[Edu-sig] re: Draft of a funding request

[Arthur]

Michael writes -

>Perhaps this is a somewhat odd thought, but Python does such a good job of 
>smoothing over the rough edges of many parts of computer science, it isn't 
>entirely unbelievable that it can also become a common thread for
>education, at least in the context of the use of computers in education. 

That's sort of my theory.  Python's strength is not in going head to head
with whatever is the current leading language for advanced placement exams
in computer science. Some of the reasons are obvious.  Careerist type
reasons.

OTOH, Python is used successfully time and again in situations where the
introduction to programming is tightly integrated with other curricula goals
not directly related to core computer science.  Bioinformatics, physics,
statistics, etc and etc.  

I don't know that computer programming with Python is for everybody, but I
certainly do think it is for folks whose core interests are outside the
direct realm of computer science. And since I think this is where Python is
most unique, it is also where its competitive advantage in seeking funding
would naturally lie.

Not that you are arguing with me.  Its just wording. The last line of your
most recent post still focusing on Python as a "first language".  

For me, just for example, Python is probably a last language as well as
first.  It gets me from here to there for pursuit of interests that are on
one hand academic, and on the other, not directly focused on computer
science. And all I want to do is get from here to there. 

And I think my use and interest in Python as an academic tool is typical of
the kind of interest it generates in academia. And in laboratories, for
example. 

To me, this is why Python deserves and gets the $2 mil.

Art