Some thoughts on the teaching of computer science on a secondary and tertiary level

Inaugural lecture--Department of Computer Science, Rand Afrikaans University, 20 March 1979An algorithmic approach to programming is discussed. The importance of algorithms and algorithm development in an introductory computer science course is stressed. The idea of a design language containing all desirable features and facilities is discussed. Algorithm design then takes place in this design language, without worrying about the limitations of the eventual implementation language. The following aspects are also discussed: (i) The need for and the importance of closer co-operation between Computer Science and Engineering. (ii) The relation between the university and the private sector as far as Computer Science is concerned. (iii) The role of the Technicons in Computer Science education, and (iv) A suggestion of how Computer Science should be taught on secondary level. This suggestion is then compared with the existing syllabus, and a number of problem points are highlighted