Establishing Modern Bachelor-level Studies in Computer Science based on Higher Education Standard in Ukraine

Kovaliuk Tetiana, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kobets Nataliya, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University
2020 The Educational Review USA  
The work considers the Computer Science standard for Bachelor's Degree Programs in Ukraine in the context of harmonizing its content with world practice. The CS standard defines the subject area description, which includes the object of activity, goals and objectives of training, the theoretical content of the domain, teaching methods and technologies. The competency-based model for the bachelors training in computer science is described, This model includes generic and subject specific
more » ... cies, learning outcomes. Relation generic competencies of CS educational standard and descriptors of Ukrainian NQF is shown. The methodology for developing the educational standard of the Bachelor of Computer Science is based on the systematization of the IT industry requirements to the competencies of alumnus. CS standard is approved by the Ministries of Education and Science of Ukraine and is mandatory for implementation in the educational practice of all universities. Introduction Information Technology (IT) forms the basis of any developed economy. Information and Communication Technologies are identified as a priority direction of economic development for the period up to 2020 in accordance with the Law of Ukraine on "Priority directions of science and technology development" [1] . IT is one of the most dynamic and successful industries in Ukraine and is a major source of competitive advantage for business entities in the digital economy era. A successful development strategy in the context of the "knowledge economy" hinges on high quality of human capital that generates transforms and multiplies the intangible assets of the organization. Qualified professionals are the main IT resource. Their insufficient quantity and quality are one of the main constraints on the development of this sector of the economy. The market demand for Information Systems and Technology specialists is growing every day; their role in improvement of the efficiency of Ukrainian economy is on the rise. IT industry requirements for information technology specialists are formulated in the form of competencies. These competencies are a set of requirements regarding possession of a large range of modern information technology, skills of modelling, programming and support of information systems, understanding the subject area, the ability to analyze Kovaliuk Tetiana, Kobets Nataliya The Educational Review, USA and optimize automated business processes and the tasks of organizational management, methods and technologies of project management and to undertake management decisions. Computer science is the core of theoretical and practical knowledge that specialists in the field of computer engineering, programming, information systems and technologies use in their work. One of the components of the country's labor potential qualitative attribute is the level of education and knowledge across individuals. Education and training are factors contributing to a society of well-qualified, dynamic and creative people where opportunities for good education and lifelong learning are accessible for everyone and where a favorable environment is created for a rational combination of public and private funding. Tailoring the modern methods of knowledge management to the needs of educational institutions helps accumulating knowledge in subject areas in a meaningful way and effectively transferring this knowledge to the future specialists. Indicators of development and staffing problems of the IT industry of Ukraine Software development industry of Ukrainian is among the country's fastest growing sectors. Tech companies in Ukraine ensure a steady capital inflow into the country's economy, attracting foreign investments and paying fair taxes. They help create a systemic demand for consumer services and goods in the field of education, insurance, healthcare, real estate, etc. At large, one IT specialist creates 4 different jobs in other related industries. Judging from the dynamics of the IT market growth, 2020 will see major growth in the number of local tech companies and IT specialists. International investors will discover Ukraine as the most favorable country to set up a dedicated development team. With the solid technical education, a large pool of engineering talent and a booming tech ecosystem, Ukraine has all chances to become the world's largest destination in the tech industry [2]. The total volume of IT exports from Ukraine by the end of 2018 was $4.5 billion [3] . Ukraine has become Europe's #1 IT outsourcing and software development powerhouse. Nearly 100,000 Ukrainian programmers serve thousands of companies as the demand for IT workforce is constantly growing on the global market. Key findings Ukraine's IT service industry [4]: Ukraine has the largest and fastest-growing number of IT professionals in Europe; its IT engineering work force is expected to double to over 200,000 by 2020. Ukrainian outsourcing companies offer a wide range of engineering capabilities, with most companies having already switched to agile development over the past few years. The export volume of Ukraine's software development industry reached at least $4.5 billion in 2018 (number 3 export sector), showing double digit growth year after year. This is just a fraction of the country's potential, taking into account its large and skilled workforce. Ukraine is home to over 100 R&D subsidiaries of global companies from a variety of industries, including telecoms, software, gaming and e-commerce. The United States remains Ukraine's largest partner for joint R&D activities (around 45% of the companies involved). Despite the fact that the IT profession is the most prestigious in Ukraine, there is a shortage of highly qualified personnel in Ukraine. The number of vacancies in IT companies has reached 50 thousand on 2018. Considering that the total number of school graduates in 2018 was 200 thousand, it is impossible to count on the fact that the demand for IT specialists in the near future will be satisfied.
doi:10.26855/er.2020.03.003 fatcat:sfpjnqkoe5hzpg2xwczqwteyby