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• Friday, September 15, 2006 02:43 PM

  Why Johnny can't code: the tools do exist!

  Our research on AgentSheets is addressing the issues the article raises. In the last couple of years we have specifically explored why fewer and fewer kids (especially girls) get interested in programming course at the middle school and high school (e.g., AP courses). The main issue is that the process of programming is not perceived to be a fun and creative process. Furthermore, especially high school AP programming use pedagogical approaches (e.g. first learn basics and then some semesters after that start working on "interesting" projects) that simply do not attract students. This approach has not worked for learning natural languages and it does not appear to work for programming languages either. We use AgentSheets to teach students (US, Europe and Asia) to design and build video games. We have a gradual design-based approach in which students learn to make increasingly complex games (Frogger, Pacman, .... The Sims) and in the process of doing so acquire not just programming but more general design skills. Tools that teach creative thinking and technological mastery do exist. You should see the kids - the same ones who play Halo 2 at home and are diagnosed with ADD - make just the most amazing games, learn about math and design in the context of building their own games.

  About AgentSheets: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgentSheets

  —Alexander Repenning
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