Thorough Mathematical intro to "computer 'science'" ...

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Thorough Mathematical intro to “computer 'science'” ... [on hold]

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Just because it's fundamental doesn't make it elementary, or all mathematicians would begin with Zermelo-Fraenkel! A couple points:

  • You can't teach a kid, or anyone, the same way you teach a computer. There needs to be motivation. If you start with computability theory and algebraic data types, it becomes, "Why do I need this to make Minecraft mods?"
  • You risk demotivating your student. Teaching it the "right way" not only shelters the student from making mistakes (a necessary part of learning), but also makes it look like programming is dull, non-innovative, and "solved".
  • I take exception to your premises. Positive reinforcement has existed for all time, not just for "kids nowadays." You also don't seem to know the first thing about computer science, as it is "no more about computers than astronomy is about telescopes." You also seem to have some very interesting generalizations about certain professions and their competence.

If you still disagree, and you really want to teach this student the "right way", start with Haskell, notably "Learn you a Haskell for Great Good". You'll then want to teach them about how its type class system relates to Category Theory; Bartosz Milewski has an excellent video series on this. You'll have your depressed student writing unintelligible code in no time (geologically speaking).