DT228 course changes

Sheeps

Heh, seems like the heads of the school of computing and a bunch of industry guys got together to make the new changes to the structure of DT228. Hearing the changes it looks like this course will be going to shit. Glad I'm finishing up this year.

Naikon

Well, it can't be any worse than the course structure for DT211 at the moment. Basically, there is no proper module choice when it comes to final year, and you have 2 mandatory bullsh4t Oracle modules.
If I wanted to do certs, I would not be doing a degree course. Most IT certs are utter garbage if you can actually prove your competence. Last time I checked the website, RedHat modules are NOT included.
Aren't most computer science courses a load of cack anyways? How can a course be considered "Computer Science" when most modules are centered around Java programming/Web development issues?

Stench Blossoms

Sheeps wrote: »

Heh, seems like the heads of the school of computing and a bunch of industry guys got together to make the new changes to the structure of DT228. Hearing the changes it looks like this course will be going to shit. Glad I'm finishing up this year.

What are the changes?

Sheeps

basically theyre not allowing people to use programming languages for each module unless its specified in the course documents in an effort to make people more qualified in a smaller set of languages. but its dumb because people will generally do an assignment in what ever their strongest language is if theyre given the option of using their own technology so it makes no sense.

people are not allowed to be paid for doing work placement from now on as well. theres a bunch of other political red tape **** going on thats going to turn the course to shit

Naikon

Sheeps wrote: »

basically theyre not allowing people to use programming languages for each module unless its specified in the course documents in an effort to make people more qualified in a smaller set of languages. but its dumb because people will generally do an assignment in what ever their strongest language is if theyre given the option of using their own technology so it makes no sense.

people are not allowed to be paid for doing work placement from now on as well. theres a bunch of other political red tape **** going on thats going to turn the course to shit

Please tell me this is a joke. How on earth can diversity be a bad thing? So, if I want to code something in Lua for example, I am not allowed because the course manual says so? I think there will be uproar if something like this goes ahead.
Can't see many people going on work placement without pay even if it looks good to potential employers. I would sooner keep working on side projects for my portfolio than non paid internships. Any more "inside" scoops Sheeps?

grimm2005

Sheeps wrote: »

basically theyre not allowing people to use programming languages for each module unless its specified in the course documents in an effort to make people more qualified in a smaller set of languages. but its dumb because people will generally do an assignment in what ever their strongest language is if theyre given the option of using their own technology so it makes no sense.

people are not allowed to be paid for doing work placement from now on as well. theres a bunch of other political red tape **** going on thats going to turn the course to shit

the first part doesnt seem like a huge change, the majority of all the assignments i've got thus far have always specified what language to do it in (unless i'm missing something there?)

the work placement thing is a total u-turn from this year though. They wouldn't allow us to do a work placement unless the company were paying at least minimum wage, and this was apparently because they wanted the companies to value us as employees and give us real jobs so they get their moneys worth. A couple of people lost their places because the companies they interviewed with couldn't pay them

Stench Blossoms

grimm2005 wrote: »

the first part doesnt seem like a huge change, the majority of all the assignments i've got thus far have always specified what language to do it in (unless i'm missing something there?)

Yeh I'm not 100% sure about this either.

Would an example of this be like a web development project only being allowed to be coded in php as opposed to Java?

grimm2005 wrote: »

the work placement thing is a total u-turn from this year though. They wouldn't allow us to do a work placement unless the company were paying at least minimum wage, and this was apparently because they wanted the companies to value us as employees and give us real jobs so they get their moneys worth. A couple of people lost their places because the companies they interviewed with couldn't pay them

I would say there is generally a huge different between unpaid and paid internships where by the paid internship employee would get more work, responsibilty etc.

But....in these recessionary times they've got to make sacrafic's so whether an internship is paid or unpaid it's still experience at the end of the day.

I'm not 100% but I think this would elimate some companies as I know Google pay their interns so if this is the new rule well then no student would be allowed apply to Google.

I think the best idea would be to let the company pay what they can. It would mean some people might be paid and others wouldn't but as I said already, it's the experience that counts.

grimm2005

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

But....in these recessionary times they've got to make sacrafic's so whether an internship is paid or unpaid it's still experience at the end of the day.

That seems the obvious reason for the change but ironically enough, they told us that this year was the second highest year for successful placements in the history of the program.

Stench Blossoms wrote: »

I think the best idea would be to let the company pay what they can. It would mean some people might be paid and others wouldn't but as I said already, it's the experience that counts.

Tbh that's probably the way it should have been from the start. Having students lose their place just because a company wasn't willing to pay them is bit stupid. If they were still willing to work for the company they should be allowed. Sure, they'll use the "their work must be valued" argument, but if they are changing it next year, that argument is basically dead.

DamianGordon

I hate to throw cold water on a perfectly good rumour - but it ain’t so, joe - the School is looking at strategic directions for 2011-2012, and we always get industry bods in to chat about these things, but it was to look at a bunch of stuff like research, IT trends, academic issues, partnerships, etc., but we weren’t really looking at specific programmes (like 228) yet, so no story, nothing to see here, move on.:mad: :mad: :mad:

Sheeps

DamianGordon wrote: »

I hate to throw cold water on a perfectly good rumour - but it ain’t so, joe - the School is looking at strategic directions for 2011-2012, and we always get industry bods in to chat about these things, but it was to look at a bunch of stuff like research, IT trends, academic issues, partnerships, etc., but we weren’t really looking at specific programmes (like 228) yet, so no story, nothing to see here, move on.:mad: :mad: :mad:

I heard that they are literally hiring Hitler to run DT228.

DamianGordon

Sheeps wrote: »

I heard that they are literally hiring Hitler to run DT228.

I can neither confirm or deny the potential hiring of a new fascist course runner , but I voted for Hannibal Lecter :eek: at least he can cook

Gian-Pa

i don't care if Google or whoever thinks they are too important to pay for people working.

it's work for god sake! if i work for you i expect to get payed otherwise don't expect me to do anything. i could run my own business or get another job... where is this world going to??

Stench Blossoms

Gian-Pa wrote: »

i don't care if Google or whoever thinks they are too important to pay for people working.

it's work for god sake! if i work for you i expect to get payed otherwise don't expect me to do anything. i could run my own business or get another job... where is this world going to??

Em think ya took me up wrong there mate. Google pay all their interships, so if this rule was introduced you wouldn't be able to work there BECAUSE they pay

Stench Blossoms

DamianGordon wrote: »

I can neither confirm or deny the potential hiring of a new fascist course runner , but I voted for Hannibal Lecter :eek: at least he can cook

So can Oliver O'Connor...

BaRcOe

Everyone Panic!!!!!!

Eman_321

Yeah, Michael Collins was saying something about changes in the Computer Science stream. I hope forensics would be include at least. Any news so far?

Overdue

Im surprised they don't already allow no-pay internships. The experience is more valuable to some people. It's not like we get paid for going to college as it is?

People who didn't work in 2nd semester of 3rd year didn't get paid for doing assignments or attending college ... sucks to think those who were lucky to get interviews and then jobs are getting paid good money to get work experience.

I would take no-pay work experience with a decent company for the experience.