Knowledge on the Discipline of Computer Science

Knowledge on the Discipline of Computer Science

David Resendiz
RWS 1301
Joanna Hinojosa

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Introduction
The discipline of computer science deals with the understanding and design of
computers. Computer science is part of the college of engineering. The Department of Computer
Science employs twenty-two faculty members. On average, the University of Texas at El Paso
produces forty-six graduates. Computer science is located in the chemistry and computer science
building. I am currently a student who is majoring in computer science and to become an insider
of this discourse community, I have chosen this discipline. Computer science requires a set of
skills and this project will help me identify those sets of skills to become more successful in this
field. This research procedure will help me gain the most knowledge about the field of computer
science which is my reason for choosing this discipline.
1.

What character skills are needed in order to become successful in Computer Science?

2.

What are some habits I can develop that will reward me in Computer Science?

3.

What are some academic challenges a student might face in engineering?

My research questions help me discover ways of learning how to be more successful in the
discipline of computer science. Computer scientists are inventors and innovators; computer
science requires the power of knowledge and design to have the ability to interact with
computers.

Background
Computer scientists design or invent technologies to make devices and peoples lives
easier. Being a computer scientist is like being a parent; parents raise their children to be
successful, loving, and to be great people. Well the same concept applies to computer science.

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For example, the computer scientist is the parent and the technology they are creating is the
child. As a computer scientist is developing the technology, the scientist makes sure the app is
doing everything correctly and obeying everything the scientist telling it to do in order for the
app to come out successful. The computer scientist is also designing this technology to make
sure it looks appealing to the people. In the end, the computer scientist makes sure he did
everything correctly for the app to reach its full potential. Computer science requires many sets
of skills just like many other jobs do. The discipline of computer science requires the skills of
problem solving, creativity, and thinking critically because computer scientists must be able to
analyze problems and design solutions to verify that they are correct..

Methodology
I needed to collect facts and information about the discipline of computer science and
also to learn how to become successful in the field of study. In order for me to gain more
knowledge about the discipline, I had to conduct research methods that would provide large
amounts of information. These research methods involved; interviewing a professor who is an
expert in the discipline, observing one of the classes, surveying students studying this discipline,
and then analyzing documents dealing with the discipline. The research methods deal with
people who are linked to computer science therefore, it allows me to obtain as much information
as possible. This will help me become an insider of this discourse community.

Data Collection:

Interview

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Interview was a great way to collect data by getting information from an expert in
the discipline. I interviewed a professor; Dr. Ward, who is a professor in the department
of computer science. The reason for choosing Dr. Ward is because he is an expert in the
field of computer science and he has great experience in the work field. The interview
was on October 7, 2014 and held in his office which is located in the Chemistry and
Computer Science building. The interview was fairly short, lasting only about 7 minutes.
Although it was short, I still learned about the discipline. In the interview we discussed
challenges in the discipline and what the students might face, as well as the set of skills
that are needed in the discourse community. (Ward, 2014)

Survey
Conducting the survey was difficult because it was hard to find people studying
computer science. I had to look for people in the chemistry and computer science
building who are studying computer science. I asked the students if they could fill out a
quick survey on computer science. Most people agreed to do it since it was fairly short.
After they would finish the survey, I would go pick it up. There was nine surveys
distributed and nine were collected. The survey was very helpful because it gave me the
students opinions on computer science.

Document Analysis
Analyzing a course syllabus for a Human-Computer Interaction class and the
degree plan for computer science gave me an insight about courses in the discipline such
as the requirements a class will need and what the expectations are. The course syllabus

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is given to the students by the professor so the students know what to expect from the
class and information about the class. The degree plans are for the students so they are
aware what courses they have and will be taking. The course syllabus gave a great
amount of information about the course and it shows what the expectations might be for
other classes that are similar to this course. The degree plan helps guide students to
success of their major.

