Preserving and Reflecting on University Assignments: A Personal Journey in Computer Science
Every academic journey, especially in the field of computer science, comes with its share of assignments and projects. These documents serve as a testament to our understanding of complex concepts and the evolution of our technical skills. Yet, it can be challenging to keep all these materials organized and accessible. In this article, we explore the experiences of computer science graduates and engineering majors who have or have not preserved their school assignments. Let's delve into the stories of digital and analog preservation and the impact of these materials on our careers and personal learning journeys.
The Late 70s: The First Steps in Computer Science
As a computer science graduate, the retention of school assignments is a topic of much debate. While some choose to keep every document meticulously organized, others prefer the simplicity of letting go. In the late 70s, my own experience reflects the challenges college students faced in storing and keeping digital and physical documents.
Back in the day, all assignments were submitted on mainframes or minicomputers, and the resulting printouts were hard copies on wide-factor computer paper. These printouts are now a physical testament to my early experiences in computer science. However, they are not digital copies that can be easily accessed and reviewed.
Despite the digital divide, I still have my class notes and the majority of my textbooks. These materials serve as effective references, though they do not capture the full scope of assignment-based learning. The transition to digital copies, which became more feasible with the advent of personal computers and cloud storage, offers a richer, more accessible form of documentation.
My Undergraduate Experience
Focusing on my undergraduate experience, I took only one course in computer science. At the time, I carried physical copies of all my work, but since then, transferring disks from one Mac to another has ensured that I still have every assignment and project from my master's program. However, my dissertation's source code poses a mystery. I believed I transferred it to SourceForge when Google Code shut down, yet now it is lost. While the source code itself was not particularly interesting, the process of organizing and transferring it showcases the evolution of digital management over the years.
Engineering Graduates and Their Notebooks
In contrast, a computer engineering graduate kept all their notes and major assignments. These materials were meticulously preserved for 20 years, a testament to the importance placed on learning and documentation. However, the question arises: Did these materials ever see the light of day beyond the period of active study? The answer, in this case, is no. After holding onto these items for a long time, the decision to throw them out reflected the belief that they no longer held significant value.
On the other hand, some individuals still cherish their old binders. Data structures, systems software, compilers, database modeling, computability, and automata—all these topics are often preserved in physical format. The value of these materials lies not just in their educational content, but also in a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of the foundational knowledge necessary for a successful career in computer science.
Conclusion: The Value of Documenting Your Journey
Whether you keep every assignment, throw them out, or something in between, the act of preserving or discarding school materials reflects your personal journey in computer science and engineering. These documents serve as a historical record, providing insights into the evolution of technology, the methods used in teaching, and the challenges faced by students and educators alike. In today's digital age, the ability to organize and access documents in a searchable format is increasingly important. As technology continues to develop, the value of preserving certain materials may shift, but their significance in the context of your personal and professional development remains undeniable.