Hi, I like the idea of a companion to an existing book. The audiobook might be more useful as a supplement to a programming text rather than a replacement for it. Instead of trying to explain programming generally or finding a way to usefully recite code, it might be interesting to hear discussion of a specific programming problem. The problem could be introduced visually while in front of a computer, and then taken along in memory while away.
I'm new to both Python and programming, but I've already had the experience of thinking about how to solve a programming problem while walking to work or driving somewhere. I would be surprised if other, more experienced programmers don't do this as well. Also, since I started learning Python, I've wondered about how programming is talked about among people who are working on a project together. At least for those who work in the same physical location, a programming language probably also extends into spoken language. I'm guessing people don't speak code to each other, but I wouldn't be surprised if there are more and less understandable ways of talking about programming. These could be different between languages too. I would be very interested to know if people talk about Python differently than they talk about C or some other language. So, what would happen if an expert Python programmer sat down next to you on the train while you were thinking through a problem? Maybe the audiobook could let you in on this conversation. It could work many different ways. Maybe there is a recording of a newbie (similar in skill level to the listener) explaining the problem to an expert, and then a discussion between the two about how to work through the problem. Maybe it is a discussion between peers. Maybe it works like those foreign language learning tapes where a pause is added that gives the listener time to think or respond. Whichever way it's done, the value would be in building off of the memory of a specific problem, and then taking what is learned back to the computer and the normal visual environment. I've learned a lot mulling over problems by myself until I eventually find a solution, but it might not be bad to occasionally get some help. Beyond that, if I ever actually did find myself sitting next to an expert programmer, I might be a little more prepared to discuss our common interest. Matt _______________________________________________ Edu-sig mailing list [email protected] http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/edu-sig
