This letter is associated with the following article:
Letters
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

Read other letters about this article

  • Sunday, September 24, 2006 08:18 AM

    You are correct

    Being barely twice your son's age, I can remember hacking out BASIC into my TRS-80. It allowed me, as you say, to understand what's going on under the covers. I credit that early experience and knowledge with what I've achieved in my career.

    That we've gone from an easy-access environment such as that to what we have today in that short a timespan is unacceptable.

    —Brad Watkins

    Flag
Read other letters about this article

Most Active Letters Threads

392

A key British official reminds us of the forgotten anthrax attack

A vast array of establishment and expert sources do not believe this episode was really resolved.
Glenn Greenwald Read article
210

Is Obama's civil liberties record understandable?

Was it unreasonable to expect him to adhere to his commitments regarding the Constitution?
Glenn Greenwald Read article
167

The crazy, irrational beliefs of Muslims

Tom Friedman explains the real problem: stupid Muslims think the U.S. is about war and aggression.
Glenn Greenwald Read article
109

How dare you criticize wasteful defense spending!

So you think it's only terrorist-appeasing lefties who are down on Pentagon profligacy? Think again
By David Sirota Read article
55

Police to talk to Woods

Early morning crash raises questions, and revives tabloid speculation
By DOUG FERGUSON, Associated Press Read article

View all »

Letters Help

Currently in Salon