Torn between Secondary Teaching and Computer Science

Megatron_X

Hey guys,

I've always been set on becoming a secondary school teacher. I'm very good at Maths and love Irish, I help my fellow classmates with any troubles they have. They all come to me for help, and many have commented on how I can teach things very well.

I've also always been interested in computers, I'm the guy in the family that people come to with computer problems and can fix them no bother. I haven't really looked in-depth into computers much, don't know anything like coding or programming or anything like that but it's always something I imagined myself knowing eventually.

I'm naturally very capable when it comes to teaching and computers, but I amn't sure which to choose! Having always wanted to become a Maths/Irish teacher and planning my college future that way, I'm completely left in the dark when it comes to computer science - what course should I look into and what kind of career could I get from it? I hear many gloomy stories about teachers being unable to find a job which contrasts with what I hear about the need for people with degrees that deal with computing.

I'm going into 6th year now so it isn't too important at the moment but I'd really appreciate any advice you may have!

johnmcdnl

computer science isn't about fixing computers make sure you realise that before you go to do it...

it's about programming and writting software.. using c+ java all that craic.. have do done any programming or anything yourself yet...

just make sure you know exactly what computer science is first of all...

hdcott

Why not do an arts degree incorporating all three subjects, then you can decide on doing a postgrad in computer science or a h dip in teaching. In four years prospects will have changed for graduates (let's hope anyway!).

Secondary teaching is a very rewarding career but there are other aspects to it besides just teaching - discipline/parents/records/reports etc.

As you still have a year to think try not to stress too much!

professore

I would say to do some sort of computer science degree that allows you to teach maths as well ? As an old fogey don't know what kind of courses are suitable these days ... then you'll have plenty of time to find out which you prefer. Also don't worry about the job stats, as without experience it's not easy to get a computer related job these days either, plus by the time you finish, the jobs landscape will be totally different to what it is now. Do what you're best at and enjoy the most ...

Megatron_X

johnmcdnl wrote: »

computer science isn't about fixing computers make sure you realise that before you go to do it...

it's about programming and writting software.. using c+ java all that craic.. have do done any programming or anything yourself yet...

just make sure you know exactly what computer science is first of all...

Oh yeah I know that, I just wanted to relate what the experience I had with computers was - which is basicly fixing them for my family i.e. not much proper experience at all.

spurious

Teaching jobs are scarce, moreso computer teaching jobs as the only (current) exam in IT is a specialism in the LCA.

Double check any degree course you choose with the Teaching Council's list of 'acceptable' degrees.

Paulj

I would recomend getting into the computer area (but i'm biased since i work there myself ). The country needs more computer people since it brings money into the economy. And even if there are no jobs in the area when you finish it's something you can emigrate with and is recognised the world over.

You might be able to teach something computer related. I know guys who did electronic engineering and were able to teach telecoms courses. Not quite computer science but it's all related. Some courses, for example in UL allow you to study Computer Engineering and choose later to go into Electronic Eng if you want. At least it was the case 4 years ago anyway. This is a good option especially if you're good at maths. You could end up in telecoms, IC design, programming or academia (where you might need to give lectures/tutorials).

I would say though to try out a bit of programming yourself at home. It's easy to learn and the internet is full of resources. You could try something like java, python or c to get started. Pick a simple task that you'd like to automate and try and write a program that'll do that. It doesn't suit some people tbh, so it's good to get an idea beforehand. But usually if you're good at maths it shouldn't be a problem for ya. You might actually love it!

Pygmalion

Megatron_X wrote: »

I'm going into 6th year now so it isn't too important at the moment but I'd really appreciate any advice you may have!

Nope, you're going into 6th year in September, not now.

If you have the time over summer maybe try learning some programming, it's easy enough to find tutorials and the like online.
Most colleges/universities teach Java now as a beginning language, and you'll probably end up using C++ at some point too. Try look at one of these, C++ is a tiny bit more "difficult", but I prefer it, and they're both similar enough so that once you know one you can pick up the other with no problem at all.

Plenty of resources for both online.