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I enjoyed reading this article by @KathiFisler and @ShriramKMurthi very much. There are more routes up the mountain than just the very specific mix of discrete math and algorithms that make up typical CS1. What other routes are there? 1/ https://twitter.com/ShriramKMurthi/status/1278388424848936962
Data-centric, as the article says. The big advantage here is learning early on what computers can do, and building the intuition for the kind of problems computers are good at solving.
Machine-centric. This is the typical ECE path, starting from what (digital) computers are, and then building up how to do higher level things with them. Advantage is seeing how to change the reality of what computers are good at.
Control-theory-centric. Maybe mechatronics-ish. Start with using computers as tools to control processes and machines. Advantage is seeing computers in a broader context, as part of systems that span the virtual and the physical.
Games-centric. Start with using computers as tools for teaching and entertaining. Advantage is starting with seeing how to make humans enjoy interacting with computers.
History-centric. Start with putting computers in context of the problems they were invented for. Advantage is seeing the thread of improvement, invention, and re-invention that have driven the field.
Sociology centric. Start with putting computers in context of their role in society. Advantage is being able to relate technology to people in broad ways, and think clearly about the impact of systems we build. Economics-centric is related.
Business centric. Start talking about the business models of computer-powered businesses. Advantage is seeing new opportunities, and places to improve the industry.
And many more. What are your favorites? There are many ways to get there, and given the impact of CS it seems to be time to pay more attention to the many paths.
