| > I think it's only marginally useful for programming to be part of a broad education. On the contrary, I think a few semesters of basic computing can teach a lot of valuable skills: - Basic Python skills are sufficient for a lot of scientific data analysis. - Computing has become an important part of society; so, understanding how computers work is important for being an informed citizen. E.g. understanding the limitations of Incognito Mode in a web browser; or what Bitcoin is and what it isn't; or the difference between centralized platforms and the fediverse. - Perhaps most importantly, teaching people Python will help dispel the myth that software is some kind of incomprehensible magic. Certainly, a few semesters studying Python wouldn't be enough to get a high-paying CS job; but it would be no less valuable than a few semesters spent studying French. > The self-identity of "computer people" has long been as an aggrieved, besieged outgroup. To whatever extent we are alien I think we chose that for ourselves. There's a very real history of negative stereotyping about nerds. It's not OK for you to ignore that or pretend it didn't happen. I never consented to be stereotyped, excluded, or treated as alien. |