Re: [Phys-L] computer programming for kids

[Richard Tarara <rtarara@saintmarys.edu>]

Yes, but probably not until middle-school or even the start of High 
School.  My reason for the late start is that one of the benefits of 
learning a computer language is learning the importance of vocabulary 
and especially grammar and syntax.  For that to make any sense, students 
need considerable experience with their regular language skills.

My choice of language would be True Basic which is Kurtz and Kemeny's 
powerful, fully structured, compiled version of Basic (nothing like the 
Apple and Commodore interpreted versions).  The small company really has 
structured their product as a learning language (but I do all my 
software offerings with it--full animations and the like).  The 
advantage of this language for learning the fundamentals of computer 
programming include the understandable vocabulary, only two variable 
types (numeric and string), and the fact that it encourages strong 
structure.  Having worked in Fortran, Pascal, C and C++ I can attest 
that True Basic is far, far easier yet essentially just as powerful.

rwt

--
Richard Tarara
Professor of Physics
Saint Mary's College

free Physics educational software
www.saintmarys.edu/~rtarara/software.html



On 6/26/2013 2:33 PM, Larry Smith wrote:
> This is not exclusively a physics question, but it is related.
>
> Should every kid learn how to program computers in public schools?
> In what grade(s)?
> Using what language(s)?
>
> What other technology skills should kids learn in public schools?
>
>
>
> I'm going to a state task force meeting this week to discuss these questions.  Thought I'd poll this audience first.
>
> Thanks,
> Larry
>
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