10 Myths for Computer Science

10 MYTHS10 MYTHS
FOR COMPUTER SCIENCEFOR COMPUTER SCIENCE
Promoting Computer Science Programs toPromoting Computer Science Programs to PotentialPotential StudentsStudents
Thanos Hatziapostolou
Anna Sotiriadou
Petros Kefalas

10 Myths for Computer Science
Promoting Computer Science Programs to Potential Students
2
The Computer Science DisciplineThe Computer Science Discipline
 Computer Science is an exciting and challenging field that
has impact in most aspects of everyday life
• For practically any area you can think of there is an application of
computer technology
 Computer Science is inherently interdisciplinary and
studying this field requires creativity, problem solving skills
and integration of theory and practice
 Computer Science offers solid
job prospects and many
diverse career paths
• As a matter of fact, Computer
Science graduates are some of
the most sought-after graduates.

3
The Computer Science DisciplineThe Computer Science Discipline
 Unfortunately, Computer Science is misinterpreted by
many people and by many students
 Investigations have been conducted and a number of
reasons were detected
• some related with the public image and public understanding of
the discipline that influence young people, parents, teachers and
career advisors
 In this presentation we present
ten misconceptions that we have
determined over the past ten
years, as myths about Computer
Science studies and profession.

4
Computer Science MYTH #1Computer Science MYTH #1
Computer Science is sending emails,Computer Science is sending emails,
browsing the Internet, word processing andbrowsing the Internet, word processing and
learning to use specific application programslearning to use specific application programs
 Where does this myth come from?
• Students limited encounter of simple
applications (e.g. word processing)
and Internet activities (e.g. sending
email, browsing the web) in
secondary education
• Parents hear ads about career
opportunities through ECDL

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DROPPING MYTH No 1DROPPING MYTH No 1
Computer Science is sending emails,Computer Science is sending emails,
browsing the Internet, word processing andbrowsing the Internet, word processing and
learning to use specific application programslearning to use specific application programs
 Anyone can do this!!!
 Noone needs to enter a higher education
program in Computer Science in order to
perform such tasks.
• in a similar way that none needs a HE degree
in Mechanical Engineering or Electronics to
drive their cars or use their TV sets
 However, Computer Science is targeted
towards developing such software, services
and applications solutions so that other
people can use them!

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COMPUTER SCIENCE FACT #1COMPUTER SCIENCE FACT #1
Anyone can send emails and browse the web.Anyone can send emails and browse the web.
Computer Science is not concerned with the usageComputer Science is not concerned with the usage
of software applications but with their development.of software applications but with their development.
 Anyone can do this!!!
 Noone needs to enter a higher education
program in Computer Science in order to
perform such tasks.
• in a similar way that none needs a HE degree
in Mechanical Engineering or Electronics to
drive their cars or use their TV sets
 However, Computer Science is targeted
towards developing such software, services
and applications solutions so that other
people can use them!

7
Computer Science is about programmingComputer Science is about programming
 What are the sources for this myth?
• Far too technical secondary
education experience of computer
science (algorithms, pseudocode etc)
• Narrow view about the Computer
Science field in general
 Variation of the myth:
• CS is about fixing PCs when they break

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DROPPING MYTH #2DROPPING MYTH #2
 Again, most people can do this with a
bit of reading and practice!
 Programming is a technical skill for which
someone doesn’t need a degree to acquire
• should you be an engineer to fix a leaking water
pipe? Someone with an engineering degree
knows everything about materials and hydraulics
including perhaps hands-on practice with tools
 Programming is just a tool for Computer
Scientists. Current complex software
systems require software engineering
methods, methodologies and approaches.
Computer Science is about programmingComputer Science is about programming

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 Again, most people can do this with a
bit of reading and practice!
 Programming is a technical skill for which
someone doesn’t need a degree to acquire
• should you be an engineer to fix a leaking water
pipe? Someone with an engineering degree
knows everything about materials and hydraulics
including perhaps hands-on practice with tools
 Programming is just a tool for Computer
Scientists. Current complex software
systems require software engineering
methods, methodologies and approaches.
Computer Science is NOT about writing code.Computer Science is NOT about writing code.
Programming is just a tool.Programming is just a tool.

10
Computer Science is maths, maths, maths!Computer Science is maths, maths, maths!
• Students’ math-phobia primarily due
to inadequate knowledge and
understanding of what mathematics
actually is and what it is good for
• Intensive examination system of
secondary education

11
Computer Science is maths, maths, maths!Computer Science is maths, maths, maths!
 Not really!
 Maths in a Computer Science programme is
specific to this discipline and is taught almost
from point zero.
 It is not just maths for maths. Yes, we do
need maths, because we are required to
establish correctness and soundness of the
applications developed.
• This is much alike the way that mathematics
guarantees that a newly designed airplane is
safe to fly without killing people before we
spend millions in constructing it.
 Maths is what makes it a Science!

