I so agree with Rad and to add on to it, the University trains you for the global job market! They teach concepts that enable you to analyze and think outside the box. We should stop this kind of thinking that Universities and other institutions of learning should only teach what is applicable in Kenya. I did Bsc. Computer Science and i don't remember even a single class in campus where i was taught how to write code, which is what they do in some commercial colleges in town (spoon feeding). They simply taught PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS, for example Object-Oriented Programming, they taught us about objects, methods etc and how they relate to real-world objects. It was up to  the student to find out how to implement the concepts in a program and solve a real-life problem.

Perhaps what should be enhanced in the curricula is the practical sessions. Institutions should set up well equipped computer laboratories and put a little more time on practical lab sessions to allow students to learn/apply/practice what they learn in theory. That is what in my evaluation is lacking in our Universities - too much time devoted to theory and sometimes lack of proper tools/machines. That's why most graduates go out there with lot's of theory in the head, and very little to show in terms of practical work.




On Tue, Feb 22, 2011 at 2:30 AM, Peter Karunyu <pkarunyu@gmail.com> wrote:
Simon, have a look at MIT's syllabus for Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

The paragraph below I found particularly interesting, the highlighting is mine:
6.00 Introduction to Computer Science and Programming
Introduction to computer science and programming for students with little or no programming experience. Students learn how to program and how to use computational techniques to solve problems. Topics include algorithms, simulation techniques, and use of software libraries. Assignments are done using the Python programming language.




On Mon, Feb 21, 2011 at 7:16 PM, Simon Mbuthia <simon.mbuthia@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello techies,

I have been invited by my Alma Mater for a brainstorming session with a view to improve their Computer Science degree program. I thought it would be a good thing to first of all hear from employers and supervisors of Computer Science degree holders what they think most graduates lack that would be worth considering when coming up with a computer science degree program.

Your thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

Muchas gracias,

Me.

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