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I too don't see Scratch as the future of programming but you have to grant that it gets kids interested in programming.

by mrfregg 10y ago

cocktailpeanuts 10y ago
Honestly I think Scratch has as high learning curve as simple programming languages like python or ruby (maybe even higher learning curve), not to mention all the copy-and-paste-able code available online if you learn languages like python (compared to this format which is obscure and not easily shareable). That's why I said if I was teaching my kid to code I would teach python. It's easier to learn, copy and paste (for instant gratification), and it is an actual programming language. I really can't see where this Scratch thing has any benefit over these other languages.
- pcr0 10y ago
  I remember teaching a 9 year old how to code. He was pretty comfortable in Scratch and he understood the basics like loops, conditionals, variables. He was able to program simple graphical Scratch games with minimal assistance (e.g. rock paper scissors, space defenders). When I tried teaching him Python however, his spelling and typing skills held him back significantly. It took him almost a minute to type 5 words. Unfortunately, this is becoming more common, as more kids are growing up without using a computer much at all, in favor of tablets and smartphones.
- chetanahuja 10y ago
  "Honestly I think Scratch has as high learning curve as simple programming languages like python or ruby" No. Simply no. Source: Taught First/Second/Third graders scratch once a week for 2 full years. The no syntax (no writing) part is extremely important. I've seen first graders completely crate a game from scratch (no pun) that I and other adults actually enjoyed playing as an honest to goodness challenging game. There's absolutely no comparison with "grown up" programming languages... even BASIC (that I myself programmed as a kid but that was only in middle school and later).
- witty_username 10y ago
  No, it has a lower learning curve. I used Scratch about 6 years ago when I was learning programming as a kid. The blocks are much easier to understand--they constrain what you can create and that avoids syntax errors and many other problems. Also, the visual element is certainly good and makes it fun.

I too don't see Scratch as the future of programming but you have to grant that it gets kids interested in programming.

by mrfregg 10y ago

I too don't see Scratch as the future of programming but you have to grant that it gets kids interested in programming.

Honestly I think Scratch has as high learning curve as simple programming languages like python or ruby (maybe even higher learning curve), not to mention all the copy-and-paste-able code available online if you learn languages like python (compared to this format which is obscure and not easily shareable). That's why I said if I was teaching my kid to code I would teach python. It's easier to learn, copy and paste (for instant gratification), and it is an actual programming language. I really can't see where this Scratch thing has any benefit over these other languages.

pcr0 10y ago
I remember teaching a 9 year old how to code. He was pretty comfortable in Scratch and he understood the basics like loops, conditionals, variables. He was able to program simple graphical Scratch games with minimal assistance (e.g. rock paper scissors, space defenders). When I tried teaching him Python however, his spelling and typing skills held him back significantly. It took him almost a minute to type 5 words. Unfortunately, this is becoming more common, as more kids are growing up without using a computer much at all, in favor of tablets and smartphones.
chetanahuja 10y ago
"Honestly I think Scratch has as high learning curve as simple programming languages like python or ruby" No. Simply no. Source: Taught First/Second/Third graders scratch once a week for 2 full years. The no syntax (no writing) part is extremely important. I've seen first graders completely crate a game from scratch (no pun) that I and other adults actually enjoyed playing as an honest to goodness challenging game. There's absolutely no comparison with "grown up" programming languages... even BASIC (that I myself programmed as a kid but that was only in middle school and later).
witty_username 10y ago
No, it has a lower learning curve. I used Scratch about 6 years ago when I was learning programming as a kid. The blocks are much easier to understand--they constrain what you can create and that avoids syntax errors and many other problems. Also, the visual element is certainly good and makes it fun.