|
As a child, I wanted to learn all about those new things called "computers", but after looking at the 6" thick beginers user's guide for dad's KayproII, I was lost, and gave up. Flashing arcade lights and jourdash jeans were an easy distraction for understanding.
The basic problem-solving of understanding how pecking at the keyboard could make those intricate electronic circuits function competely under my direction remained an uncrossed bridge.
Thirty-five years later, I reflect to think the basics(to coin a term) to learning are childlike:
1.) There has to be an ever-lasting interest....something beyond dad's expectations, or fufillment of a temporary school project. Something that encourages learning in any way possible. Something that distracts from the knuckle-dragging society that is pushed upon the youth of today. Computer science is overlapping and in so many fields today, that the future will only necessitate more.
2). There should be solidity in simple concepts of software and hardware. Finalize those connections, but understand today's tech will change, but will remain valid(and important) for a while. All is not lost on learning a soon-to-be-dead language.
3) When in a pinch, guidence will be needed. Having an experienced father for a debugger/encourager is a big springboard. Someone to fill in the gaps when needed, but not steal the mojo. Experience is it's own limitation.
4). Knowing something is different from understanding something. Understanding means surounding it and recognizing it is small and fits into a bigger picture.
|