[Edu-sig] learning algorithms

[kirby urner]

I recommend 'Mathematics for the Digital Age and Programming in Python'.

http://www.skylit.com/mathandpython.html  (definitely go with the
Python 3 edition, don't trip up on eBay)

It's obscure, it's esoteric, it's used at some of the best schools in
the country (and no one is stopping others from using it).

It steers toward RSA (an algorithm) about which much literature
exists, including for teens, most prominent of which is probably

In Code by Sarah Flannery

http://www.amazon.com/Code-Mathematical-Journey-Sarah-Flannery/dp/1565123778
 (lots of good buys)

If he gets into it, then lots more where that came from, including me
in some Python.tv video (sounds like some grampa, complete with dorky
photos)

http://4dsolutions.net/ocn/rsa.html

Other background also at my site, plus I know a guy who works for the
company that puts hardware RSA chips in cable TV boxes (DirecTV uses
that -- or did, I may be out of date on the specifics, plus haven't
been a subscriber for some time, despite the dish still pointed
skyward ** ).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirate_decryption

Kirby

** http://www.flickr.com/photos/17157315@N00/4835451138/  (note dish
to the left -- blind as a bat).  I have access to other neighborhood
homes though (bars etc.), so it's not like I miss everything HD.

On Fri, Nov 18, 2011 at 12:31 PM, roberto <roberto03 at gmail.com> wrote:
> I have to help a teenager who's fond of computer science.
> He told me he wants to learn "the tough algorithms out there". Of
> course, nobody helps him at school.
>
> I'd like to know some resources to guide him from the very basics of
> programming to as far as he can at the moment.
> Since python is my first choice, personally speaking, can you give me
> some suggestion about a step-by-step introduction to algorithms ?
>
> Thank you !
>
> --
> roberto
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