Why Shoes?
To quote a Railsbrige comment ( http://groups.google.com/group/railsbridge/msg/2c41610f8cc570b4?hl=en
)
Kids want to learn something that is:
A. Fun
B. Easy
Ok, maybe Ruby isn't so easy, but relative to a lot of modern
programming languages it is pretty good. There is very little
"boilerplate." Programs are fairly concise and to the point. I
wouldn't touch Javascript for kids since the implementations are so
inconsistent. Kids can deal with rules (they get that a lot) as long
as they are clearly explained and consistent.
Also, Ruby is a "real" programming language that real-world
programmers use for practical purposes. It is effective to teach kids
skills that adults use. When I did research for establishing the
curriculum goals for our elementary school, I read a lot about "21st
century learning skills" where kids learn to use computers and other
tech as tools, in the similar manner to how adults use those tools
(beyond using "educational software" for teaching specific
subjects). I find from personal experience that kids are very
motivated when they are learning something that could have application
outside of the classroom.
Sarah
On May 18, 2009, at 12:39 PM, Seth Thomas Rasmussen wrote:
On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 10:06 AM, Seth Thomas Rasmussen
<[email protected]> wrote:
On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 3:45 AM, Kyle King <[email protected]>
wrote:
Shoes has always, to me anyway, pioneered the idea that anyone
should be
able to write a simple gui. That programming little apps should be
fun and
easy. But Shoes isn't just a toy to teach children. Although it is
best
suited for teaching, it also has the very real potential to be a
practical,
everyday utility in a ruby programmer's toolbox. I can honestly
say that
I've used Shoes at work to write little one-time guis for people
that aren't
comfortable with the command line.
I find this passage, and much recent discussion on this mailing list
quite curious. Why is Shoes best for educational purposes? It seems,
in fact, that some of the ambiguity and quirks of the Ruby language
make that task quite a chore in certain moments.
That said, I'd love to see it used increasingly in school settings,
and I think Ruby is probably less painful than a great many other
languages. Perhaps this is what it all boils down to.
Anyway, no big deal or argument here, just an observation.
Personally,
I'm more interested in the "easy GUI" part, though their is a lurking
educator in me. Sadly, I don't think I've yet got the maturity of
patience to seriously consider teaching.
Hey, educators and the like.. it's not very clear from my blurting
this all out, I suppose, but I'd like to know what you think!
I'm curious how people view the use of Ruby and Shoes as a teaching
tool in their experiences so far. Obviously, some of you are into the
idea and have shared some feedback. What specifically interests you?
How do you see Ruby as a good fit? Etc.
--
Seth Thomas Rasmussen
http://greatseth.com
http://www.ultrasaurus.com
