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Thursday, September 14, 2006 12:00 AM

Why Johnny can't code

BASIC used to be on every computer a child touched -- but today there's no easy way for kids to get hooked on programming.
By David Brin

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  • Thursday, September 14, 2006 09:34 AM

    Why Johnny's dad can't use the web...

    Sorry... It sounds a bit snarky, I know, but if you've really been looking for basic, or some other line programming language for three years, then I wonder why, inside of ten minutes I was able to find 77 different flavours of basic free for download for both the Mac and the PC. I think Logo is more relevant and satisfying for younger kids, and lo, there are far more flavours of Logo available than there are versions of basic.

    ...inside of ten minutes!

    So I ask, in answer to the question of "Why Johnny can't code": Why can't Johnny's dad use the web? Google is such a wonderful thing.

    With all respect.

    -caleb

    —Caleb Howard

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