Programming and Attention to Detail

[6_bleen_7]

We are reminded all too often that computers are much, much faster than the human brain at certain tasks. One thing that learning a computer language quickly teaches you, however, is that what the brain lacks in speed, it more than makes up for in flexibility. A simple pattern-recognition task you could do instantly in your head may require a

Comments

[samwibatt]

a variation on the WIBATT, an acronym for "Would it be any trouble to...."

What a lovely acronym!

You're quite right about programmers not necessarily being good teachers. I think part of that is the programming style. Mine consists of lots of little prods at the problem with lots of backtracking and fixing of the code. A computer is fine with that, since it only ends up running the final result, but it would confuse the hell out of a student.

[6_bleen_7]

In my experience, teaching can be similar to that. There are lots of ways to explain something, and not all of them work well for a particular student. I might have to say, "Think of it this way...."