Hi Mark, Steve (and other perlish parents):
Thanks for the link to Scratch Mark! I'm downloading it now...
I think the only way my kids will engage with programming is if they can
code it, and run on a smartphone or tablet.
My kids think computers with keyboards instead of touch screens are from
"the olden days".
{sigh}
-dave
On 2/4/2013 8:37 AM, Mark Dootson wrote:
Hi Steve,
On 02/02/2013 15:19, steveco.1...@gmail.com wrote:
I've been trying to build a laboratory here for my children, but it
seems so far, that I am the only one interested in it :(
Maybe some robotics would actually compete with TV cartoons for
attention on a Saturday morning.
The same motivation for me with my 12 year old. He enjoyed the initial
soldering of parts and discussing building simple circuits as it tied in
with his school work - as I had forgotten most of the required basic
knowledge I think he really enjoyed being able to 'teach' me a few basics.
However, it is a huge leap to go from no programming knowledge at all to
designing something to control robotics. His interest waned when we got
down to programming basics. Probably because I'm not a skilled teacher.
I think the way to go is to use 'Scratch' ( http://scratch.mit.edu/ )
which comes installed with the Raspbian OS. Designed with kids in mind
'Scratch is a programming language that makes it easy to create
interactive art, stories, simulations, and games – and share those
creations online.'
As far as I can tell, the children who really engage with this stuff are
initially attracted by the ease of access provided by 'Scratch'
Python, Perl et al followed by world domination can come later.
Regards
Mark