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 Not really!
 Maths in a Computer Science programme is
specific to this discipline and is taught almost
from point zero.
 It is not just maths for maths. Yes, we do
need maths, because we are required to
establish correctness and soundness of the
applications developed.
• This is much alike the way that mathematics
guarantees that a newly designed airplane is
safe to fly without killing people before we
spend millions in constructing it.
 Maths is what makes it a Science!
Computer Science is NOT all about maths.Computer Science is NOT all about maths.
It just includes maths specific to the discipline.It just includes maths specific to the discipline.

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Computer Science undergraduate studiesComputer Science undergraduate studies
restrict the choice for postgraduate studiesrestrict the choice for postgraduate studies
 What is the source of this myth?
• A misconception that a computer
science graduate can only
specialize in computer science
areas (e.g. networking, security,
artificial intelligence etc)

14
 To the contrary!!! A Computer Science
degree opens a wide range of potential!
 Actually, Computer Science graduates who
follow Master's degrees in other, even
unrelated, disciplines like Management,
Music, Politics etc. are extremely successful
because they possess the fundamental
intellectual skills and long-life learning
abilities that help them towards such an
attempted conversion.
Computer Science undergraduate studiesComputer Science undergraduate studies
restrict the choice for postgraduate studiesrestrict the choice for postgraduate studies

15
 To the contrary!!! A Computer Science
degree opens a wide range of potential!
 Actually, Computer Science graduates who
follow Master's degrees in other, even
unrelated, disciplines like Management,
Music, Politics etc. are extremely successful
because they possess the fundamental
intellectual skills and long-life learning
abilities that help them towards such an
attempted conversion.
Computer Science offers a wide range ofComputer Science offers a wide range of
potential for postgraduate studies.potential for postgraduate studies.

16
Computer Science jobs areComputer Science jobs are
boring, lonely and are all takenboring, lonely and are all taken
 What is the origin of this myth?
• Boring/lonely misconception:
• a computer science professional
spends all day and all night in front of
the computer
• Jobs are taken:
• wrong impression from general
unemployment figures

17
Computer Science jobs areComputer Science jobs are
boring, lonely and are all takenboring, lonely and are all taken
 Boring job? Think again!
• New problems and new needs by the society and
the business world never leave space for boredom
because new solutions must be devised
 Lonely job? Not quite!
• The complexity of the problems addressed is such
that none can manage alone
• Computer Scientists more than any other related
discipline need to work in well-structured teams
 Jobs are all taken? On the contrary!!
• The need is increasing because demands for
automated solutions are increasing
• During the last decade, Computer Scientists are
highly employed. The demand is constantly high!
• With the current trends of the market, it is predicted
that Computer Scientists would be hard to find!

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 Boring job? Think again!
• New problems and new needs by the society and
the business world never leave space for boredom
because new solutions must be devised
 Lonely job? Not quite!
• The complexity of the problems addressed is such
that none can manage alone
• Computer Scientists more than any other related
discipline need to work in well-structured teams
 Jobs are all taken? On the contrary!!
• The need is increasing because demands for
automated solutions are increasing
• During the last decade, Computer Scientists are
highly employed. The demand is constantly high!
• With the current trends of the market, it is predicted
that Computer Scientists would be hard to find!
Computer Science jobs are exciting & team-oriented.Computer Science jobs are exciting & team-oriented.
The field is booming creating new jobs every day.The field is booming creating new jobs every day.

19
Computer Science graduates never reachComputer Science graduates never reach
higher management positionshigher management positions
• Stereotype of:
• hard working developer
• wearing t-shirt and jeans
• working in a small dark room

20
Computer Science graduates never reachComputer Science graduates never reach
higher management positionshigher management positions
 Computer Scientists acquire such
organisational and communication skills that
are highly suited for high management
positions.
 The disciplined ways in which they face
problems and engineer solutions make them
able to undertake and successfully cope with
many managerial tasks.
 In addition, IT has become so important for
businesses that Computer Scientists are
directly involved in decision making for the
future development of businesses.

21
Computer Scientists are very well suitedComputer Scientists are very well suited
for high management positions.for high management positions.
 Computer Scientists acquire such
organisational and communication skills that
are highly suited for high management
positions.
 The disciplined ways in which they face
problems and engineer solutions make them
able to undertake and successfully cope with
many managerial tasks.
 In addition, IT has become so important for
businesses that Computer Scientists are
directly involved in decision making for the
future development of businesses.

22
Computer Science, Information Systems,Computer Science, Information Systems,
Computer Engineering, are all the sameComputer Engineering, are all the same
 What is the source of this myth?
• There’s a tendency to confuse these
• Especially in countries where:
• “Computer Science” and “Informatics”
basically mean the same thing
• while “Science” and “Engineering” are
used as synonyms

23
Computer Science, Information Systems,Computer Science, Information Systems,
Computer Engineering, are all the sameComputer Engineering, are all the same
 Although they may share common grounds
all three are distinct from each other!
 Computer science:
• spans a wide range, from its theoretical & algorithmic
foundations to cutting-edge developments in robotics,
networking, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, etc.
 Information systems:
• focus on integrating information technology solutions
and business processes to meet the information
needs of businesses, enabling them to achieve their
objectives effectively and efficiently.
 Computer engineering:
• is concerned with the design and construction of
computers and computer-based systems.

