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Saturday, October 13, 2012

As the old saying goes, if you want something done, ask a busy person. I haven't got time to explain that, but trust me, it's true. So in late August, when my paternity leave came to an end and I returned to work with the mind of Ozzy Osbourne, the body of Billy Bunter and the schedule of Nicola Horlick, I decided to ask some serious questions of myself by signing up for a university course in computer programming.

No, really.

At the time I felt a bit like a zombie, which makes a lot of sense, as it's not the action of someone with a functioning brain. The course in question is an online extravaganza run by the prestigious Rice University of America (I think their dean's called Paddy Field), and is administered via Coursera, which was launched earlier this year, and provides free undergraduate courses to anyone in the world with an internet connection. I thought I'd get in quick before they start charging.

Having browsed through the courses on offer, I eventually signed up for An Introduction to Interactive Programming in Python, which presumably features a lot about spam, taught by a professor called Monty. I also put my name down for Clinical Problem Solving, but that one doesn't start until January, giving me plenty of time to fake an illness and pull out. Problem solved.

The Python one, however, starts on Monday, and is due to last for eight weeks. When I signed up back in August, mid-October seemed a long way off, and I assumed my life would have settled down by then into a relaxed, care-free existence filled with spare time and boredom. In reality, I'm no less busy than I was in August. And I'm slightly more stressed. But as of Monday, I'm supposed to find 7-9 hours a week to watch video lectures, do quizzes and complete mini programming projects online.

Here are my four professors hanging out before class...


That's what passes for fun when you've got a PhD. Personally I'm aiming to prove that it's possible to have a detailed knowledge of computer programming and still be at the cutting edge of coolness, which is why I'm taking this class. I can work on the coolness later.

The professors state that "People who finish this course won't be professional programmers, but they will know just enough Python programming to have fun and be dangerous". So I'm expecting to be able to program weapons systems and write viruses. For my own amusement.

Assuming I don't drop out, that is. Since signing up in August, more than 54,000 people have followed my example, so it's getting pretty crowded in the classroom, and I'm feeling a little intimidated. They released the first week's lectures a bit early, to give students extra time to get acclimatised, so I'm already up to my neck in strings, functions and variables. And sinking fast.

By this time next week, I'm supposed to have programmed my first game, which at the moment seems unlikely. I might have to trawl the class forums for a nerd I can start bullying. It could be my only way of getting the answers...

7 comments:

Phil's Mum said...

Just pretend you're writing a novel in a month - that will give you the extra studying time you need.

Jon the Bassist said...

Phil, I dont even know what Python is, but if it enables you to look cool in a shirt and tie / t shirt combination like the guy in the glasses, I wont in.
I'm sure Lisa will still love you when you are cool, and the pair of you can enjoy endless hours of rib tickling fun playing Rock, Paper, Scissors in your library. 

Peter Chapman said...

I'd be spending my time learning how to make apps for the ipad/iphone. Money to be had.

Phil said...

How about you learn that, and I copy your answers?

Phil said...

Well Python certainly makes them laugh. And there isn't a dead parrot in sight. I'll let you know how it goes...

Mason said...

Very smart move. I really want to sign up through Coursera for next sem. Would you recommend it? Is it easy to take the classes? 

Phil said...

I would definitely recommend it. The main challenge (for me, at least) is finding the time, but it's well worth the effort. The actual course is put together really well, so whilst it's challenging at times, it's not difficult to follow.