SA>Why is it that so many people fail to see the phenomenal benefits of
SA>programming.  With such a simple set up, one can explore an intense
SA>discipline of logic, orderly thinking, refined argument and creativity. 
SA>All this is done without the need for great expense in replaceable
SA>supplies, cleanup or health hazard.  
 RM> One could argue, however, that while students must certainly
 RM> be functional in math and english, and have at least a
 RM> nodding acquaintance with science, they could, in general, 
 RM> survive quite nicely without being able to program.
Uses of math and english require logic, the fundamental discipline of 
computer programming, what is your point?
 RM> Certainly SOMEONE has to know how, but it isn't needed by
 RM> everyone or even MOST....  
Same argument for any subject, some one will do it, why should I...
 RM> What's more, by dint of your
 RM> argument, would not the teaching of assembler (not macro) or 
 RM> straight binary coding then be the ULTIMATE way of teaching
 RM> programming (they WOULD demand the most in logical progress
 RM> and orderly thinking)?
Do you always seek the most painful way to teach something?
SA>... thinking that the only benefit to this would be to turn out 
SA>programmers is to use the age old logic studies in history only 
SA>turn out historians, math can only turn out mathemeticians, etc.
 RM> Your points are well-taken, and yes, there are things to be
 RM> gained by learning about programming, but math and history
 RM> are, imo, more needful for most students than is programming.
Knowing facts is more useful than using logic?  I take it you have not 
done any searching for information on the 'net...
 RM> Even science has to take a backseat so far as "needfulness",
 RM> as one could get along without it most of the time.....
This is not science, it is thinking skills.
--- DB 1.58/003138
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