People have developed a different image on law enforcement given the impact of television shows such as CSI: Miami, and computer forensics training careers seem more popular than ever. There are some computer forensics classes now available in high schools and mid schools, and lots of people are taking them. Some experts support this kind of courses while others speak totally against them. The advocates of forensics classes claim that such programs keep children and adolescents’ interest vivid, but there are other critical voices that fear this may lead to turning violence into something sensational. Moreover, the ethical questions would be more or less disturbing and the moral concerns are not to be overlooked at all.
The approach to forensics classes should be very careful and schools should primarily focus on training people for a good social and citizen life. Even among teachers opinions are divided. The introduction of the subject in the curriculum has already involved the implication of two hundred American teachers in forensics classes. Despite concerns, some good results have been reported too. Traditional biology will hardly trigger the same type of student participation as forensics classes. Many parents will continue to object to the courses, and it seems that the controversy is far from over.
The educational goals and outcome of forensic science colleges could be very positive if the emphasis falls on the scientific aspects and not on the sensationalism of violence. The students perception of these classes will undoubtedly be influenced by the teacher’s choice of didactic materials. A further clarification is necessary here as well: forensics classes elective, not compulsory. College students may not enlist for them if their parents have objections or if they are not interested in the subject. No matter what the case, forensic classes seem like an experiment, and in some people’s opinion it is definitely not a very positive one.
To be truthful, it is very difficult to assume an objective position in relation with forensics classes, and even people who consider they can stay neutral, will have mixed feelings about such enterprises. On the one hand we will wonder about the future of computer forensics education, but on the other we can understand exactly why such classes tend to be interesting and appealing. Then, why have we come to the point where children and teenagers can’t find science interesting unless it is taught in a criminal justice context? There is no easy or simple answer to these dilemmas, but one thing is for sure, there is something going on right under our nose. Fight it or go with the stream!
