Re: [TCLUG:13004] AP Comp. Sci.

[Scott Dier - dieman <dieman@ringworld.org>]

No. Scheme is an annoying, but good first language.

On Fri, 28 Jan 2000 Nick.T.Reinking@supervalu.com wrote:

> I think you have a lot of really good ideas, Tim.  However, I disagree
> with your choice as a first language.  Yes, Python is a great language,
> easy to understand, and easy to write for.  However, I feel that Java would
> probably be a better choice for a beginner to learn.  I think that being 
> somewhat
> "C++ish", but without some of the stupidities of C++ would help students be
> able to pick up a C++ book and catch up on those few differences fairly
> quickly.
> 
> Just my two bits...
> 
> Nick Reinking
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> wilson@visi.com, on 01/28/2000 10:20:37 AM
> To: tclug-list@mn-linux.org @ PMDF
> cc:  
> Subject: Re: [TCLUG:13004] AP Comp. Sci.
> 
> On Fri, 28 Jan 2000, Ben Kochie wrote:
> 
> > teaching.  tim.. you have mentioned python before, and I think that's
> > another good one.. things like C++ can be a little too platform specific
> > for students.. and teaching platforms isn't a good idea, even if it is on
> > linux.  CS students should be taught a language that has no
> > platform.. instead of teaching C++, teach java.
> 
> I have no problems with C++ itself. I just think it's a poor choice as a
> first programming language (the vast majority of students in the class are
> new to programming).
> 
> I've been thinking lately about an alternative. Let me know what you think
> of this as an alternative for a year-long programming class:
> 
> 1. During the summer the teacher contacts a number of different
> non-profit/community groups and looks for potential programming projects.
> The idea is to more closely approximate real programming and provide a
> service to an worthy cause at the same time.
> 
> 2. At the beginning of the school year, the class would select a project
> from the list of possibilities.
> 
> 3. Some time would be spent analyzing the problem, breaking it into
> logical tasks, creating groups to work on specific tasks, etc.
> 
> 4. Students collaborate to develop a product to meet the needs of the
> organization they're working with.
> 
> Advantages to this approach:
> 
> * I would have students use Python as the language. It's cross platform
> and pretty GUI apps can be created for Linux or Windows.
> 
> * Students would be doing *real* programming instead of the very
> artificial tasks they do now.
> 
> * All resulting software GPLed so that others can benefit.
> 
> Potential difficulties:
> 
> * Will students learn enough in one year to be able to realistically
> tackle the problem? I suppose it's possible if the problem is kept simple
> enough. Additional features could always be added when needed.
> 
> * Students wouldn't be able to take the AP test since that assumes C++.
> This may be an issue for some students.
> 
> -Tim
> 
> --
> Tim Wilson        | Visit Sibley online:         | Check out:
> Henry Sibley H.S. | http://www.isd197.k12.mn.us/ | http://www.zope.org/
> W. St. Paul, MN   |                              | http://slashdot.org/
> wilson@visi.com   |   <dtml-var pithy_quote>     | http://linux.com/
> 
> 
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------
> To unsubscribe, e-mail: tclug-list-unsubscribe@mn-linux.org
> For additional commands, e-mail: tclug-list-help@mn-linux.org
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

-- 
Scott Dier <dieman@ringworld.org> #nicnac@efnet 612.301.0265
      destiny's admin       | Robots are most often found in server rooms, 
 http://www.ringworld.org   | wire closets, switching stations-basically,
       finger me at         | anywhere that offers maximum expousure to
dieman@destiny.ringworld.org| technology and minimum interaction with
     for gnupg/pgp key	    | human beings.
			    |  -NetSlaves(the book)/B.Lessard/S.Baldwin
			    |    (Robot is a NetSlave caste)