Re: [Phys-L] computer programming for kids

[brian whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

On 6/26/2013 1:33 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
>
> __
It's a matter of regret for me that the built in interpreter that early 
home computers offered (IBM PC, COMMODORE 64 etc) has vanished.
Partly responding to purist sentiments from fledgling computer science 
academics, who derided BASIC as building in poor programming habits, 
makers who denude home computers of any programming facility are 
responsible for the impoverished state of academic recruitment to CS 
classes in my view.

The idea that C or its spawn is in some way superior is quite the joke: 
creating a language suited to sparse expensive hardware at the cost of 
telegraphic, cryptic structures was well and good when the best tools at 
hand came from DEC - the PDP 12, 8, 10, 11.   In part because video 
games and their attendant hardware persisted much longer, there is still 
a youthful interest in creating video games.      Continuing in this 
vein, it would be easy to link lawlessness to games which hone youthful 
skills in killing people.

Brian Whatcott   Altus OK