Letters to the Editor

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 [2006-09-14]

• BASIC!!! Yes!

  I was thrilled to read this. I was a substitute computer teacher a few years back, and had I stayed on (the school couldn't guarantee me a job in the fall, so I went back to an office job), I had a whole curriculum based on BASIC.

  I learned BASIC when I was in 6th or 7th grade. And when I got to college, one professor praised the language despite its limitations, because it teaches you to think like a programmer. Doesn't matter how simple the program is - you learn how to order your thoughts, break down large tasks into small ones, and small ones into tiny ones. You learn universal truths like "garbage in, garbage out," and "user=idiot". Once you grasp those concepts, learning a more advanced programming language is just a matter of syntax.

  And as far as getting the kids interested in learning, you can make your own games. And that's no less of a learning experience than making a database. There's so much potential to do a great curriculum that the kids would like, which would prepare them for more advanced programming, and teach them stuff they would use even if they never touched another computer. BASIC should be right up there with algebra and WWII on the curriculum.

  -- schroeder
  [Read schroeder's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Wednesday, September 13, 2006 06:02 PM
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