Computer Science’s Image Problem
Trying to sell CS as somehow not being about programming is false advertising — it’s like telling kids that chemistry isn’t about molecules or mathematics isn’t about numbers. Sure, there are scientists using computers to design medicines or study the climate. But they’re not computer scientists, they’re biologists or geologists. Computer science is about software.
My experience is that most people wouldn’t be happy doing computer science or programming. I think they just aren’t wired that way. There are a small number of us who knew we would love it, and there are a few who happen upon it in college or later and discover that they love it. But many more are the people who know that they don’t like it, or who are interested enough to try it but don’t get hooked. Image and advertising aside, I think that, once exposed, people quickly see whether it’s for them. So, to the extent that low interest in CS is a problem rather than the normal post-dot-com assortment, I think the solution is to expose more people to CS (both the ideas and the programming) at the introductory level. It’s at least as useful, for general knowledge and mental exercise, as basic chemistry, and if more people in that second group can discover that they have the interest and aptitude, so much the better.
