Teaching Python
Nate has a friend who will be teaching some kids about programming. He was wondering what he should teach them. Nate’s recommendation was HTML/CSS and then JavasScript.
I think, depending on the student’s level, HTML is a a good way to introduce someone to programming. Yes, I know it’s “markup” and not “programming,” but that’s ok. It will get them used to the idea of controlling the output of the computer, with the added avantage of instant colorful feedback.
My other suggestion, unsurprisingly, is to consider using Python. It’s a simple language to learn, with clear, concise syntax. Also, having an interactive interpreter available will allow students to try lines of code and get immediate feedback, avoiding the edit-save-run cycle that could become tedious.
If Nate’s friend does choose Python, the Python Bibliotheca might be helpful:
This site aims to be both a library of educational materials using Python to teach computer programming, and a virtual meeting place for teachers and students engaged in learning and teaching using Python.
So that’s my two cents. There was an Ask Slashdot question about this topic a while back if you want to see 448 other opinions. :)
Update: Sam added a good comment below. Be sure to check it out.
Also, the Logo Foundation has all the information you need to get your turtle crawling.
January 13th, 2006 at 1:59 am
HTML, CSS, and Javascript are a nice starting point as they provide immediately gratifying results. Recently, I had a postion as a teaching assistant to non-programmers (artists) and was astounded by the level of excitement and exploration they exhibited as a whole. Though it’s not “programming” programming, as you mentioned, it is a great starting place.
Processing is another nice place to start. It is like Java on training wheels, so the syntax at lower levels can get really hairy, but it’s set up to grow with you (eventually transitioning into straight Java). It’s also very visual in nature and has a good community.
Python is fantastic. I’m new to it, but I have experience with a variety of other programming languages, so its hard for me to say how easy it would be to pick up from scratch. Pretty easy I imagine, but maybe not as fun as HTML for the absolute beginner. Obviously, there is so much that you can do with Python, that compared to some of the other “friendly” languages, there is a great feeling (for me at least) that the sky’s the limit!
I’m at an art school and these are the recomendations I make whenever somebody asks.
January 13th, 2006 at 9:01 am
[...] Others have thought Python would be a good teaching language. I disagree because the consistency of spacing could be a frusterating concept for a young child already taking in a lot. [...]
January 30th, 2006 at 7:27 pm
[...] A few weeks ago Nate’s friend was asking for recommendations on which language to use when teaching children how to program. At the time, I recommended Python (but I mentioned that Logo and HTML would be extremely useful as well). [...]
March 24th, 2006 at 5:30 am
I can recommend Gamemaker http://www.gamemaker.nl
see also
http://online.haileybury.vic.edu.au/sites/edrington
http://www.freewebs.com/schoolgamemaker