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OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

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Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#22
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Don't get it (was it a joke?) Answering your question: To become a better computer scientist.

You can't call yourself a computer scientist by doing self taught education. That's the biggest problem with it

Why not?!

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Answered further down, but this take seems very pessimistic. So what if this doesn't result in a computer science degree? It absolutely will result in a deeper understanding of the theory of computer science, its practical uses in software development, and a hardware level understanding of how computation works in practice. That's nothing to sneer at.

But you can't use this knowledge to build something significant that community calls you a computer scientist.

Why does that matter? Think of this from the perspective of a bootcamp grad working in tech, for example. That person might want to complement their practical skills with theoretical knowledge and deeper understanding. That understanding can help them hone their skills and develop professionally as an engineer.

There are lots of people for whom this content is very valuable. Many of those people don't necessarily care about being able to use the title "computer scientist" is totally irrelevant. I have a degree in computer science but I don't call myself a computer scientist.

I don't see the reason to disparage the content because it doesn't come with the title. Maybe I'm missing something you can share?

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#24
post #11
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can't call yourself a computer scientist by doing self taught education. That's the biggest problem with it

very much true. better computer scientist needs interaction with other people, needs to learn to respect their views or at least understand them, evaluate. perhaps needs to meet other scientists. to exchange ideas and approaches. this is what schools and academia is for. this whole self-taught thing is a time-bomb. we already have too many self-taught engineers, architects and what-nots who can only work with themsel…

some interesting sweeping generalisations there...

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#25
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can't say you have a degree in computer science, but you can certainly learn and practice the theory and concepts just as well as anyone else. And to that end: I see lots of good material!

at the end of all this self-thought modern approach to education i see only one thing - alienation.

Alienation from? The academic community? I question whether those are the folks this content targets.

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#27
post #14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

at the end of all this self-thought modern approach to education i see only one thing - alienation.

Alienation from? The academic community? I question whether those are the folks this content targets.

Yes alienation from the academic community

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#28

Do you actually get a degree at the end? Or is it a lot of work that you put in which will be ignored by recruiters that "just get too many applications" and filter by college education?

Is a CS degree important nowadays? I do have one, but literally no one mentioned or asked about my education during an interview, ever.

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But you can't use this knowledge to build something significant that community calls you a computer scientist.

Why does that matter? Think of this from the perspective of a bootcamp grad working in tech, for example. That person might want to complement their practical skills with theoretical knowledge and deeper understanding. That understanding can help them hone their skills and develop professionally as an engineer. There are lots of people for whom this content is very valuable. Many of those people don't necessarily car…

What is in CS that makes it a field that can be self taught? Can you become a self taught physicist? I think you can't. Then what is the difference between studies in CS and physics?

Re: OSSU: Path to a free, self-taught education in computer science

#30
post #28

Do you actually get a degree at the end? Or is it a lot of work that you put in which will be ignored by recruiters that "just get too many applications" and filter by college education?

Is a CS degree important nowadays? I do have one, but literally no one mentioned or asked about my education during an interview, ever.

No one asked you because you already have a degree in CS. But for a non CS graduate things are different I guess
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