of computer technology. Today, Internet-based applications, networking, databases, and computer files have gradually become a part of an organization’s most critical assets. However, the widespread adoption of the Web and the Internet makes the problem of protecting information and data on computers even more challenging and critical; hence, the necessity to develop more experts through a Computer Science education.
Being highly adept with the Internet can increase students’ chances of being accepted in co-ops and internships, which would offer them a great opportunity to obtain real-world experience even while still trying to complete their studies. In turn, their participation in these co-op programs and internships can improve their employment prospects and opportunities.
Indeed, knowledge of the Internet is essential for students with a Computer Science major because the Internet will be an integral part of the job roles they’ll assume in the future. This is regardless of the specific Computer Science field they want to specialize in, and this makes the inclusion of Internet education in the curriculum even more important.
A study conducted by Wei and Zhang (11) suggested that “Internet experience has a significant effect on Internet knowledge, which in turn significantly predicts self-efficacy and perceived ease of use” (Wei and Zhang 11). Not only does Internet knowledge have a direct impact on perceived ease of use but also has an indirect impact on perceived ease of use through Internet self-efficacy. Internet self-efficacy, on the other hand, can strongly predict the respondents’ perceived usefulness and enjoyment of Internet use, which can result in their intention of using the Internet. This simply means that the more students use the Internet, the more they are likely to keep using it.
Indeed, the increasing growth of the Internet also increases the demand for graduates with a background in Computer Science (Hafner). As such, an extensive knowledge of the Internet can help a student prepare for the job roles that he or she will likely assume after graduating.
For example, a computer scientist usually works as an inventor, researcher, or theorist. This type of job entails a higher level of innovation and expertise, which is applied to the application or creation of new technology, as well as to the resolution of complex problems. Some researchers work on multidisciplinary projects such as the design of robots, extension of human-computer interaction, and developments and advancements in the uses of virtual reality. With the vast amount of information that’s available on the Internet, an extensive knowledge on Internet usage will certainly help in furthering research initiatives and innovative projects.
Another job role that has an extensive interaction with the Internet is that of a database administrator. With the large volumes of data that is generated by electronic businesses and the Internet, there is an increasing need for the effective storage, management, and extraction of data. These comprise a large part of the database administrator’s job. It is the task of the database administrator to work with database management systems and determine ways to store and organize data. Since a large number of databases are connected to the Internet, database administrators must also coordinate and plan for security measures with the network administrators.
Still another job role that would greatly benefit from a vast knowledge of the Internet is that of a network systems or data communications analyst. This job role entails evaluating, testing, and designing systems such as intranets, the Internet, wide area networks, local area networks, and other data communications systems.
Moreover, Internet use in college can encourage Computer Science students to express their creativity and become innovative while in school. For example, Mark Zuckerberg and his friends started Facebook while they were college students in Harvard (Carlson). Even Larry Page and Sergey Brin conceptualized and develop Google while in school (Battelle).
Moreover, the Internet enables students to start building their social network even while they’re still in school. Social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can help students build their social network that would enable them to market themselves and connect with people who can later help them in their job search (Jennifer). The Internet provides students with an online presence that would enable them to highlight their skills, strengths, and academic performance, which can later help in facilitating their job search.
Finally, with the rapid technological advances in the Computer Science field, it is necessary for one to keep their skills updated even after graduation. Private training institutions, colleges and universities, hardware and software vendors, and employers offer continuing education, although additional training may also be obtained from the professional development seminars that professional computing societies offer. It should be noted that many of these training courses or programs are available online, which make them easier and more convenient for working professionals to complete.
Conclusion
The Internet does have a great impact on the lives of college students, not only in terms of their academics but also in their social lives.
For Computer Science students, the impact of the Internet on their major is that it makes online learning possible, in turn making it possible for students and teachers to collaborate and work in a virtual manner. The Internet also introduces new Web-based tools that facilitate the students’ learning process and that greatly enhance their learning experience. As well, the curricula for a Computer Science degree is constantly evaluated and revised to ensure that it keeps up with the new developments in technology, particularly the Internet.
An extensive knowledge of the Internet makes it easier for students to be accepted in internship and co-op programs. As well, it can help them build an online presence and a social network. It enables them to make connections that would later prove to be helpful in their job search.
Finally, it is noteworthy that most, if not all, of the job roles that Computer Science graduates will later assume will certainly involve the Internet, making their college background on the Internet useful. Moreover, there are plenty of online courses and certification programs that Computer Science professionals can take to update their skills and keep themselves current in the job market.
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