[Edu-sig] Introducing Python to Engineering Students

[John Posner]

> >  I'll modify my function to look more like yours, going for more 
> > clarity with only a small sacrifice in efficiency.  I can't use the 
> > nice OOP style, however, because these students have studied only 
> > functions.  OOP is an "advanced topic" covered in a later 
> course for 
> > computer engineers, and not at all for electrical and other 
> > engineering majors. :(
> 
> Yes, I understand your frustrations.
> 
> I try to pitch to other faculty that "ontogeny *need not* 
> recapitulate phylogeny" with the example of cell phones:
> you *don't* need to have used a land line first.
> 
> Start early with objects.
> 

IMHO, object-oriented programming is like most technologies -- it was
developed as a solution to perceived problems. Newbies, who haven't
perceived the problems, will have trouble appreciating the solution.

-John