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From: cavrak@uvm-gen.UUCP (Steve Cavrak)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.misc,comp.edu
Subject: Re: How to teach computers
Message-ID: <490@uvm-gen.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 19-Jan-87 11:30:43 EST
Article-I.D.: uvm-gen.490
Posted: Mon Jan 19 11:30:43 1987
Date-Received: Wed, 21-Jan-87 22:41:05 EST
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Organization: EMBA Computer Facility, Univ. of Vermont, Burlington.
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> In a recent article bzs@bu-cs.BU.EDU (Barry Shein) wrote:
>>...
>>Actually, I am more and more drawn towards the concept of surveying
>>programming languages in a first 1-year course, possibly getting a
>>little proficiency in one but touching upon more than just one or two.
>>...

This approach certainly has a lot to recommend it.  It especially works
nicely in the "Computers for Poets" course.  Teaching LISP is definitely
more fun than teaching Basic, and assembly language avoids the "math
anxiety" reaction that FORTRAN tends to evoke.  

Vladimir Zwass's "Introduction to Computer Science", Barnes and Noble
Outline Series, tends to follow this approach also, and even talks
about operating systems and files.

CS department, like math and physics departements, are often under the
restraint to offer a service course that will teach students "how to
program".  Like most service courses, the entry level skills and 
commitment ("I just want to be an X!") add to the difficulties.

Luckily, no one ever promised that teaching would be easy work.
-- 
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