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 Although they may share common grounds
all three are distinct from each other!
 Computer science:
• spans a wide range, from its theoretical & algorithmic
foundations to cutting-edge developments in robotics,
networking, intelligent systems, bioinformatics, etc.
 Information systems:
• focus on integrating information technology solutions
and business processes to meet the information
needs of businesses, enabling them to achieve their
objectives effectively and efficiently.
 Computer engineering:
• is concerned with the design and construction of
computers and computer-based systems.
Although Computer Science, Information Systems andAlthough Computer Science, Information Systems and
Computer Engineering share common grounds, all threeComputer Engineering share common grounds, all three
are distinct from each other!are distinct from each other!

25
Computer Science studies is only for menComputer Science studies is only for men
• Computing career distorted image
• Misconceptions:
• solitary activities (programming),
lonely and boring jobs
• belief that software development
does not require creativity

26
Computer Science studies is only for menComputer Science studies is only for men
 It’s true that men have outnumbered women
in computer science in the past.
 But this is changing!
 Increasingly, women are becoming extremely
successful professionals. On average they
might even do better than men!
 Computer Science is about helping others
solve problems, learning about new
technologies, facing challenges, coming up
with new products and services.
 Contemporary women contribute to all
the above in an innovative way!

27
 It’s true that men have outnumbered women
in computer science in the past.
 But this is changing!
 Increasingly, women are becoming extremely
successful professionals. On average they
might even do better than men!
 Computer Science is about helping others
solve problems, learning about new
technologies, facing challenges, coming up
with new products and services.
 Contemporary women contribute to all
the above in an innovative way!
Computer Science is NOT only for men. WomenComputer Science is NOT only for men. Women
are innovative and successful CS professionals.are innovative and successful CS professionals.

28
 What are the origins of this myth?
• Misconception that Computer
Science is concerned with sending
emails, browsing the web, word
processing etc.
• Lack of understanding of the
Computer Science field
Computer Science is not as important toComputer Science is not as important to
society and business as other disciplinessociety and business as other disciplines

29
Computer Science is not as important toComputer Science is not as important to
 Are the following important for the society
and business world?
• Correctness and integrity of sensitive business
and personal data?
• Safety of bank accounts, anytime-anywhere
access and management of knowledge?
• Safe driving and flying?
• Privacy in communications?
• Reduction of cost in business operations?
• Effective health services?
 If so, then Computer Science is at least
as important to society and businesses
as other disciplines

30
Computer Science is as important toComputer Science is as important to
 Are the following important for the society
and business world?
• Correctness and integrity of sensitive business
and personal data?
• Safety of bank accounts, anytime-anywhere
access and management of knowledge?
• Safe driving and flying?
• Privacy in communications?
• Reduction of cost in business operations?
• Effective health services?
 If so, then Computer Science is at least
as important to society and businesses
as other disciplines

31
Computer Science is for “nerds/geeks”!Computer Science is for “nerds/geeks”!
• Stereotype of a “nerd/geek” in:
• Secondary education and relation
of mathematics with Computer
Science
• Presented in many movies (as an
awkward person, with no social life)

32
Computer Science is for “nerds/geeks”!Computer Science is for “nerds/geeks”!
 This is a distorted image that Hollywood
films impose to the general public!
 Computer Scientists seem to talk to each
other with some undecipherable technology
terms
• no different from what Doctors or Engineers or
Lawyers do
 Computer Scientists are trained to acquire
good communication skills and general
knowledge that will help them to interact
with people for whom they provide solutions

33
 This is a distorted image that Hollywood
films impose to the general public!
 Computer Scientists seem to talk to each
other with some undecipherable technology
terms
• no different from what Doctors or Engineers or
Lawyers do
 Computer Scientists are trained to acquire
good communication skills and general
knowledge that will help them to interact
with people for whom they provide solutions
The nerd stereotype is not fair at all. ComputerThe nerd stereotype is not fair at all. Computer
Science is cool and requires creativity & imagination.Science is cool and requires creativity & imagination.

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Paper presented in the 3rd Informatics Education Europe
Conference, Venice, Italy, December 4-5, 2008
Hatziapostolou, T., Kefalas, P., Sotiriadou, A., Promoting Computer Science Programs to
Potential Students: 10 Myths for Computer Science, in Proceedings of the Informatics
Education Europe III Conference (IEEIII), Venice, Italy, December 4-5, 2008.
FULL REFERENCE
The paper contains statistics about what our final year students think about these myths before they started their
studies and when they are about to graduate. The results demonstrate that most of these myths do exist.
10 MYTHS10 MYTHS
FOR COMPUTER SCIENCEFOR COMPUTER SCIENCE

10 Myths for Computer Science

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