I support tools and software that help kids learn technology and coding. I really like the idea and the simplicity, and the cool 13x13 pixel concept, but I can

I support tools and software that help kids learn technology and coding. I really like the idea and the simplicity, and the cool 13x13 pixel concept, but I can't get over the pricing just to get access to its online EDU hub (license is $100 for 25 students) or classroom packs (which is more expensive but also more acceptable since it includes physical pixel boards). Perhaps I feel grumpy for its over-commercialization of education from Mattel, one of the largest toy company in the world. Another is the several patents that they have on the concept, which irks me. Scratch is not perfect, but it is at least free, and access to own accounts and community is free. Also, I think we're giving our kids too much screen time. When I was a kid, the most helpful concept of programming was not a programming language or software, but rather it was just learning the concept of logic and playing with "and" and "or" with electronics and transistors / gates / switches. For that, I think electronics kit (Heathkit) were awesome.