[Tutor] Fwd: Mailing list chaos.

[David Rock]

> On Aug 23, 2019, at 17:40, David L Neil <PyTutor at DancesWithMice.info> wrote:
> 
> Why though (in this context), if these days "social media" is such a corner-stone of young people's lives?

Because “social media” is often a poor platform for getting the type of assistance found here.  You aren’t going to get a discussion of any substance related to topics like python on Snapchat, Instagram or Twitter (FB isn’t mentioned because none of the kids use it).  Most social platforms used by teenagers are about sharing snippets of your life, not code discussion.

There’s also something to be said for making someone aware of a medium they may not even know exists (mailing lists).  It’s as much about broadening their view as it is about anything else.  If there’s a list for python, maybe there’s a list for something else of interest.  The internet is a lot bigger than the “hot platform of the day.”

Frankly, most of the kids in the class won’t care, but some might.  If even one gets benefit from posting here, we’ve done our good deed for the day.  Nine years ago, I talked to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders about arduinos. I brought in a little project that made chasing LED patterns and was controllable from a webpage as well as by physical pushbutton.  I know most kids thought it was fun, but I also know that at least a couple kids talked about it and expanded their knowledge well into high school.  Would they have found that interest without me opening that door for them? maybe; but maybe not, too.  It’s a failing on our part to assume someone will find something on their own.  It doesn’t hurt to add to someone’s perspective.


—
David Rock
david at graniteweb.com