I posted this already on my personal blog, I didn’t know that we should post it here.
After my brief experience with coding, I now think that it makes sense for humanities students to learn to code, at least the basics. It would enable them to interact with the internet in a level beyond simple browsing. Kirschenbaum compares learning a computing language to learning a foreign language, saying that: “I believe proficiency in a computer language can fulfill many of the same functions — accessibility, self-reliance, heightened critical awareness — as knowledge of a traditional foreign language.” Kirschenbaum is not saying that it is no longer useful to learn a foreign language, only that learning a computer langauge opens up what a student can do in the world, similarly to learning a computer language. We live in an increasingly digitized age, where fluency with the internet equates to fluency with the larger world. Making it a requirement would also provide each student with valuable skills, that have immediate relevance for the job market.
Before this, I have only done coding with applications like R, for my statistics class. I enjoyed the functionality that it provided, but my knowledge with using it was very limited. Because of this, and because of coding continually becoming more of a part of popular culture, I had a basic understanding of what coding is. After my minimal time coding, I can now say that I see its value, and also enjoy it to some extent. I can see how it might be tiring to code for a long time, but that would also increase proficiency with coding.
<html> <head> <title>I am learning to code!</title> <p>I am having a <strong>very</strong> fun time doing it to!</p> <h1>I think coding is <em>valuable.</em></h1> <p>I've been enjoying coding!</p>
3 thoughts on “My Coding Experience”
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Hey Griffin! Great post.
I also found that passage about foreign language vs computer languages interesting although I don’t think the skills involved with learning a human language are replaceable by a computer language. Modern computer languages are closer to human language to aid comprehensibility, but there is still quite a large layer of removal.
I like your HTML example 🙂
Nice post! I was also struck by the computer language vs. natural language comparison — I don’t disagree with it, and I definitely admire those who do learn to code (still not totally convinced that it should be required). I think it’s interesting that constructed and machine languages are indebted to aspects of natural language yet suggested as its equal or superior for cognitive development — I suppose there’s a causal relationship there. It’s not too different from how DH grew largely out of the methods of inquiry established in traditional humanities and now — some might say — threatens to replace it entirely.
Hey, interesting blog. I have a similar experience with coding, I learned coding while taking an intro to computer science course last term. I didn’t enjoy it as much in the beginning. However, as the course went on and I became more proficient with it, I started to enjoy it more.