Exponential Competence of Computer Science and Software Engineering Undergraduate Students

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of exponential competence, emphasizing its importance for computer science and software engineering students to effectively handle exponential phenomena in their future careers.

Contribution

It proposes a course framework focused on developing exponential competence among CS and SE students, highlighting its significance in modern professional contexts.

Findings

Exponential competence is crucial for future CS/SE professionals.

A specialized course can foster exponential thinking skills.

Students can better manage exponential phenomena after the course.

Abstract

We live in exceptional times in which the entire world is witnessing the exponential spread of a pandemic, which requires to adopt new habits of mind and behaviors. In this paper, I introduce the term exponential competence, which encompasses these cognitive and social skills, and describe a course for computer science and software engineering students in which emphasis is placed on exponential competence. I argue that exponential competence is especially important for computer science and software engineering students, since many of them will, most likely, be required to deal with exponential phenomena in their future professional development.