This article makes a false argument. It somehow seems to categorize programming as being different than other disciplines, and argues that programming needs "knowledge how". But this is really the case for virtually everything. What isn't best learned by practice? That's how you best learn math, plumbing, mowing the grass, writing, reading, circuit design, cooking, research, shooting free throws, etc...

In fact, everyone here knows about the popular 10,000 hours of deliberate practice rule. No one achieves competency through Matrix like osmosis -- not even programmers.

And I think what the author is missing when he/she goes to these conferences is that a conference session is a jumping off point. It's a place say, "I didn't realize you could animate that with that technique." And then you go home and try it and practice it. It's not about mastery at the conference, but awareness of something worth pursuing more.