Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ask Slashdot: How Can You Teach Programming To Schoolchildren?

Posted by EditorDavid on from the ABC++ dept.

Slashdot reader SPopulisQR writes: A new school year is approaching and I wanted to ask what are appropriate programming languages for children of various ages. Specifically, 1) what coding languages should be considered, and 2) are there are any self-guided coding websites that can be used by children to learn coding using guidance and help online? Let's say the ages are 8 and 12.
I know there's lots of opinions about CS education (and about whether or not laptops increase test scores). So leave your own best thoughts in the comments. How can you teach programming to schoolchildren?

2 of 353 comments (clear)

  1. Teaching animal husbandry by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    My day job is a veterinarian tech in charge of animal husbandry and it is very important job that ensures integrity of our food supply. From 9 to 5 in a assembly-like environment I use what looks like an oversized turkey baster to impregnate sows.

    A new school year is approaching and I wanted to ask what are appropriate method to teach animal husbandry for children of various ages. Specifically, 1) what species should be considered, and 2) are there are any self-guided animal husbandry websites that can be used by children to learn coding using guidance and help online?

  2. Plrasantly Surprised by Jfetjunky · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    I clicked on this article and was pleasantly surprised to see the prevailing answer is "don't". And I couldn't agree more. Seriously when did we decide "coding" was the holy grail of skills and needed to be introduced as early as possible?

    I learned early but kids need basics first. English, math, science. If they show an altitude then fine, but geez, give them a chance to get going.