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Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

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Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#92
post #9

This is excellent. I'm starting up a coding school and would love something like this. I think something like this is critical for persons learning how to code that don't have a strong math background. Of course they'll need to graduate to more formal methods of learning, but this would help them to get an initial context before the more formal study starts. I don't think this would be an enormous money maker, just b…

you might be interested in https://www.manning.com/books/grokking-algorithms it is illustrated and very approachable

Thank you! I'm going to read through this!

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#93
post #9

This is excellent. I'm starting up a coding school and would love something like this. I think something like this is critical for persons learning how to code that don't have a strong math background. Of course they'll need to graduate to more formal methods of learning, but this would help them to get an initial context before the more formal study starts. I don't think this would be an enormous money maker, just b…

I'm really glad to hear you like the idea! Thanks for the tips on getting it distributed, too. For now I should probably concentrate on making the right book =). Your suggestions for content are super helpful, too. Will definitely put those on the to-do list. Would you be interested in having the students at your coding school try out some test pages? Cheers!

Absolutely. As I get the school together, I'll reach out to you once I have students. :)

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#94
I don't see the point of this.

Children will be better off using interactive teaching aids on a computer.

Adults are more appropriately served with the same, or a decent textbook on the subject.

Why would anyone want to print this out and colour it? I suppose it might appeal to immature manchildren, but hopefully that is a smallish market.

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#95
post #70
post #26

I don't see myself coloring the pages in; primarily as I wouldn't want to use up any resources. Granted, I'm a 30+ PhD student, so I might not be the targeted market. The only things I have of differing colors are dry erase markers. For a (much) younger audience, I could see the teacher buying this, but in that breath, they are always looking to not spend a lot (or any) money on supplies, so a $30-40 coloring book fo…

Seconding the the notion that your colored-in example is a fantastic addition and should be included. I had thought of this in terms of The Anatomy Coloring Book where the coloring is mostly a way to engage with the visual material in a physical way, which aids recall. But your specific coloring actually highlights the algorithm in an effective way, making it more clear - and I can see that a teacher might be able to…

Wow, thanks for the praise! I hadn't heard of The Anatomy Coloring Book before and it looks/sounds a lot like what I have in mind for this book. Thanks a lot for mentioning it. Also, I think you nailed it with "the coloring is mostly a way to engage with the visual material in a physical way, which aids recall."

If you have any suggestions for improvements or content feel to let me know. And I'm always looking for "beta" testers of the book =)

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#96
post #73

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Thanks a lot for the input. It's super useful to hear a different perspective on the idea. I have no clue how much something like this should cost and will probably wait until it's closer to finished before deciding. I think your idea about providing colored examples is good and have heard it from a few people now so that's definitely worth looking into. Also I am red green colorblind so thanks for keeping people lik…

Not problem! In my first programming class years ago, I made an assignment about probability with colored cards; one of my students told me he had to cheat because he was colorblind and since then I've done my best to think about those aspects. Plus a good friend of mine has written numerous books on educational materials for deaf child, so whenever I talk about CS education, she reminds me to keep these types of dis…

You're so right with the analogy to physical training. Practice makes perfect. Also, I don't think its any coincidence that trainers of professional athletes often vary up their regimens with mental exercises. I think both types of people should diversify their training.

Could you expand on what you mean by "make sure you... don't learn the wrong way"? If you'd rather email me, I'm at levi -at- coderscoloringbook.com.

Cheers!

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#97
post #93

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'm really glad to hear you like the idea! Thanks for the tips on getting it distributed, too. For now I should probably concentrate on making the right book =). Your suggestions for content are super helpful, too. Will definitely put those on the to-do list. Would you be interested in having the students at your coding school try out some test pages? Cheers!

Absolutely. As I get the school together, I'll reach out to you once I have students. :)

Sounds great! And I'm going to be looking for "beta testers" in exchange for free books as well so let me know if you or any friends are interested. =)

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#98
post #9

This is excellent. I'm starting up a coding school and would love something like this. I think something like this is critical for persons learning how to code that don't have a strong math background. Of course they'll need to graduate to more formal methods of learning, but this would help them to get an initial context before the more formal study starts. I don't think this would be an enormous money maker, just b…

you might be interested in https://www.manning.com/books/grokking-algorithms it is illustrated and very approachable

I just ordered this as well, thanks!

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#99
post #94

I don't see the point of this. Children will be better off using interactive teaching aids on a computer. Adults are more appropriately served with the same, or a decent textbook on the subject. Why would anyone want to print this out and colour it? I suppose it might appeal to immature manchildren, but hopefully that is a smallish market.

Thanks a lot for the feedback. This definitely is not meant to replace or more appropriately serve learners than the methods you mentioned. Like I said it would be at most an addition to more established studying approaches, and in many cases (for mature men) just a fun thing to do/have. Cheers

Re: Show HN: A coloring book of data structures and algorithms

#100

I love it and would buy one! Especially using "comics" style as it was mentioned before. Not only colours on data structures help to understand the algorithm, but also those nice tips, lamps and stars here and there. You might call it childish, however as a student or a child I would rather read a book like that than a typical linux manual like book. Here is what I would be looking for on top of this idea (which is a…

Thanks a lot for the suggestions! I'm not quite catching what you mean by color-marking algorithm types... would you be willing to email me and chat about it? I think it sounds cool. You can reach me at levi ..at.. coderscoloringbook.com
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