Comment Re:their SE course sucks (Score 1) 200
Abelson was right, in a way, because anyone can learn a programming language. The reason that this is applicable is the fact that you teach students logic, not programming. Once the logical flow and implementation of software is understood, the differences between langauges really becomes syntax. For instance, if you know what an object is and how objects interact in their environment, then writing a class specification and implementation in C++ or Ada is really the same, just differnent syntax.
As far as what Jilles said, he is not saying that creativity and mental ability are not needed in engineering, but that practicality must be stressed as well as creativity, and the introduction of real world circumstances as well as creative processes into the same domain is the essence of engineering. Engineering is about delivering a product to a customer, so both are important.
As far as what Jilles said, he is not saying that creativity and mental ability are not needed in engineering, but that practicality must be stressed as well as creativity, and the introduction of real world circumstances as well as creative processes into the same domain is the essence of engineering. Engineering is about delivering a product to a customer, so both are important.
