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Barbie Will Be Used To Teach Kids To Code (engadget.com)

Mattel and Tynker are teaming up to launch seven new Barbie-themed coding lessons this coming summer. "The curriculum, aimed at teaching girls about computer programming, will also expose them to potential careers like becoming a veterinarian, astronaut, or robotics engineer," reports Engadget. "The larger goal is to introduce coding to 10 million kids by 2020." From the report: The Barbie programming curriculum has been designed for beginners grades K and up. It puts learners in career roles alongside Barbie as it introduces concepts gradually. It's not all just Barbie, of course, with a few different initiatives coming in 2018, including a Mattel code-a-thon and teacher outreach program as well as involvement in the Hour of Code in December.

"For close to 75 years, Mattel has taken a visionary approach to advancing play for kids around the world, most recently promoting computer programming and other STEM skills alongside iconic brands like Barbie, Hot Wheels and Monster High," said Tynker's Krishna Vedati in a statement. "We are very excited by this expanded partnership and the ambitious -- but achievable -- goal of teaching 10 million kids to learn to code by 2020 using Mattel brands."

4 of 200 comments (clear)

  1. Masters of the Universe by PopeRatzo · · Score: 4, Funny

    The SJWs are out to spoil absolutely everything. I've never heard anything more ridiculous than using Barbie to teach kids to code. Everyone knows that He-Man is the only doll that should ever be used for teaching kids to code. Barbie is only to be used as a companion for He-Man so he can relax a little after a hard day of coding, as God intended.

    [Note: I only use "doll" above in the generic sense, since technically, He-Man is an action figure. Barbie is a doll. And several studies have shown that women lack the upper body strength to code. It's a biological fact. ]

    --
    You are welcome on my lawn.
  2. H1B Barbie by Templer421 · · Score: 5, Funny

    California Barbie has to train H1B Barbie so she can take California Barbies job back to India.

  3. how about by Tsolias · · Score: 4, Insightful

    a barbie coal miner? plumber? garbage collector? mechanic? truck driver?
    not good argument?
    how about this: stop raising your children based on your inferiority complexes
    someone might say "Hey stupid, they are teaching kids something useful!" Well, they don't. Programming is a métier. It's the same as plumbing, wood crafting, smithing, e.t.c.. It's like teaching your kid to be an employee. Why don't they make barbie teach kids physics? math? astronomy? chemistry? literature? music? Because there's an inferiority complex and they feel that little girls' whole purpose from now on is to mimic/copy/compete nerd boys who suffer their whole life with their anti-social occupation and habits.

  4. Re:Barbie Programming? by Tsolias · · Score: 4, Funny

    -Daddy?
    -Yes, dear.
    -Daddy, why does the compiler throw those warnings?
    -Drink your milk and go to bed. Daddy will fix the code later.