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Sounds like you don't really have the tools to do your job. I'm not sure I ever would have started programming if I wasn't able to program my own computer. It's

Sounds like you don't really have the tools to do your job. I'm not sure I ever would have started programming if I wasn't able to program my own computer. It's a shame because they'll learn that sshing is some intrinsic part of programming and it's such a barrier to entry. What I would definitely do is set up something better than nano for them. Emacs works like a charm over ssh with full syntax highlighting, intuitive UI, and powerful features. Find (or make) a nice little config for them. There is also Jupyter and Jupyter Hub which might be good for you. Essentially an on-prem Web-based environment. While I think teaching at a lower level is better for serious computer science, this could still be good for young people.

afiori 8y ago
> Emacs works like a charm over ssh with full syntax highlighting, intuitive UI, and powerful features. If the teacher is worried about having to teach ssh/bash before they can start programming I would strongly believe emacs is out of the picture.
- acidium 8y ago
  Nano has unfriendly keybindings too. At least with emacs, you could load a key map which gives them modern keybindings and give them a print out[1]. There's a built-in CUA mode too. That way they get better syntax highlighting, indentation and backup files for free. They don't have to /learn/ emacs. I strongly agree with you though that the last thing you want to is throw up all these barriers to students getting started with programming and am appalled that the kids and teacher have to put up with the pi and shell solution. [1] https://github.com/darkstego/wakib-keys#ctrl https://github.com/darkstego/wakib-keys#ctrl
  - black-tea 8y ago
    Why do they need "modern key bindings"? They are children. They don't come with one arbitrary set of bindings pre-learnt.
  - afiori 8y ago
    The problem with emacs are not the keybindings. One example is that if you move the cursor and then shift-delete it deletes the whole you have moved; that is a not so nice surprise.
    - lern_too_spel 8y ago
      That is a keybinding.

afiori 8y ago

> Emacs works like a charm over ssh with full syntax highlighting, intuitive UI, and powerful features. If the teacher is worried about having to teach ssh/bash before they can start programming I would strongly believe emacs is out of the picture.

acidium 8y ago
Nano has unfriendly keybindings too. At least with emacs, you could load a key map which gives them modern keybindings and give them a print out[1]. There's a built-in CUA mode too. That way they get better syntax highlighting, indentation and backup files for free. They don't have to /learn/ emacs. I strongly agree with you though that the last thing you want to is throw up all these barriers to students getting started with programming and am appalled that the kids and teacher have to put up with the pi and shell solution. [1] https://github.com/darkstego/wakib-keys#ctrl https://github.com/darkstego/wakib-keys#ctrl
- black-tea 8y ago
  Why do they need "modern key bindings"? They are children. They don't come with one arbitrary set of bindings pre-learnt.
- afiori 8y ago
  The problem with emacs are not the keybindings. One example is that if you move the cursor and then shift-delete it deletes the whole you have moved; that is a not so nice surprise.
  - lern_too_spel 8y ago
    That is a keybinding.