Observation
I collected more data by observing. I observed a computer science class called,
Human-Computer Interaction, which was a senior course. I was located in the back left
corner during the observation where it lasted one hour and twenty minutes. The
observation gave me an insight on students performing in the study of computer science,
and also the way the students interact with each other and with the professor. The
classroom surprised me because there wasnt a single computer which is very odd since it
is a computer science class. Classwork was being done through worksheets instead of
through technology. The class was also very involved; everyone was participating and
communicating with one another about classwork. I noticed the professor would tell the
class to work in groups frequently and I believe he did this so the students can improve
their communication skills because communication is important to the career of computer
science. There was also a very strong bond between the students and professor.

Data Coding

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In order to gather much information, I had to develop research methods that would get
information from people who are in the study of computer science. Therefore, interacting with
people in the discipline, such as professors and students would give me the best results since they
have experience it the field, which is why I believe the interview, observation, and survey were
the best choice. The research methods I conducted provided me with vast amounts of
information. In order to keep my research flowing smoothly, I had to organize each research
method by having it place in its own folder. The folders contained the research methods and the
analysis of the research methods. This organization helped me better understand each research
method and to keep my research on track. In order to comprehend the information, I would
analyze the information I was given from the research methods. I wrote down information about
the data given, and I also wrote down my opinions about the data. I developed interview
questions for the professor and survey questions for the students that are related to my research
questions so it can provide me with answers and information about the research question.

Results
What character skills are needed in order to become successful in Computer Science?
I gathered many different answers but are similar to the topic of this research question. I
was given information by Dr. Ward on the sets of skills that are a necessary to the success of
computer science, which fully answers the research question. In the field of computer science
you must be able to think logical, be persistent, creative, and know how to work with people. I
was also given information on how to be an ideal student. The answers bring knowledge on how
you as an individual can become a better student in the field of computer science as well as
prepare you for the workforce of computer science. This question has been fully answered

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because I now know the character skills in order to be successful in computer science. My
research methods were able to provide me with many answers to my research question.

What are some habits I can develop that will reward me in Computer Science?
The interview and the observation of the class helped me obtain answers to the research
question. I was given behaviors that students need to develop and adopt to their daily routine to
be successful in the study of computer science, such as studying and asking questions. The
observation also showed me the habits the students have, they would listen to each other with
understanding. It showed me communication is very important in this discipline. This research
question gave me an idea of what an ideal student is, in which I can go based off those ideas. The
answers given to me from the interview and observation were all ideal towards the research
question. An issue about this question is that habits cannot develop quickly, they take practice to
fully develop which is why you must start developing the habit as early as possible.

What are some academic challenges a student might face in computer science?
The interview and survey helped me recognize academic challenges that a student might
face in computer science. I discovered courses, habits, and tasks that can be quite challenging
such as programming. The interview and survey helped me fully answer and understand the
academic challenges therefore I now know what difficulties I might encounter and how face
them properly. This research question showed me that all students face academic challenges and
at time they may be difficult to overcome, but you still mace face the issue and learn to
overcome it. An issue concerning this question is that everyone had different views on academic

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challenges because people have different strengths and weakness. Someone might struggle with
programming while the other person might not.

Conclusion
Computer science involves interaction whether if it is with people or the computer. It
requires many sets of skill such as logical reasoning, knowledge, creativity, and problem solving.
Computer scientist use the power of computers to innovate or invent technologies to make life
easier or bring excitement to people. Computer scientist have one similar purpose; design.
Computer scientist are creative and seek to use their creativity towards technologies. My
research limited me from experiencing to see students actually work on a project regarding
computer science. I still need to explore people working in the field of computer science, such as
programming to get a better insight on how a computer scientist interacts in the work field. This
research brought knowledge about the discipline of computer science, and how you can become
a better student leading you to success in the field. This research can give an insight about
computer science to the people interested in this major such as high school seniors or freshmen
in college. They will benefit knowledge about the study of computer science, they will be able to
understand more about it and know what to expect from it. This research brings information to
whoever wants to become more of an insider in the field of computer science.

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Reference page
Ward, D. (2014). Human-computer Interaction. [Course syllabus]. Department of Computer
Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX.
Computer Science degree plan (2014). Computer Science degree plan. [Degree plan].
Department of Computer Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX.

