Dropping Java and teaching Delphi in SA schools - but at what cost?

What are the costs of the Delphi licenses compared to the NetBeans licenses?
 
I thought I read it wrong, I thought they're dropping Deplhi for Java. Having said that, I still think Pascal is the easiest way to teach programming principles. Back in the day Unisa used a pseudo language to teach programming concepts.
 
Also don't get how they think Delphi is more valuable than Java. Java is definitely a lot more widely accepted programming language and migrating to another language from Java would be easier than say going to C++ after doing Delphi.

Yes, Delphi might be easier to learn, but Java will be better in the long run.
 
But why?? Java is a great gateway to ee, se and used for android? delphi is consoles for desktop platforms.. why cut out something with the biggest flexibility?
 
I've attached the DBE circular referred to in the article to the OP.
 
ginggs said:
What are the costs of the Delphi licenses compared to the NetBeans licenses?
Click to expand...

From the implementation plan:

Delphi is not free
Embarcadero announced free Delphi 10 licenses for schools for limited period
Embarcadero offers educational licences with a 90% discount on the normal licence fee.
Click to expand...
 
Many of you are missing the concept that its not preparing you for a job as an experienced developer but rather setting the foundations and planting a seed that will let you grow into one.

Heck I'm currently learning SML for the next two months, not because my job requires it or any job for that fact, but the foundations and the access to study material.
 
Interesting that they don't give a reason for the change.
It might increase the pass rate, it may be a simpler language to learn, but its going to reduce the chances of kids getting a job.

Bad choice. Ask recruiters and the biggest IT employers in the country.
 
They did not even consult the IT teachers on this, this came sraight from the ministers office without consultation. So there is something fishy going on... And now teachers need to be re trained again.
 
Roelie said:
Back in the day Unisa used a pseudo language to teach programming concepts.
Click to expand...
I think they may have started doing that again. My brother is doing some introductory programming course and I asked what language they were using and he said it isn't a real language just a made up one they use for teaching.

I think they used to use C++ though.
 
Interesting: the 'standard' basic course for "Delphi 4" was 5 days.

If the powers-that-be insist on 'genuine' Delphi then the current cost (via the online store) is as follows:

  • Delphi starter edition: $199.00 (32-bit only, no database connectivity)
  • Delphi professional edition: $999.00
If the educational discount is 90% then the pupils will have to pay (roughly) R199/R999
 
cbrunsdonza said:
Many of you are missing the concept that its not preparing you for a job as an experienced developer but rather setting the foundations and planting a seed that will let you grow into one.

Heck I'm currently learning SML for the next two months, not because my job requires it or any job for that fact, but the foundations and the access to study material.
Click to expand...

Yes, but there's a ton of other programming languages to do that with that is even easier and cheaper than Delphi. So that argument doesn't fly. Then there's a even better argument for using something like Python in schools, as i believe it would give you that "foundation" with much less hassles.

The other catch 22 is, and just like when i was in school. Alot of students might have PCs at home, now it's all good and well to have Delphi licenses for cheap in your school lab of 5 PCs , but now little pietie wants to play around on dad's PC with his newly acquired ability to create a screen that goes "hello world" , but alas, what do you think he's going to do? He's going to get Java or Python at home to do it with.
 
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