Suggestions for moving from Labview to Java

[Dan Waxman]

To reiterate what others have said, I would definitely focus on teaching Java before you focus on any robotics concepts; it would be very difficult to read or write a book in Spanish if you don't speak any. After you get your students started on Java to a point where they can coherently read through other's code, then the FRC concepts come easy. There's very little to program that's difficult in FRC, and odds are if it's difficult, there's been a tool made to make it easier. So I'd just drive home that fundamentals are key.

As for how to teach, there's multiple approaches. Two mentioned before are codeacademy, which is a great resource, or academic class available online. Both of these are great options. Personally, the way I'd do it would be to teach during team meetings, and then supplement that learning with further learning online that you plan out, as well as incorporating challenges to mix in (codewars.com is awesome for this). Any questions feel free to PM me.

[CoachC]

Thank you all for your outstanding responses. I will utilize much of what has been suggested. I understand it will be a daunting challenge given my teams situation but I feel that if we get an early start the growing pains will be minimal. I have one student who is eager to learn and will be with our team for several years (a new programming captain in the making). Thanks again. Ill post our progress along with bumps in the road as things move forward.

Jim (Coach C)
Team 5247
Red Devil Robotics