In today’s fast-paced world of technology and innovation, it is essential to take a step back and appreciate the origins of some of the tools we use daily. One such tool is Django, a popular open-source web framework for Python programming language. While current students learn about the latest version of Django, understanding its humble beginnings in 1966 can provide valuable context. This article will explore ways to teach students about Django 1966, allowing them to have a deeper connection with the web framework.
1. Start with the early history
Begin by introducing your students to the 1960s world of computing. During this time, machines were massive, filling entire rooms, with punch cards being used for inputting data. Provide context on how revolutionary the idea of creating and managing a coding project using an organized web framework would have been during this time.
2. Share Django’s founder story
Although Django as we know it today was not developed until 2005, sharing the stories of Adrian Holovaty and Simon Willison’s vision for their project – a platform to create clean and reusable code – can give students insight into how far technology has come.
3. Discuss 1960s programming languages and constraints
To give students a glimpse into what coding was like in 1966, walk them through programming languages popular during that time—particularly focusing on FORTRAN, COBOL, and Assembly languages. Discussing these languages’ limitations will help students understand the constraints developers faced during this era and why creating organized code was so challenging.
4. The evolution of web development
Develop an interactive timeline showcasing critical milestones in web development history to help students see how advancements in computer science led up to Django’s creation in 2005. Include significant events from 1966 onwards: ARPANET development in the late ’60s, the World Wide Web’s invention in 1989, the rise of scripting languages such as Python in 1991, and how these progressions ultimately contributed to Django’s development.
5. Compare Django 1966 with the present version
Encourage students to research and compare core concepts and features available in modern-day Django with what existed during the 1966 era. This exercise will increase appreciation for modern developers’ tools while understanding earlier challenges faced by programmers.
6. Assign creative projects
Give your students a creative project that brings to life either programming concepts or the cultural landscape of 1966. Some examples include creating an infographic outlining computing advances, developing a basic website using design themes from the mid-1960s, or writing a short story based on what life would have been like as a programmer during that time.
In conclusion, educating students about Django’s beginnings in 1966 can significantly enhance their understanding of web development history and help them appreciate Django’s current functionalities. By incorporating these steps into your curriculum, you can ensure that your students learn not only about modern-day Django but also its fascinating past.
