One interesting phenomenon in the technology world is that many people finish a degree in Computer Science and then go on for a career in Software Engineering. Although Software Engineering and Computer Science do have some things in common, there is a gap that must be crossed as a new employee makes the transition from the theory of the Computer Science degree to the practical applications of being a Software Engineer. Although the degree might have a different focus than the general career, the degree is invaluable and required for most Software Engineering jobs.
Similarly, there is no specific degree available to train women who have aspirations to raise children full time. Aspiring Software Engineers getting training through Computer Science; aspiring mothers should also get as much education they can. Whether the degree is in elementary education, mathematics, engineering, or history, the skills learned in that degree program will be invaluable when it comes to raising children in today's world.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It came to pass . . . and then what came next?
This post is in response to the following article from ESPN: Schools turning to technology for recruiting edge
One thing I love about college football is that it is not just about athletic ability; you have to be smart and creative to have a successful program. When LaVell Edwards took over BYU's football program in the 1970s, he inherited a program that had never been successful on the college football stage. Just 12 years later, Edwards led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship. Edward's success came from his creativity and ability to adapt to new situations and new schemes for recruiting and playing. College football is again going through a revolution. This revolution is not the switch to the passing game that LaVell led so long ago, but rather to the use and reliance on technology. Those who lead out with new innovative technologies will find themselves ahead as college football continues to change.
One thing I love about college football is that it is not just about athletic ability; you have to be smart and creative to have a successful program. When LaVell Edwards took over BYU's football program in the 1970s, he inherited a program that had never been successful on the college football stage. Just 12 years later, Edwards led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship. Edward's success came from his creativity and ability to adapt to new situations and new schemes for recruiting and playing. College football is again going through a revolution. This revolution is not the switch to the passing game that LaVell led so long ago, but rather to the use and reliance on technology. Those who lead out with new innovative technologies will find themselves ahead as college football continues to change.
Monday, February 25, 2008
A Response to The Cuckoo's Egg
Recently, I read Cliff Stoll's book entitled The Cuckoo's Egg. This rather fascinating book relays Stoll's journey through computer wires and connections to finally track down a German spy. The book includes discussion on many topics, however, one theme stood out to me throughout the book: Stoll is an astronomer, not a computer scientist or an intelligence officer, yet it was he who tracked down the spy! As Stoll relates his experience of how he left his specialty of astronomy in order to chase a spy, he teaches the important principle of being willing to take advantage of new opportunities, even if those opportunities do not fall in line with one's area of expertise.
Although a bachelor's degree requires considerable time taking general education courses, the bulk of a college education is specialization. This is even more the case in graduate work. Stoll spent many years specializing to be an astronomer through his undergraduate and graduate work. The reception of a doctoral degree takes a considerable amount of effort; once someone has finished a PhD they are an expert in their field. After all the work that Stoll did to specialize in astronomy, it might seem that he should stay in the field and make a difference with his education.
However, Stoll did not stick with astronomy. As his career progressed, he found himself faced with an opportunity to track down a spy, something that was not even remotely related to his area of expertise. Not only did Stoll switch directions to try and accomplish something unrelated to anything he had been trained in, he also allowed himself to become an expert in spy hunting. From sleeping on the floor of the office to setting alarms and alerts at his own home, Stoll was fully invested in his new career track.
Through recounting his experience, Stoll teaches the importance of being willing to branch out and learn new skills. When Stoll became an expert in astronomy, he probably never supposed that one of his career accomplishments might come through spy hunting! However, when the opportunity came, Stoll was able to make a real difference in the world because of his willingness to learn new skills.
I am in school right now, and over the course of the next five years I will be doing what Stoll did: specializing in a field. It is a wise principle to learn, however, that perhaps my greatest contribution will not be through Bioinformatics. As my career progresses, I will need to branch out, learn new things, and succeed in each opportunity as it comes.
Although a bachelor's degree requires considerable time taking general education courses, the bulk of a college education is specialization. This is even more the case in graduate work. Stoll spent many years specializing to be an astronomer through his undergraduate and graduate work. The reception of a doctoral degree takes a considerable amount of effort; once someone has finished a PhD they are an expert in their field. After all the work that Stoll did to specialize in astronomy, it might seem that he should stay in the field and make a difference with his education.
However, Stoll did not stick with astronomy. As his career progressed, he found himself faced with an opportunity to track down a spy, something that was not even remotely related to his area of expertise. Not only did Stoll switch directions to try and accomplish something unrelated to anything he had been trained in, he also allowed himself to become an expert in spy hunting. From sleeping on the floor of the office to setting alarms and alerts at his own home, Stoll was fully invested in his new career track.
Through recounting his experience, Stoll teaches the importance of being willing to branch out and learn new skills. When Stoll became an expert in astronomy, he probably never supposed that one of his career accomplishments might come through spy hunting! However, when the opportunity came, Stoll was able to make a real difference in the world because of his willingness to learn new skills.
I am in school right now, and over the course of the next five years I will be doing what Stoll did: specializing in a field. It is a wise principle to learn, however, that perhaps my greatest contribution will not be through Bioinformatics. As my career progresses, I will need to branch out, learn new things, and succeed in each opportunity as it comes.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
College Football on a Cell Phone
This post is a response to the article found at:
http://www.techweb.com/wire/mobile/192500510
Saturdays always have a way of getting too full. Up through high school, it was easy to completely clear out every Saturday afternoon to watch the BYU football game throughout the autumn season. However, as my responsibilities grow, I find watching every minute of every game increasingly difficult. I have missed a few games due to trips or other important events over the last few seasons. As much as it pains me to miss the games, there are things that are more important than football. Therefore, I look forward to the technology described by this article. When those important events take precedence over football, the agony of missing a game will be lightened; I will turn on my cell phone to get live updates, view current scores, and maybe even watch part of the game.
http://www.techweb.com/wire/mobile/192500510
Saturdays always have a way of getting too full. Up through high school, it was easy to completely clear out every Saturday afternoon to watch the BYU football game throughout the autumn season. However, as my responsibilities grow, I find watching every minute of every game increasingly difficult. I have missed a few games due to trips or other important events over the last few seasons. As much as it pains me to miss the games, there are things that are more important than football. Therefore, I look forward to the technology described by this article. When those important events take precedence over football, the agony of missing a game will be lightened; I will turn on my cell phone to get live updates, view current scores, and maybe even watch part of the game.
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