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This doesn't seem kid friendly to me. Linkedin also puts a login wall sometimes and not sure if they allow under 13 year olds to register. They have horrible tr

by hawkoy 6y ago

This doesn't seem kid friendly to me. Linkedin also puts a login wall sometimes and not sure if they allow under 13 year olds to register. They have horrible tracking and security captcha. I would likely pick something from: https://wiki.python.org/moin/IntroductoryBooks https://wiki.python.org/moin/IntroductoryBooks (reduce screen fatigue for small ones) A interactive video course would likely be better as well in terms of engagement. https://scrimba.com/learn/python https://scrimba.com/learn/python (really, try this)

bscphil 6y ago
It's also not exactly "for kids" so much as it is a tutorial for how to set up a learning environment for your kids to use, and some basic projects you can walk through with them.
- searchableguy 6y ago
  I know. Still applies. I would likely use repl.it or scrimba (one I linked). For hardware stuff, there are guides and kits targetted at kids with graphics and stuff. If you check raspberry Pi magazine or site, you will find many of them. https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/ https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/ Example: https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/voice/ https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/voice/ Which I think is easier to follow than purchasing individual items yourself.
  - MarcScott 6y ago
    https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en if you want our main projects site, many of which have nothing to do with the Raspberry Pi computer. Here's our Python Module 1 - https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub/python-module-1 https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub/python-module-1 It uses the online Trinket as an IDE
woofie11 6y ago
I could see doing this with my kid, and I like the format (except for the LinkedIn thing, of course), but it's not nearly complete enough. It's a few basic steps, and then I run out. But I like that it's step-by-step, and things we could actually do. It doesn't have black holes. And it's quick. It's not a 500 page devops manual. And it's rapid return. You do it, and you see something happen. All of that is nice. Now, if it did servos, got to audio, and things like that, it'd be the next big step.
- searchableguy 6y ago
  > But I like that it's step-by-step, and things we could actually do. It doesn't have black holes. > And it's quick. It's not a 500 page devops manual. > And it's rapid return. You do it, and you see something happen. Scrimba is exactly that. Could you elaborate more on what parents and teachers lack or need to teach their kids coding? I am curious. Might compile a guide.
  - joshvm 6y ago
    In my experience it's rarely a problem with the material itself. Motivated or engaged kids will quickly outpace "kids" material anyway, and will move onto conventional resources. Right now cheap resources available to educators are ridiculously accessible. Though remember that the cost of kitting out a classroom with hardware adds up really fast. The challenge is getting kids engaged enough that they start experimenting by themselves. Also the same for older kids and adults. People will nod and smile, do all the exercises and then never touch the resources again. I've been doing outreach for a decade or so, this is totally common with students of all ages. That said, for programming you need material that promotes very quick and visual or physical feedback loops. You also need projects that are fun and achievable, but also can be extended. Also be aware of how long something will take a total beginner to do. When I'm designing projects for summer schools (16-24), I generally assume that if I can do it in a day from scratch, it'll take them a couple of weeks if they have no experience. Take that with a pinch of salt, but I've found it's pretty accurate.
    - 6y ago

by hawkoy 6y ago

bscphil 6y ago

It's also not exactly "for kids" so much as it is a tutorial for how to set up a learning environment for your kids to use, and some basic projects you can walk through with them.

searchableguy 6y ago
I know. Still applies. I would likely use repl.it or scrimba (one I linked). For hardware stuff, there are guides and kits targetted at kids with graphics and stuff. If you check raspberry Pi magazine or site, you will find many of them. https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/ https://magpi.raspberrypi.org/ Example: https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/voice/ https://aiyprojects.withgoogle.com/voice/ Which I think is easier to follow than purchasing individual items yourself.
- MarcScott 6y ago
  https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en if you want our main projects site, many of which have nothing to do with the Raspberry Pi computer. Here's our Python Module 1 - https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub/python-module-1 https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/codeclub/python-module-1 It uses the online Trinket as an IDE

woofie11 6y ago

I could see doing this with my kid, and I like the format (except for the LinkedIn thing, of course), but it's not nearly complete enough. It's a few basic steps, and then I run out. But I like that it's step-by-step, and things we could actually do. It doesn't have black holes. And it's quick. It's not a 500 page devops manual. And it's rapid return. You do it, and you see something happen. All of that is nice. Now, if it did servos, got to audio, and things like that, it'd be the next big step.

searchableguy 6y ago
> But I like that it's step-by-step, and things we could actually do. It doesn't have black holes. > And it's quick. It's not a 500 page devops manual. > And it's rapid return. You do it, and you see something happen. Scrimba is exactly that. Could you elaborate more on what parents and teachers lack or need to teach their kids coding? I am curious. Might compile a guide.
- joshvm 6y ago
  In my experience it's rarely a problem with the material itself. Motivated or engaged kids will quickly outpace "kids" material anyway, and will move onto conventional resources. Right now cheap resources available to educators are ridiculously accessible. Though remember that the cost of kitting out a classroom with hardware adds up really fast. The challenge is getting kids engaged enough that they start experimenting by themselves. Also the same for older kids and adults. People will nod and smile, do all the exercises and then never touch the resources again. I've been doing outreach for a decade or so, this is totally common with students of all ages. That said, for programming you need material that promotes very quick and visual or physical feedback loops. You also need projects that are fun and achievable, but also can be extended. Also be aware of how long something will take a total beginner to do. When I'm designing projects for summer schools (16-24), I generally assume that if I can do it in a day from scratch, it'll take them a couple of weeks if they have no experience. Take that with a pinch of salt, but I've found it's pretty accurate.
  - 6y ago