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Appendices
Appendix A
Interview Questions
1. What are some common challenges students face in computer science?
Programming is hard, it takes a long time to do it. Students dont think its going to be
hard so they dont put a lot of time into it.
2. What sets of skills are required in computer science and why are they a necessity? Think
logical, be persistent, creative, and know how to work with people.
3. What are some behaviors that students in the study of computer science should adopt in
their daily routine to be successful? Studying, ask questions, dont admit themselves.
Students who think they know everything so they dont ask.
4. Can you explain the financial and career benefits of having a bachelors, a masters, and a
doctors degree? The starting salary with a bachelors is $60,000. If you have a PhD, you
seem to know everything about computer science and the skills to solve a problem in
anything, you start with more power.
5. What are the most challenging courses in the study of Computer Science? If youre good
at math then itll be software engineer because you have to work in teams and thats hard
for some people. If youre not good in math then it is automata.
6. Why would you encourage a student to major in computer science? You can think of an
idea and you can develop it.
7. How do you evolve with new emerging or ever changing technologies in the field of
computer science? Everyone joins the ACM, which keeps you up to date with
technologies.
8. What do you consider to be an ideal student? Somebody who knows why they are here,
theyre motivated, work hard, smart, good attitude, must be willing to admit you need
help, and help out other students who are in trouble.

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Appendix B
Observation Notes
Time and place:
321 Business building from 3:00-4:20 pm
Where I was located during observation:
Located in the way back left corner
Who has the power in the room:
Professor Ward has the power of the room because he is in front of the classroom with a strong
tone of voice and good posture. Also all desks are facing towards him.
Students:
Students interact a lot with professor (communication)
Students have eyes on teacher most of the time, they focus and listen
Students in front of the class participate more.
Students ask many questions if in need of help, they are not afraid to ask
Students sat in groups a lot to discuss about chapters and worksheets
Students gestures are serious and are focused(ready to learn)
When given an assignment students automatically the students face each other and work together
to work on assignment
Professor:
Professor interacts a lot with the students
Professor uses chalkboard to teach class such as drawing out designs and showing examples
Does not use a computer at all(old fashioned)
Professor tells students to get into groups a lot and also calls on students to answer questions or
give opinions
Professor brings a positive vibe to the class, he is always smiling
Professor makes sure the students completely understand the criteria
Classroom:
Classroom contains desks that face the chalkboard
Classroom contains no laptops, computers, or any sort of technology which is odd since its a
computer science class.
Discussion in the classroom:
Class discussed about user interfaces for websites and application.
Discussed about different types of widgets such as the check box button or the radio button

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Appendix C
Survey
1.

What are two pieces of advice for an incoming freshman?

2.
Rate the difficulty of your first computer science class from 1-4? (4 being
the highest?
3. Rate the difficulty of your current computer science class from 1-4?

4.
On a scale 1-4, number each set of skill in which you use the most or the
least in the study of Computer Science. (1 indicates the most least, and 4 indicates
the most used)
___ Creativity
___ Critical Thinking
___Logical Reasoning
___ Communicating

5. What aspect do you most like about the field of computer science?
a) Problem Solving
b) Learning new ideas
c) Making money
d) Challenge

6. What is your attitude towards obtaining a degree in computer science?

a) Excellent
b) Good
c) Fair
d) Poor
7. Is the study of Computer Science difficult?
a) Strongly agree
b) Agree
c) Disagree

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d) Strongly Disagree
8. What is one thing you wish you knew about this major?

Answers to Survey
Multiple Questions
Most Popular Answer
Question 5
Question 6
Question7

Making Money
Excellent
Strongly Agree

Popular Answer to Total #

of Surveys
7 out of 9
6 out of 9
7 out of 9

Rating Questions
Most Popular Rating
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4

4
3
4 on Logical reasoning

Popular Answer to Total # of

Surveys
8 out of 9
6 out of 9
5 out of 9

Open-ended Questions
Question 1: Most popular answer was studying.
Question 8: Many answers were different but one common answer was that you deal with a lot of
coding.

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David Resendiz