D vs Java as a first programming language

[Sean Kelly]

Chad J wrote:
> Hmmmm, now this may be of zero interest to the OP, but I the appearance 
> of yet another programming pedagogy thread has caused me to spawn a 
> crazy idea.
> 
> Disclaimer:  This is probably a bad idea.
> 
> So what if one of the ways to institutionally teach beginning 
> programming was to just institutionalize the way I learned how to 
> program?  You set up an Ultima Online server.  Customize it to cater to 
> macroing/botting.  So it's kind of like robocode, but more RPGish and 
> with some obligatory grindy numerical crap that has to be done before 
> you are actually good at the game.

In my wife's AI course the students built simulated robots which 
competed in various contests (navigate the maze fastest, etc).  I think 
it was a fun way to get students interested in the material and think 
about how to apply it in a practical manner.  This is my succinct way of 
agreeing with your idea of making courses fun for the students :-)


Sean