The role of programming in IT

Early in its history as an academic discipline, depth in computer programming was a primary distinguishing factor between IT and older computing disciplines, such as computer science. Initially, IT was perceived, or misperceived, as being “computing without the programming.” However, as IT has begun to mature as a computing discipline, computer programming is emerging as “the” foundation skill for information technologists. However, programming in IT is fundamentally different from programming in computer science or software engineering, and the tasks and requisite skill sets of IT professionals differ from those of other computing professionals. The IT Department at RIT has changed the weight and delivery of programming in its curriculum several times since its inception in 1992. Today, programming is an essential foundation for other more advanced IT skills in all curricular knowledge areas, and it is a central outcome of the curriculum. This paper discusses the role of prog...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2005
• Where: SIGITE
• Authors: Dianne P. Bills, John A. Biles
• Keywords: Computer Programming, Computing Discipline, Programming, SIGITE 2005