CS education for people with Learning Disabilities?

October 20, 2015 3:04 PM

Hello, I would like to study some computer science, mostly for fun ideally learning how to build DSP applications for music and audio production. That said, I have a fairly persistent Visual Motor learning disability so I haven't done much cs education since the 80's. I have sat in on front end web classes and while I find it interesting and I want to learn it, I get overwhelmed pretty quickly and then discouraged. Is there some CS educational program designed to help folks with learning disabilities? Thanks

P.S Just to add, I haven't had much luck with distance learning. I need to be able to ask questions that involves a dialogue especially with unfamiliar concepts. I also like a little feedback so I know I'm on the right track. I know with code it either works or not, but a good teacher imparts style as well as functionality and that seems a bit of nuanced area I haven't seen really perfected in distance learning.

Thanks again, you guys are the best

posted by macadam9 to Education (5 answers total)

When you say you haven't had luck with distance learning, does that mean you are only looking for in-person classes? Have you ruled out online classes? Maybe something synchronous (i.e. live chat) would work? If not, what locations are you looking in?
posted by expialidocious at 7:48 PM on October 20, 2015

Response by poster: Hello Ex,
Sorry I left out my locale which is San Francisco.
I did not mean to come off as negative about distance
Learning. I've done exactly one class this way and
It was more about me than the material. The synchronized
Learning sounds interesting as does any program that is
tailored to coding for ld folks. Thanks again
posted by macadam9 at 8:12 PM on October 20, 2015

Hi macadam9,

Could you go into more detail about what your specific learning disabilities are? Because they're all different, and someone that might be the right approach for one person, might be the exact wrong approach for another. I don't have an ID, but some people prefer learning from videos, and I HATE learning from videos, and zone right out within a minute.

Visual Motor usually indicates anything to do with hand/eye coordination.
What kinds of learning methods have been successful for you, and what harder?

Do you find video, pictures, text or lectures easier?
posted by Elysum at 3:19 AM on October 21, 2015

Response by poster: Hello Elysum,
Thanks for the follow up. I don't know what the exact diagnosis is as its been a billion years since I was tested.
I have had a pretty hard time with with math and science while I've done pretty well at reading comprehension, history creative writing that sort of thing. I got 80 percentile on non math SATs
And like 20 for math . I did some stem-ish studies in the 90s at audio school learning about logs and formulas and that was pretty challenging. Whereas the more creative aspects of sound design and studio recording technique came pretty intuitively to me
Videos are hard on one hand but I do like being able to rewind when I have zoned out.
That said I do like the stability and continuity of a well run class. Oddly perhaps I feel more accomplished somehow for showing up.
Thanks again
posted by macadam9 at 2:07 PM on October 21, 2015

Hi Macadam9.

I like really stripped down tutorials, shorter the better, and am happier with a math focus. Things like Instant Hacking (Python) by Magnus Lie Hetland.

I'm getting the sense that something with a more physical, or narrative/story focus might work better for you?
So, stab in the dark, maybe Why's Poignant Guide to Ruby?

For actual in-person classes, I'd go along to some coding Meetups in San Francisco, and ask for recommendations. Maybe Bish Bash which is people interested in Audio Digital Signal Processing, or any of the Learn to Code Meetups.

Good luck!
posted by Elysum at 4:01 AM on October 22, 2015