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I run a summer program that teaches kids to code, and I find that the kids who come into our classes are legitimately motivated to learn computer science. One o
by primitivesuave 10y ago
I run a summer program that teaches kids to code, and I find that the kids who come into our classes are legitimately motivated to learn computer science. One of the key focuses of my program is to have them be creative with code, like building games with Java, solving problems with Python, or constructing Arduino robots from off-the-shelf materials. A lot of these kids would not discover their passion for technology without taking a structured class that introduces it to them in a fun way and encourages them to be creative.
That being said, there are some programs that are simply horrible at introducing these ideas to kids. There are large summer camp organizations spread across many locations that have over-commercialized the summer camp business, who have become skilled at leaving parents oblivious to the true level of education their kids are receiving. A kid who loves Minecraft will be thrilled by the brief exposure to Java code while modding it, followed by hours of playing Minecraft on rented computers (something they can easily do on their own at home).
In my particular niche of summer education, there are countless programs that do an absolute disservice to kids trying to learn something outside of their normal schoolwork during the summer. They are placated by simple copy-and-paste coding, drag-and-drop blocks that they could easily discover on their own, and the trivial blinking of LEDs. Becoming a maker requires a commitment to learning on the part of students, and an organization willing to accept the challenge of teaching it.
- j_s 10y agoCan you link to any info about your program online? I am particularly interested in the tools you find most effective in fostering creativity.
- primitivesuave 10y agoGlad you're interested! I didn't want to make my original post a marketing statement, the program is Techlab Education (techlabeducation.com). One tool we use to foster creativity is our Java game development library at apcs.io, it makes it easy to build games and creative applications of code. We're working this summer on open-sourcing all of our curriculum and methodology so schools and partner organizations can benefit from it. Let me know if you have any questions!
- j_s 10y agoWhat age group do you target, and is there a subset there where kids are more interested and/or teaching winds up being more effective?
- primitivesuave 10y agoWe target 8 - 18 year old kids, and I've found that the 8-11 year olds learn best with Python while the older kids 12+ learn best with Java. Our general progression is to start kids of any age with Python using pythonroom.com, and then move toward Java/web development/iOS as they become more comfortable with computer science principles and syntax. I've worked with brilliant 8 year olds that absorb programming like sponges, and I've had reticent teenagers who discover a passion for computer science through Java game development. I've also had the kids who refuse to make an effort to learn despite my best efforts. More than anything, the experience of teaching real computer science to kids has taught me that it's not for everyone, and that's not a bad thing at all. As long as every kid understands what technology can do and what problems it can solve, they can be effective adults in our rapidly modernizing society.