[Edu-sig] Programming for the fun of it

[Jim Harrison]

on 12/11/00 4:02 PM, Dethe Elza at delza@antarcti.ca wrote:

> * Build problem-solving skills
> * Learn math
> * Create toys
> * Fix the software you use
> * Understand computers and the digital world better
> * Extend the software you use
> * Create tools you need.

On a more mundane level than some of the recent discussion...how about:

* Work more effectively with computer support personnel, system managers and
programmers
* Understand the strengths and weaknesses of computers and software for
supporting real-world tasks

People who do not become programmers benefit from programming experience
because it gives them a more realistic view of how computers and "computer
people" work. There are relatively few tasks today that don't involve
computers in at least a peripheral way, so this experience is highly
generalizable.

Jim Harrison
Univ. of Pittsburgh