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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

#31
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.

Interviewing people without formal education to SWe/MLe roles has always been a disaster for me.

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

#32

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

This comes back to your (or my) definition of science. To me it's just about furthering knowledge through provable explanations.

Is it more efficient if you collaborate with other people with the same goal (e.g. Academia)? Yes.

Is it a necessity to conduct science? Absolutely not; how do you think it was done in the past? Almost all of the early scientists were self-taught individuals.

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

#33
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.

I have been asked for a copy of my transcripts before - but only as part of a background check.

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

#34
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

I didn’t go to college, and I don’t include an education section on my resume. In 23 years in the industry, I’ve never been asked.

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

#35
post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

I didn’t go to college, and I don’t include an education section on my resume. In 23 years in the industry, I’ve never been asked.

Well you are an inspiration for others. Can you share some useful knowledge so others can benefit from your experiences?

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

#36

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

What makes it a field that can't be self-taught? What defines the same for any field?

To take the best reading I can of what your point is: you're saying a pupil will not self-study this course and go into CS academia. I agree with you there.

To me, that seems a poor reason to criticize this course, the content, or people who want to pursue it. There are many reasons to learn undergraduate CS material besides pursuing academia (again, self as an easy example: CS -> SWE). I don't feel there was anything in my degree which could not have been self-studied with enough tenacity.

If it's about joining academia, I get your point. Otherwise, really unsure why you're fixated on the title. Anyone can absolutely self study physics the same as computer science, and use that knowledge to advance their understanding in other fields, or hobbies, or just pursue knowledge for the satisfaction. Those all seem worthwhile to me :)

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

#38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why not?

Because you don't stand on the shoulders of giants?

What's that supposed to mean? Learning from the giants only counts if it happened while "supervised" by some random lecturer?

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

#39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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?

I think self-teaching is much more about the student than the subject. As for CS (but really, programming) the investment for equipment and learning materials is comparatively next to nothing.

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

#40
As someone who teaches Human-Computer Interaction in a CS program, I find it odd that there are no HCI topics on that list. Especially, when they say it's a "complete education in computer science". Perhaps it's a matter of tradition etc., but some basic knowledge about HCI might be useful ;)

I'm not surprised, but still, Bush, Licklider, Engelbart, Weiser, Kay, Victor etc. are all about HCI...

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