Read other letters about this article

• Saturday, October 7, 2006 02:57 PM

  Algorithms

  As an instructor of computer science, I see the point to this article. In fact, I had considered requesting a BASIC course be reinstituted (non-credit) for students that needed to learn programming concepts and algorithms. This would be similar to college Algebra or lower level English classes.

  Why?

  Students struggle with the complexities of the language and OS and lose the art of programming. In scanning some of the posts, I see references to coding in notepad or vi. Have you ever tried to teach students using that method? Sure, for us programmers or system experts we are desensitized to the processes of edit, compile, view and fix errors, repeat.

  Will a non-technical parent really build a Linux machine? I doubt that. Yes, OS-X is an option (and I am not going to argue Mac vs. PC or WIndows vs. Linux for that matter) but it is a limited option. If the parent buys a PC for work, I doubt it is a Mac. That is the reality whether you agree or not which OS is better. Buying a legacy computer on eBay or using an emulator is a far cheaper option than a second PC for Linux or a Mac as a second machine.

  BASIC gave a quick way of coding and getting results. There was no fancy editor to load and unload (or switch windows). There was no high-tech compiler – just a BASIC interpreter with a line editor. This helped me with the experience of focusing on algorithms and not worrying about systems until I needed to interact with that level. For example, typing: 10 PRINT “HELLO” RUN gives immediate satisfaction of a successful program.

  What really honed my skills?

  Not having the programs available or the money to buy them. I bought books, subscribed to magazines, and eventually coded my own software to do what I wanted that simply did not exist. It was the concept of PULL learning as opposed to PUSH. BASIC and the external environment provided a great vehicle to accomplish this goal. I focused on typing the code, studying what was happening, and apply those tricks into every facet of computing today.

  This was a great article and I am pleased to see so many individuals share my thoughts on the pedagogy of beginning computer programming.

  —Tony M.
  Permalink
  Flag
  Click "Submit Flag" if you feel this post is inappropriate. Explain why below if you wish.

  Cancel