A post by TechRepublic identifies the top 10 skills a developer will need in the next 5 years http://i.techrepublic.com.com/downloads/dl_10_skills_dev.pdf These skills include being fluent in systems, languages and tools such as .NET, Java or PHP; Python, Ruby or Goovy; Flash, REST SOAP; and IDE environments such as Visual Studio and Eclipse. Emphasis is also placed on understanding various development methodologies such as agile and mobile development. And of course the ever present soft or people skills that often seem the most difficult to master. Where can our students learn these skills? How can academia respond quickly to the environment and meet the primary need of preparing our students for successful careers? I maintain that technology education must be dynamic. Tradition, bureaucracy, and ivory towers or silos often get in our way of responding appropriately to the ever-changing technology landscape. We do not have to give up theories and core knowledge, but we have to supplement that foundation with an understanding and integration of new technology tools and methodologies. One of my favorite videos is Shift Happens which has many versions out there. I find a recent version shared by one of my students quite well done http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emx92kBKads It reminds me of our responsibility to our students to prepare them for technology careers in a constantly shifting and evolving world. It is a responsibility that we need to take seriously.
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April 9, 2009 at 1:09 am
Lesia Mahon
I agree that we have to prepare our students for a new world. Our methods of teaching cannot be static or stagnant. In todays world, in order for our students to be able to compete, we have to help them by providing innovating teaching techniques into the classroom. We must think out of the box in order to make learning exciting.
Lesia
April 9, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Lesia Mahon
More ramblings from me — Lesia
We don’t want to be stagnant in our teachings / learnings. We must continuously improve just as processes and businesses do. We must continuously challenge others and ourselves to do things better –isn’t this what we constantly preach and teach “Continuous Improvement?”
We need to take the lessons learned from one class experience (just like running a project) to the next class experience. We also need to understand that the same technique and style does not always work from one class to another. To be successful we must think on our feet and be prepared to do what is needed by each class “culture.” As is our current environment – dynamic and ever changing, so must educators be – dynamic and ever changing.
Each class has its own identity and morale – a class culture. We need to adapt and adapt quickly to that culture. We need to attempt to develop our students to be active and passionate participants in the learning process. We need to collaborate and promote collaboration among our students. We need to drive and encourage that passion. Those that are passionate will succeed. It is not always the grade that matters it is the passion and desire to do well.
We have turned into a very service-oriented society – so we should encourage our students to become solution-oriented problem solvers that will be the service that they will provide. Yes, we need to break through the ivory towers and encourage and support a more collaborative environment. We need to promote the thinking, collaboration, and passion of others. We want to promote “out-of-the-box thinking.” And how can we do that? – Educators must promote and use “out-of-the-box” methods.
It’s not about teaching – it’s about learning, collaborating and thinking. It’s a passion to learn, a passion to promote, a passion to support and a passion to help and ensure that we all do our best.
DO WE HAVE THAT PASSION?
April 9, 2009 at 5:18 pm
Lesia Mahon
One last thought — we need to encourage spirit — not break it.
April 10, 2009 at 12:42 am
Karen
I think it is great that some teachers realize they may need to change their curriculum based what the students need in an ever changing environment. It is also encouraging to hear that the teachers are reviewing feedback from the students and making the necessary changes. Also talking to other teachers to see what works for them is also important. In my MBA program I have had some excellent teachers and a couple that are not so good. I hope some of those not so good teachers are making the proper changes so that they can improve their teaching skills.
April 10, 2009 at 12:48 am
Markela
I do agree that in today’s fast paced environment students need to be prepared for the job market. I have been in that type of situation where I have applied for a position and I was not able to meet the job requirements. I was disappointed at first, but then I realized that I needed to be competitive and enhance my skills not only in the classroom but also outside. But at the same time I also think that colleges and universities should take this matter seriously and prepare students and teach the most advanced methodologies to students.
April 10, 2009 at 12:52 am
bill k
The latest technology enablers of business efficiencies cause one to have to constantly evolve and reinvent themselves. New languages appear as businesses embrace the latest trends in technology to maintain a competitive edge. One example is the adoption of SOA in some organizations leads to a need for SOAP knowledge.
It appears that being an experienced practitioner in any language would be quite a challenge today, in the face of evolving business practices.