4 ms·

I'd probably just use Zed Shaw's Learn Python The Hard Way as a model: http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ at least for the pro

by bhousel 15y ago

I'd probably just use Zed Shaw's Learn Python The Hard Way as a model: http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ http://learnpythonthehardway.org/ at least for the programming parts. Ruby For Kids is interesting too, but I think it's a little too advanced for an intro course: http://ruby4kids.com http://ruby4kids.com I agree that history is important too. Some of the more applied CS can be interesting (graphics) but I wouldn't delve too deeply into the more difficult stuff (crypto, algorithms) if this is just an introductory course for kids. Every year, I speak to local middle school kids (7th or 8th grade) at their "career day". They are all totally fascinated with what I do, because kids nowadays (yes I know I sound old) live their whole lives online and surrounded by technology. The school where I visit is really average, some rich kids some poor kids, all kinds of backgrounds. The format of this career day is that each class period somebody will come and talk to the class that is somewhat related to the subject - so I usually end up speaking to a math or computer class. In a class of 25, there are probably one or two kids who already know some limited programming (or have made a website). Almost everybody that age is online (all Facebook, a handful of Twitter and MySpace) and plays console video games. Probably about half have cell phones. When they ask me questions, it's usually about how to steal their friends' Facebook passwords, conceal their browsing history, or build their own video game. I do spend some time talking about privacy, reminding them that their behavior online can stay around forever and that they should be careful who they are talking to online. Good luck with your class, I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience for both you and the kids..

clp16 15y ago
That anecdote is really helpful. It's good to know that kids already think that technology is going to benefit them in the social zoo of school! I am interested to know if anyone approaches CS from this more holistic point of view that I want to express. It's like English class where those few kids that are obsessed with it become writers or what not. These kids in my class would be the developers or what not, but at least everyone else would be interested enough to understand how tech affects their lives, much like how English class allows one to better understand pop culture. I want to capture the attention of that broader audience, but also show kids they can nerd out about the other parts of CS, like the math, design, science, or psych sides, not just coding.

by bhousel 15y ago

clp16 15y ago

That anecdote is really helpful. It's good to know that kids already think that technology is going to benefit them in the social zoo of school! I am interested to know if anyone approaches CS from this more holistic point of view that I want to express. It's like English class where those few kids that are obsessed with it become writers or what not. These kids in my class would be the developers or what not, but at least everyone else would be interested enough to understand how tech affects their lives, much like how English class allows one to better understand pop culture. I want to capture the attention of that broader audience, but also show kids they can nerd out about the other parts of CS, like the math, design, science, or psych sides, not just coding.