Maybe Not Everybody Should Learn to Code

[Renegade]

Slate has some good things every once in a while, but most often, it just seems like so much drivel.

http://www.slate.com..._to_code.single.html

But if you aren’t dreaming of becoming a programmer—and therefore planning to embark on a lengthy course of study, whether self-directed or formal—I can’t endorse learning to code. Yes, it is a creative endeavor. At its base, it’s problem-solving, and the rewards for exposing holes in your thinking and discovering elegant solutions are awesome. I really think that some programs are beautiful. But I don’t think that most who “learn to code” will end up learning anything that sticks.

And don't teach anyone history, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone math, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone geography, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.
And don't teach anyone how to drive, because it won't stick. And they won't be professionals anyways.

Coding doesn't need to stick. The lessons you learn along the way are fantastic.

Just the most basic things in programming are valuable lessons. Loops. Cripes! Learning about loops is a brilliant lesson in logic. I can't imagine anyone not already exposed to that coming out from it and not being better for it.

I sometimes wonder if the purpose of Slate isn't just to make people a bit stupider every day. 

[TaoPhoenix]

I disagree, but the reasons are too long for this margin. (Fermat!)

[Renegade]

I disagree, but the reasons are too long for this margin. (Fermat!)

-TaoPhoenix (August 20, 2013, 12:32 AM)

Hahahaha!

[Vurbal]

Just the most basic things in programming are valuable lessons. Loops. Cripes! Learning about loops is a brilliant lesson in logic. I can't imagine anyone not already exposed to that coming out from it and not being better for it.

-Renegade (August 19, 2013, 09:51 PM)

In the past I've taught Digital Circuits classes at a local community college as part of a network administration AAS degree program. It's a sort of watered down version of a class I had to take myself which only the robotics/automation students take currently. My introduction to the class goes something like this.

Despite the name this is not an electronics class. Instead you should think of this as a foreign language class where you learn to speak computer. Although computers use binary numbers, their language is not binary. It's logic. If you don't understand logic computers will never make any sense. If you do understand logic, and specifically the mathematical representation of Boolean Logic you'll be surprised how many other things suddenly make a lot more sense.

[Renegade]

In the past I've taught Digital Circuits classes at a local community college as part of a network administration AAS degree program. It's a sort of watered down version of a class I had to take myself which only the robotics/automation students take currently. My introduction to the class goes something like this.

Despite the name this is not an electronics class. Instead you should think of this as a foreign language class where you learn to speak computer. Although computers use binary numbers, their language is not binary. It's logic. If you don't understand logic computers will never make any sense. If you do understand logic, and specifically the mathematical representation of Boolean Logic you'll be surprised how many other things suddenly make a lot more sense.

-Vurbal (August 20, 2013, 01:58 AM)

Booleutiful!