What is computer education? It is not as easy to define. But it seems that there are lots of different types and some overlaps, such as the following:
Personalized learning or Interactive Self-Education (ISE)
Informatics Instruction (II)
Solutions to Problems in Computing
Why should I go to college for computer education?
I have the best Computer Science degree, and it has changed my life. In a few years I have been working as an IT Technician and making good money with my job. Whereas, since graduating from college. I started teaching myself all kinds of things about computing coding, programming, etc. To get me into other areas, like marketing, business management, and content management.
The main reason why I decided to do this article is to show that the scope of computer education and especially online degrees can be very broad (there are more than 8 million students in all 50 states), and we should all make use of them. Let dive deep into these two points and how they impact our lives now, too:
Computer Education Definition
The definition and evolution of computer education is usually divided in three levels: Personal, Personal Development. Adult Learning, and Professional Development. We already know that most people will need computer skills as well as information literacy skill to start their careers, so let start there:
Personal Computer Education
The initial level that comes with being admitted at college is personal computer education (PCE). This stage includes courses that cover basic programming, computer science basics, technology basics, etc. These classes are taught by professors who have studied computer science. They give you a foundation in basic principles and concepts which help you in getting ready for professional roles once you are admitted to your first year college. You also learn common programming languages like C++, Python, Ruby on Rails, MySQL, etc. When you finish college and go home, your final project and assignments will be handed over to one of the professors in the previous level as proof that you took his course.
If that all you learn then you should leave university. The next stage of computer education is what most people call individuals. Students are given individual computers and given responsibility to choose the type of computer system they want to use. For example, if you wish to create music applications on top 5 popular app platforms,
then you must decide what platform you should create for your application and the developer that will build your application in Python or Java. If you decide on Sq Lite, then you must consider DBMS like Postgres, Cassandra, Apache Migrations, Oracle, Data bricks, Mongoloid, etc. If you wish to create games, then you will likely be using Unity. So again this is all up to you.
On the technical side, the process of choosing the right platform (and software development framework) depends on a complex network of interdependent variables including hardware availability, accessibility of libraries of necessary tools, available resources such as memory, space, processor speed, storage capacity, reliability, etc., and features of each platform, like ability to run multiple operating systems, multiple versions of a software, availability of support for updated software security features, etc.
As an IT Engineer or Software Developer, you should understand the entire ecosystem of Windows, Linux, OS X and other popular apps and make the best decision when selecting which platform to use by looking at the ecosystem of packages and applications that are offered in various platforms. It turns out that you are unlikely to come across an environment that allows only certain choices, so you should take this time to figure out whether any other options exist.
After selecting the right platform in this second phase, the next step for Computer Engineering majors is to study computer science fundamentals like mathematics, physics, statistics, and engineering fundamentals that are required in applying those theories in day to day work as professionals.
Those fundamental understanding of mathematical principals like derivative formulas and integral calculus are necessary skills to apply theoretical knowledge in real life situations. Once you have mastered the fundamentals of computer science and learned how to apply them in daily work, then you move onto building interactive desktop experiences and web applications using HTML5 and CSS3.
The third step for computer engineer graduates is to go through the same steps of building a Web page using HTML/CSS3, but instead of creating static pages, they write applications that use dynamic interactions with the user. But again, these apps need access to databases, graphics, and animations so they require basic knowledge of database technology, server scripting, and server-side scripts.
After completing those three critical tasks, they can say goodbye to school, except maybe for internships in the summer where they’ll learn new things and implement applications for clients. After that, they can decide to finish off their studies to become a Computer Analyst / Researcher, starting with basic computer analysis skills.
Then in the last step, I believe most people will want to pursue a career in something related to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Networking and Cyber Security. And while it may be tempting to think, That not a job that anyone wants, that is not true either. AI and ML are not only needed but highly sought after professions.
A large amount of jobs in the field require strong computer skills. Not only IT is growing fast, but even many non-IT jobs require computer skills. There are many good reasons to continue studying computer science, computer science engineering, and computer architecture. Take advantage of the knowledge it provides, and keep learning new skills every day.
Personal Development
The next level in terms of computer education is known as Individual Education. Here, students are assigned specific projects and are given responsibilities to develop their own unique programs under guidance from teachers who have studied computer science. This form of education continues until the student chooses to drop out of school to prepare for a higher level of education.
Many students done complete this part because they feel as though it takes away their independence. However, because of its nature students look forward to finishing the high school education so they have a sense of accomplishment when they finish school, and because most educators, instructors, and students arena familiar with computer science, they often find it difficult to introduce a topic into a classroom setting.
Although it hard to describe how much you learn during this time, it might be harder to put a number on the fact that you gain a lot of valuable skills and abilities that will make us better humans when we grow older. As you go about your life, you will learn many new things, which help you do a better job, earn more money, and have more opportunities to accomplish everything in life.
Most employers today recognize that having a solid work ethic is important to success, so if you are still considering pursuing computer education or continuing education you should definitely keep doing so. Allowing yourself to grow and learn about computer science is the right thing to do, especially knowing that computers may be the key to unlocking anything you seek.
Online Computer Instructional Programs
Online computer instruction programs allow you to take courses from leading universities all over the world so they are customized with exactly the kind of programming, education, and certification you would expect from reputable institutions. Online computer instruction programs allow you to learn virtually from world leaders in computer science. Online computer instruction programs are also great opportunities for individuals who are trying to improve their weaknesses as far as learning is concerned.
For instance, instead of going to take a class to attend to my weakness, I will learn online instead. From taking a course from a local community center, that in my strength. That something someone else did. Instead, I am learning that by attending a virtual event every Sunday afternoon, I am learning many important life lessons that will help me throughout the rest of my life. Because I am learning and becoming stronger all through online sessions, my weak areas can strengthen too. When my weaknesses do well at improving, my strengths benefit.
My self-confidence will grow because I am able to look for ways to make myself better in front of others. Now if your situation does indicate you wish to enroll in an online program or just would like to expand your knowledge in a creative way, there is no shortage of educational opportunities in the digital age.
Just Google computer education and you‘ll see it popping up everywhere and lots of results, so check it out! Click here to read about my favorite computer program called Brain Maker and follow my blog to discover some of my favorite sites that are dedicated to providing learning and training in the art of creativity.
Online College Courses
Online courses are another form of computer education, taught while you study from home as opposed to attending classes. Your certificate, transcripts, transcripts, essays, and other research materials can be easily found online, with their data being kept confidential. While reading through my resume,
I quickly realized that I could enroll in an online bachelor degree in computer science, and then transfer to an online master program later in life, without ever needing to leave campus. This opportunity makes it possible to work towards and maintain my current and future goals, while gaining valuable skills in a variety of areas.
Online graduate certificate programs can allow you to acquire a secondary education in the subject you chose, and then transfer directly into a post graduate degree program that you find suitable for you, and it does require the time spent commuting between locations, nor does it cost a penny to attend. Furthermore, it free, and it has never been easier to make a living online or live completely online.
