[Edu-sig] Programming for the fun of it

[Don Hansford]

On Mon, 11 Dec 2000 13:02:28 -0800
Dethe Elza <delza@antarcti.ca> wrote:

> So, I've been working for awhile on the how of teaching programming
> to 
> non-geeks.  What I think is a more important question, is Why?  Why 
> should someone be interested in learning to program?  I'm not
> talking 
> about convincing them to give up their day job, or learn higher
> math, 
> just to have an interest in occasional programming.  Here's my first
> cut 
> at some possible motivations, but I'm very interested in finding
> more:
> 
> * Build problem-solving skills
> * Learn math
> * Create toys
> * Fix the software you use

Only if it's Open Source :-)

> * Understand computers and the digital world better
> * Extend the software you use

See above :-)

> * Create tools you need.
> 
> Any ideas? 

* A better grasp on why some software has limitations
* Personally, I found a basic knowledge of programming a huge advantage when working with databases

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Regards Don Hansford
ECKYTECH COMPUTING/
SQIT Warwick
<SuSE Linux 6.4>

"We're tired, we're wired, and our breath smells bad --
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