The goal of K-12 CS education
Alan Kay
Alan.Kay at squeakland.org
Mon Jul 30 14:12:03 UTC 2001
Do you folks realize that every Player (the automatic wrapping of a
morph for kids) in Squeak is a turtle? Get the handles by cmd-click,
then click on the blue eye to see the viewer, then look in the
category called "pen use". Change pen down to true.
Cheers,
Alan
At 12:05 AM -0700 7/30/01, Edwin Pilobello wrote:
>NEW THREAD - was : Bongo a Java for kids
>
>Scott,
>
>In the US, Logo is not as popular anymore as in the rest of the world. As
>proof, there is a big conference coming up in Austria in August. For Logo
>links, check out http://el.www.media.mit.edu/groups/logo-foundation/
>
>The Lego/Logo implementations are still going strong. Although, I find that
>kids would prefer iconographic (Robolab) as opposed to code.
>
>*****
>
>The real question is : "What is the goal of K-12 Computer Science
>Education?" I raise this question because I feel it's a very important
>market for SQUEAK apps.
>
>I submit that it is for the students to learn logic, structure and
>object-orientation. Next to playing "Hot, hot cold", these concepts can be
>learned through programming. Throw in robotics and it becomes more
>kinestetic and emergent. It's hard for a kid to argue that his perfect
>Robolab program isn't working because of the RCX. It's easy to "act out"
>the program to show that the robot is doing "exactly" what he told it to do.
>Then they learn that programming is an applied IQ test ... pattern
>recognition, classification, analogies, math, logical reasoning and general
>knowledge
>
>Problem is, they then hide behind the excuse that they haven't finished
>constructing yet. However good constructioNism is, it is still a subset
>constructiVism.
>
>It takes a great deal of trust before the kids can begin to explore on their
>own and learn from their mistakes. They are so conditioned to get punished
>for their mistakes. So they tend to want to hide their lack of
>understanding. After getting them to open up, get excited, and push the
>class beyond the time limits, then the next probleam is cleaning up and
>sorting the legos.
>
>So, in my quest to find a solution to the logistical problems associated
>with Lego/Logo, I thought of using animatronics. This combines my two loves
>of programming and robotics into high-tech puppetry. So the talking heads
>got me into SQUEAK. Again, I'd rather lug a notebook to class than a cart
>with lots of connections and servos that the kids can't seem to keep within
>design limits. It's truly a "head-banger".
>
>:-) edwin
>
>P.S. - If you wish to re-acquaint yourself with the turtle, I would
>recommended MSW Logo for "pros" or ELICA, which is in a class all on it's
>own. Its realistic 3D engine is great for simulations, etc. For kids,
>check out either MicroWorlds Pro by LCSI or Terrapin Logo (both fee-based).
>Links are under Resources at the Logo Foundation site.
> For a "head" try a "maxwell" from www.medonis.com. It's a lot
>cheaper than
>those made for Hollywood. Try a fitting a latex Halloween mask on it and
>I'm sure any "kid" would have a blast. I do!
>
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: squeak-dev-admin at lists.squeakfoundation.org
>[mailto:squeak-dev-admin at lists.squeakfoundation.org]On Behalf Of Scott A
>Crosby
>Sent: Sunday, July 29, 2001 8:12 PM
>To: Edwin Pilobello
>Cc: squeak-dev at lists.squeakfoundation.org
>Subject: RE: Bongo a Java for kids
>
>
>On Mon, 23 Jul 2001, Edwin Pilobello wrote:
>
>> I have been teaching LOGO to kids as young as 3rd grade in Oregon Public
>> Schools. The concept of multiple turtles is something even my High School
>
>Lets see, I first learned Logo, I think, when I was in 2nd grade. In 3rd
>grade I think we were doing simple (fixed number of iterations) loops, but
>no variables or control structures. That would be in 1985-86, I think in a
>C64. This was in a relatively rural school, so I know it has been taught
>that young.
>
>Scott
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