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Assuming that these environments don't give access to computers, is it possible to teach computer programming (at least at logical level)? For example, one can

Assuming that these environments don't give access to computers, is it possible to teach computer programming (at least at logical level)? For example, one can publish a monthly "Level" printable pamphlet which progressively covers 1) some theory, 2) some syntax (likely pseudocode), 3) a problem to solve through code, and 4) a way to verify the code e.g. dry run. Example of problem: https://blockly.games/maze?lang=en https://blockly.games/maze?lang=en Example of dry run: http://theteacher.info/websites/ocr_alevel/WebPages/F452_ProgTechn/DryRuns/DryRuns.html http://theteacher.info/websites/ocr_alevel/WebPages/F452_Pro... I know there will still be more learning steps before becoming productive for a job, but this brings them one step closer.

ForHackernews 6y ago
Yes, you can teach programming without computers. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/12/from-prison-to-silicon-valley/603406/ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/12/from-... > For the first month of the Last Mile, a program that teaches business and software skills in prisons, Aguirre and his fellow students didn’t have access to computers. They relied on books and pens to scribble out code on scratch paper. For his first project, Aguirre handwrote code to re-create the In-N-Out Burger website using only a printed-out copy of the chain’s homepage as reference. > Drew McGahey, the engineering manager at Slack for all three apprentices, was initially struck by their ability to solve what he called “blank-canvas problems”—those that don’t have prescribed solutions. “Thinking back to their experience, it makes a lot of sense,” he said. “They all learned how to code in an environment where they didn’t have access to the internet. They’ve got drive.”
moltar 6y ago
Considering that some inmates can play chess with entire board layout in their head, I’m sure some could learn programming this way too.
magnazine 6y ago
Director of Level here. We're working on just this. There's a really long form article on Medium / Towards Data Science but apparently HN blocks the domain. If you run a Google search for "How To Teach Programming To People In Prison (Without Computers)" you'll pull up the article. Would be interested to hear your feedback. Thanks!
- petespeed 6y ago
  Thanks for the link. Its a good challenge to solve with the constraint that only printed paper is allowed. May be the question is what is stopping me from coding on paper in a less-constrained environment? I am assuming you have created persona(s) for the inmates which explain their motivations, concerns, engagement options, assistance, response/feedback systems, etc. With my limited knowledge, I tried to place various activities against coding. e.g. reading comics, solving crosswords and mazes, drawing art, solving math problems. And then want to measure these again some criteria like: feedback (instant or late), engagement duration, motivation (short and long term), outlet for expression, and more. My hope is that understanding above will help us find the right solution or method to convey this subject.
evronm 6y ago
Former federal inmate here: It is forbidden to teach computer skills inside a Federal prison. I got around this by designing and teaching a class I called "Structuring Business Data". It was a way to teach my fellow inmates SQL without the staff figuring out (they are about as smart as you would think). But anything that is blatantly about computers will be rejected offhand. Edit: LOVE what you guys are doing. I just signed up to contribute content, and would be happy to provide any additional info/advice you guys may need; the kind you won't get from the BOP.

ForHackernews 6y ago

Yes, you can teach programming without computers. https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/12/from-prison-to-silicon-valley/603406/ https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2019/12/from-... > For the first month of the Last Mile, a program that teaches business and software skills in prisons, Aguirre and his fellow students didn’t have access to computers. They relied on books and pens to scribble out code on scratch paper. For his first project, Aguirre handwrote code to re-create the In-N-Out Burger website using only a printed-out copy of the chain’s homepage as reference. > Drew McGahey, the engineering manager at Slack for all three apprentices, was initially struck by their ability to solve what he called “blank-canvas problems”—those that don’t have prescribed solutions. “Thinking back to their experience, it makes a lot of sense,” he said. “They all learned how to code in an environment where they didn’t have access to the internet. They’ve got drive.”

moltar 6y ago

Considering that some inmates can play chess with entire board layout in their head, I’m sure some could learn programming this way too.

magnazine 6y ago

Director of Level here. We're working on just this. There's a really long form article on Medium / Towards Data Science but apparently HN blocks the domain. If you run a Google search for "How To Teach Programming To People In Prison (Without Computers)" you'll pull up the article. Would be interested to hear your feedback. Thanks!

petespeed 6y ago
Thanks for the link. Its a good challenge to solve with the constraint that only printed paper is allowed. May be the question is what is stopping me from coding on paper in a less-constrained environment? I am assuming you have created persona(s) for the inmates which explain their motivations, concerns, engagement options, assistance, response/feedback systems, etc. With my limited knowledge, I tried to place various activities against coding. e.g. reading comics, solving crosswords and mazes, drawing art, solving math problems. And then want to measure these again some criteria like: feedback (instant or late), engagement duration, motivation (short and long term), outlet for expression, and more. My hope is that understanding above will help us find the right solution or method to convey this subject.

evronm 6y ago

Former federal inmate here: It is forbidden to teach computer skills inside a Federal prison. I got around this by designing and teaching a class I called "Structuring Business Data". It was a way to teach my fellow inmates SQL without the staff figuring out (they are about as smart as you would think). But anything that is blatantly about computers will be rejected offhand. Edit: LOVE what you guys are doing. I just signed up to contribute content, and would be happy to provide any additional info/advice you guys may need; the kind you won't get from the BOP.