[Edu-sig] RE: Learning Python

[David Ascher]

> From: Jeffrey Elkner <jelkner@umd5.umd.edu>
>
> I don't mean to be contrary, Kirby, but I was actually disappointed with
> "Learning Python" in the sense that it still does make a lot of
> assumptions about the background of its readers.  There are frequent
> references to other  programming languages throughout (offered as
comparison with
> Python) and I found the text to still be very intimidating for beginners
in
> much the same way that Dennis talks about the on-line docs.

Indeed.  I think we mention that in the introduction.  _Learning Python_ was
not intended to be a book used to teach programming, but one intended to
teach programming in Python, assuming that some general programming concepts
are known.  While I do hear occasional reports from some motivated and
bright readers who claim to be learning how to program from LP, it's not its
intent.

I would love to do a true introduction to programming with Python, but I
refuse to do so until I spend a few semesters teaching it to true novices.
I've been programming since I was 13 or 14, and I'm just too far removed
from the experience to be a good teacher at that level.

I was lucky enough to be a student of Andy van Dam, who, besides his
reputation as being a founder of computer graphics, was the most dedicated,
thoughtful and intent teacher of computer science I ever had the pleasure to
listen to and work for.  Andy truly puts tremendous effort into perfecting
his courses.  Now I wish I'd taken notes on his pedagogical technique, not
linked lists!

Cheers,

--david ascher