5 Facts That Showcase Why COMPUTER SCIENCE Is So Important to Understand

By: Dr. Sharon Jones, Founder, Dottie Rose Foundation & the dot Consulting

A quick Computer Science history overview:

The discipline of computer science field began in the 1830s with Ada Lovelace, recognized as the first computer programmer. She was a was a brilliant British mathematician. Ada began working with Charles Babbage, one of the most popular mechanical engineers of the 19th century.? He also created one of the earliest models of mechanical computers, and was called the Difference Engine. This machine is also considered one of the cornerstones for modern calculators.?

In the 1940s, Alan Turing began the first experiments with artificial intelligence. An English mathematician, logician and cryptographer, Alan Turing was responsible for breaking the Nazi Enigma code during World War II. His work gave the Allies the edge they needed to win the war in Europe, and led to the creation of the computer. He also he developed a test for artificial intelligence in 1950, which is still used today.

In the 1950s, Grace Hopper created what would become the first programming language. While working on the UNIVAC I and II, Hopper pioneered the idea of automatic programming and explored new ways to use the computer to code. In 1952 she developed the first compiler called A-0, which translated mathematical code into machine-readable code—an important step toward creating modern programming languages.

Computer Science has been at the heart of innovation for the past 200 years and it has only accelerated over the past decade. It is more important that ever to have an understanding of how computer science impacts our every day lives and careers.

5 Facts the Showcase Why Computer Science is So Important:

1. Computer Science is a Part of EVERY Future CareerComputer science directly affects every aspect of our lives; we rely on computer scientists to continue to iterate As of the end of 2020, 70% of coding jobs are in career fields that are not connected with technology. Those who learn to code early have a choice of many careers in almost every industry.
2. Furthering EducationCan you imagine modern education without computer software or the internet? Whether you’re taking a class online, researching for a paper or sharing work via the cloud, computer science pros have helped make this possible.
3. Computing Enables Solutions to Complex ProblemsComputing enhances one’s capability to solve complex and challenging problems. With everyone shifting to the digital space, they might encounter problems that can be solved and scaled for positive impact.
4. Improving Lives with Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)While there has been an adverse response to machine learning and AI, the impact that AI can have on our lives. Understanding the positive and how to manage the negatives is a must for the future.
5. Data Literacy and Decision-MakingIn today's data-driven world, computer science skills are vital for understanding, analyzing, and interpreting data. Whether in business, healthcare, science, or various other domains, the ability to work with data is invaluable. Computer science provides the tools and techniques for handling vast amounts of data, leading to informed decision-making and insights. Being able to understand HOW the data impacts decisions is the game changer. Computer science is not just about programming; it's a fundamental literacy for the digital age, fostering problem-solving skills, innovation, and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Learn more about the work of the dot Consulting at https://thedotconsulting.co and Dottie Rose Foundation at https://dottierosefoundation.org

More about the author:

Dr. Sharon Jones, Ed.D is the founder and CEO of the dot. Consulting and the non-profit Dottie Rose Foundation, where she leads and implements technology education and innovation. Dr. Jones has served as a computer science expert for the past 20 years, bridging the gap between everyday actions and the application of technology. he also serves as a member of the National Small Business Leadership Council, where she represents North Carolina and a co-founder of Carolina Women in Tech. She was also named one of the 100 Women to KNOW in 2023 by JP Morgan for her work and impact with creating a pipeline for women in tech. When not running the technology-world, Dr. Jones spends her time with her husband Ricky, and two sons.