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I think there are a whole load of kids out there that could benefit from a "no speed limit" policy. I think the larger problem is that there aren't enough teach
by krmmalik 15y ago
I think there are a whole load of kids out there that could benefit from a "no speed limit" policy. I think the larger problem is that there aren't enough teachers that can set the pace. I remember, as a kid, reading an article in the paper about how two 10 year old kids had completed a computing A level course (i'm from the UK). I was 11 myself at the time and so much wanted to do that course. My parents looked in many places and couldnt find a way for me to be able to take that course any sooner than what the national curriculum had prescribed. After a few years, i got distracted and lost my enthusiasm and determination.
I'm having the same problem learning Node. js right now. I had been trying to teach myself, but my progress was going rather slowly. Then along came a mentor that help me achieve in just a few hours what i wasn't able to achieve in over a month. And then he disappeared, and im stuck at snails pace again.
Maybe that's just the story of my life, or maybe that the story, period.
- sivers 15y agoGreat point! Finding an outstanding teacher is HARD! It's never clear where to look. Great performers are usually not great teachers. And great teachers aren't always great performers themselves. Any advice, anyone?
- invalidOrTaken 15y agoI think this will become a more and more common problem, especially in our field. Things move so fast that if you're just trying to keep up, you'll soon find yourself the most knowledgeable on the subject in your local area. This is great if you want to sound impressive, but not so great if you're trying to learn. The best option is of course to find a Kimo. Failing that, getting really good at interacting with people online might be the best option; if you're learning something independently, you're probably learning it online, and if you're learning it online, then other learners(however few) are only a click away.
- krmmalik 15y agoIts a good point actually, and i guess i just lost sight of things on the way. You are right, hanging around online is where i'm likely to find the most Kimo's
- karterk 15y agoHave you tried hanging out in the node.js IRC channel? Help is just a step away! The node mailing lists are also pretty helpful. You can also feel free to email me (email in profile) - I have been working on node for more than a year now on a decent sized project.
- krmmalik 15y agoI tried the IRC channel about a year ago, but at that time i was so new to Node that i felt a little out of place. It seems you had to be at least intermediate level with node to really start chatting to people. You have to remember that i'm new to programming itself as well as Node. That said, i should repay the place a visit. I was always worried about IRC etiquette. What i mean to say is - is it considered poor etiquette to just dive in and start asking for help? Anyway - i think the larger problem for me hasnt been just getting stuck with Node - it's been more about knowing what is the next step to take in terms of the project since im new to development too. That's where having a mentor was very useful. What are your thoughts?
- karterk 15y agoYes, people just drop into the IRC channel and ask questions. The worst thing that can possibly happen is you hear no answer (mostly because no one might be around). The node mailing list is a good place for asking questions too. Often, the more focussed your question is, the better it is. So, instead of asking something vague - ask about specific areas you are facing problems with. Also, when asking a question, explaining what you tried to do to solve the problem yourselves helps people better understand your problem and offer constructive help.
- krmmalik 15y agogreat advice - Thank you.