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Google Wants Google Doodles Taught In Public School, Warns Kids They Best Behave

Posted by msmash on from the shape-of-things-to-come dept.

theodp writes: Well, this year's Hour of Code is almost upon us, and if Google has its way, K-12 schoolchildren across the nation will be learning computer science by creating Google Doodles with Scratch (lesson plan). Curiously, the introductory video for the Create Your Own Google Logo Hour of Code activity from the Google Computer Science Education Department sternly warns kids, "While it is okay to use the Google logo for your personal Doodle, it is not okay [emphasis Google's] to use it anyplace else or outside this activity." In addition to respecting its intellectual property, Google instructs kids that they are to follow the Scratch Community Guidelines when they create Google logos: "Please stay positive, friendly, and supportive towards others in the Scratch Community. Help us keep Scratch a place where people of different backgrounds and interests feel welcome to hang out and create together."

6 of 146 comments (clear)

  1. Good luck with that. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

    Yeah, that'll go over about as well as DARE.

    This is wonderful progress, though - when 'fighting the man' is reduced to shitposting Google logos, well, it's clear that we've made real progress over the decades.

  2. Like "free speech" today by Moof123 · · Score: 4, Insightful

    You are welcome to speak your mind in America*.

    *Must comply with HR rules of your company, must not offend anyone, infringe on any business interests, or otherwise cause incitement of the public.

    1. Re:Like "free speech" today by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

      Freedom from consequence is exactly what free speech is. What else could it possibly refer to? Nobody can stop me from saying anything I like, governments/business/whatever can just punish after the fact. The entire point of free speech is is to protect from consequences.

    2. Re:Like "free speech" today by Moof123 · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The only way to actually speak your mind today is to be independently wealthy. Participating in the democratic process can easily make you lose your job, even if you violate no laws. Corporations have more free speech than the average citizen (and more ability to get away with breaking the law without consequence). We are way down the slippery slope on this one.

  3. Needs to Stop by sycodon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    This whole trend of Big Business dreaming up some curriculum and then trying to push it on public schools has got to stop.

    Not only because it's an obvious shill for their particular technology, but it is often poorly thought out and in some instances politically charged.

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
    1. Re:Needs to Stop by CanHasDIY · · Score: 3, Insightful

      ... it is often poorly thought out and in some instances politically charged.

      Well then it sounds like a proper fit for Common Core schools.

      --
      An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese