ERIC Number: EJ980166
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Jul
Pages: 23
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1946-6226
EISSN: N/A
Exploring Experienced Professionals' Reflections on Computing Education
Exter, Marisa; Turnage, Nichole
ACM Transactions on Computing Education, v12 n3 Article 12 Jul 2012
This exploratory qualitative study examines computing professional's memories of their own formal and non-formal educational experiences, their reflections on how these have prepared them for their professional roles, and their recommendations for an "ideal" undergraduate degree program. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews of experienced computing professionals. Ongoing on-the-job learning is a natural part of professionals' work lives. Participants indicate that important elements in an undergraduate degree program include foundational computing topics, development of critical thinking and communications skills, and a strong emphasis on experiences similar to those encountered in a professional position, such as complex, realistic group projects. Specific programming languages and technologies should be used only as practice in solving problems and learning on one's own. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Qualitative Research, Grounded Theory, Data Analysis, Questionnaires, Computer System Design, Information Technology, Semi Structured Interviews, Professional Personnel, Nonformal Education, Undergraduate Study, Workplace Learning, College Curriculum, Relevance (Education), Guidelines, Group Activities, Lifelong Learning, Experience, Computer Science Education, College Instruction
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A