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Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by zachgalant on Tuesday November 06, 2012 @04:33PM (#4750912)
I agree that simple coding exercises can be boring, which is why I'm making http://codehs.com

I've been teaching at Stanford for the last 3 years for the intro classes, which are the most popular, most well liked classes at the school, so I've learned how to make coding really interesting for beginners.

We start off by teaching Karel the Dog, which lets you focus on problem solving by teaching a dog some tricks using code. Then, we quickly get to graphics, animation, and games... all in the browser.

We know learning to code can be hard, so we focus on providing help from real people along the way, so you know that while you're learning online, you're not alone.

Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by alexholehouse on Tuesday November 06, 2012 @05:17PM (#4751128)
I'm looking at running an intro to CS/programming short course for biologists (graduate students) at my university. I may drop you an email at some point to pick your brains, if that's OK?
Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by SilasX on Tuesday November 06, 2012 @06:22PM (#4751387)
Tell us how it goes. Specifically, if the class ends with all of them saying, "Holy shit ... we can automate all of that!"
Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by zachgalant on Thursday November 08, 2012 @12:05AM (#4756567)
yeah for sure. just email [email protected]
Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by bsims on Tuesday November 06, 2012 @05:45PM (#4751241)
Is this a course you have to be enrolled at the University to take full time or is it possible to take these as a single course?
Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by zachgalant on Thursday November 08, 2012 @12:06AM (#4756570)
You don't have to be enrolled. You can just sign up as an individual on http://codehs.com
Re:Why Learning to Code Is So Hard – and Why It Gets Easier by bsims on Friday November 16, 2012 @10:49PM (#4797098)
A bit belated, but thanks for the answer!