4 ms·

The better the tool the less you learn from it. There was an experiment, I don't have a link, read about it someplace, about a task two groups of people had to

The better the tool the less you learn from it. There was an experiment, I don't have a link, read about it someplace, about a task two groups of people had to solve on a computer. In one case the tool was merely checking the final answer; in another it was also offering helpful visual clues during the solving. Both groups solved the problem, but a follow-up check revealed that the first one has built a somewhat better understanding of the task, a better mental model of it. I think this is same with today's maps: it's very easy to find a road with a navigator, but it doesn't leave any lasting impression. Fine if it's a one-time task, but not that good if you want to become an expert on local roads. With a PDF about data structures you do have the executable environment: the compiler or the interpreter the PDF uses to give examples. The compiler has no manual on data structures, but you have the PDF instead. This is the real thing, by the way, that compiler. An medium that combines both instructions and some interactive thingie that shows the data structure will be much farther from the actual compiler than that poor PDF.

angleofrepose 7y ago
> The better the tool the less you learn from it This seems too broad to make a general rule. Shall I not use calculators and memorize trig tables to better understand the tools that are these functions? I would be interested in seeing that experiment, I cant come up with a concrete example in my head which would follow that pattern. > maps I agree, I think most people should not have to become experts on local roads, then again, I think you over simplify the issue. I would bet that most people are experts on their local roads. I am in my hometown, I am not when I travel. I do not know how pdfs are made today, but keynote/power point are generally drawn with WYSIWYG tools rather than post script or latex. I am not aware that I have ever read a pdf or been to a presentation with slides not generated by one of these WYSIWYG tools in my entire life. I have never actually opened one of these files, but I also don't expect that I could. I would bet they are not stored in text files. Overall I contest each of your points, though I appreciate the ideas. I understand the sentiment but don't agree on the reality. Sorry for the late reply, I'm happy to continue if you have the time.

angleofrepose 7y ago

> The better the tool the less you learn from it This seems too broad to make a general rule. Shall I not use calculators and memorize trig tables to better understand the tools that are these functions? I would be interested in seeing that experiment, I cant come up with a concrete example in my head which would follow that pattern. > maps I agree, I think most people should not have to become experts on local roads, then again, I think you over simplify the issue. I would bet that most people are experts on their local roads. I am in my hometown, I am not when I travel. I do not know how pdfs are made today, but keynote/power point are generally drawn with WYSIWYG tools rather than post script or latex. I am not aware that I have ever read a pdf or been to a presentation with slides not generated by one of these WYSIWYG tools in my entire life. I have never actually opened one of these files, but I also don't expect that I could. I would bet they are not stored in text files. Overall I contest each of your points, though I appreciate the ideas. I understand the sentiment but don't agree on the reality. Sorry for the late reply, I'm happy to continue if you have the time.