A.J. at J.A. Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 We are considering the following curriculum - if you have experience with either one (or both) we'd appreciate any feedback. I have it narrowed down to two: 1. Beginning Microsoft Small Basic + Programming Kid Games with Microsoft Small Basic, by Computer Science for Kids (http://computerscienceforkids.com) 2. KidCoder by Homeschool Programming (http://www.homeschoolprogramming.com) I want something that is fun but also lays a strong foundation for logical thinking. Blessings, Angela Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 DS11 is about halfway through KidCoder first semester (Visual Basic windows programming) and we are pretty happy with both the skills and concepts aspects f the program. Looking ahead, the next three parts (KidCoder game programming, then TeenCoder parts 1&2) look just as good. The support for the purchase through homeschool buyers coop has been terrific, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted March 21, 2012 Share Posted March 21, 2012 I like your second choice, but I think that Scratch would teach him more of how to use the language logic and give him results to experience, which is very important. You have to grasp the logic. I am not so sure that a .net language is the best place to start. Just my opinon. :) Everybody has one. Unless they dive into heavy application design, he will see little result. Unlike with Alice, which has a book that teaches you to develop a 3D world while teaching you syntax and logic that carry over to object oriented languages on the level of VB or C++, or even F#. I have some resources in my blog, but here is a great free resouce too. Free resources for Alice. So, my first pick for beginner languages would be Scratch and Alice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 We actually spent the first half of the year with Alice before starting KidCoder, and I would agree that that is a very good introduction (as is Scratch). I even had him use Alice to create some short videos to illustrate his ancient history lessons. Woohoo-- cross-curricular! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom22ns Posted March 22, 2012 Share Posted March 22, 2012 Dh is a programmer and he had ds use Alice for a first programming class. Ds enjoyed it. It was a good introduction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted March 23, 2012 Share Posted March 23, 2012 Another vote for Scratch and Alice. They were developed by MIT and Carnegie Mellon, respectively, for teaching programming to kids, although Alice is even used in some college-level Intro to CS courses. DD9 uses Scratch Programming for Teens and DS13 is working through Virtual World Design and Creation for Teens, which uses Alice. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mothergooseof4 Posted July 4, 2012 Share Posted July 4, 2012 I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to ask: If the parent is programming illiterate, would those of you that recommended Scratch say that the would be easy for a dc to do on their own or should I stick with Kid Coder? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NittanyJen Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to ask: If the parent is programming illiterate, would those of you that recommended Scratch say that the would be easy for a dc to do on their own or should I stick with Kid Coder? Scratch and Alice are pretty friendly for the kid to figure out. KidCoder is also reasonable for a motivated kid of at least 10-11 years to handle on his own; however I do recommend in that case using the included quizzes to check the concepts learned in each chapter. It does come with an answer key module (fully worked out code) to help him debug, and a chapter lesson on debugging. I see they just released video lessons. As we get farther into KidCoder, I see some good skills coming along, but am starting to wonder about the mastery of basic programming ideas such as why commenting and naming variables and routines matter. I might want to see a kid using KC take a summer camp or other program with a live instructor at some point if they don't have a compu-literate parent. I do like that the KC series will walk them through VB, C++, Java, and Android programming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom0012 Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crimson Wife Posted July 5, 2012 Share Posted July 5, 2012 Thanks for bumping this thread, it's very timely as my DD has gotten into programming recently in QB64 through Video Game Programming for Kids, which I got through Amazon Vine. CTY has a Scratch programming class but it's rather pricey and the student has to score high enough on the math portion of the SCAT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HejKatt Posted August 7, 2012 Share Posted August 7, 2012 Bumping this thread because I saw this page on Java Programming resources - it has recommendations from the 8-11 years old group, to high school (17+ years). http://www.oracle.com/events/global/en/java-outreach/resources/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I would not go Java, just FYI. Java is old and fat for a programming language. In short, it is the reason the computer is infested with viruses. Now, it is best used with another language, such as JavaScript on a web page, but JS is not Java truly either. If your dc is ready for an advanced language, I would encourage .Net languages and web languages like XML with CSS and HTML5. :) They would enjoy them much, much more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abdesigns Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 My oldest (12) is loving Scratch. I highly recommend it. I've been very pleased and surprised at the games that he is creating. He loves it! Next year we'll try something else, maybe Alice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fractalgal Posted August 9, 2012 Share Posted August 9, 2012 I like your second choice, but I think that Scratch would teach him more of how to use the language logic and give him results to experience, which is very important. You have to grasp the logic. I am not so sure that a .net language is the best place to start. Just my opinon. :) Everybody has one. Unless they dive into heavy application design, he will see little result. Unlike with Alice, which has a book that teaches you to develop a 3D world while teaching you syntax and logic that carry over to object oriented languages on the level of VB or C++, or even F#. I have some resources in my blog, but here is a great free resouce too. Free resources for Alice. So, my first pick for beginner languages would be Scratch and Alice! Thank you for this. :) :bigear: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 :lurk5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joules Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 I would not go Java, just FYI. Java is old and fat for a programming language. In short, it is the reason the computer is infested with viruses. Now, it is best used with another language, such as JavaScript on a web page, but JS is not Java truly either. If your dc is ready for an advanced language, I would encourage .Net languages and web languages like XML with CSS and HTML5. :) They would enjoy them much, much more. One thing to keep in mind: AP Computer Science is in Java. So if your kids might be interested in taking that test, having some background in Java would help. Just something to add to the list of pros and cons for different languages. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbmamaz Posted August 10, 2012 Share Posted August 10, 2012 my teen is working through 'scratch programming for teens' - its actually a bit too easy for him, i will probably give it to my youngest for the following year when he's 10. I love scratch (and i program some) but my husband, who is much more advanced than I am, doesnt . . .not sure why. partly he hated the visual aspect of it - he hates bright colors and doesn't always 'get' things which are supposed to be intuitive. He also felt like the kids didnt need to learn that much . . . that they would have more fun with a game-building app. but i think its a good foundation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrissySC Posted August 12, 2012 Share Posted August 12, 2012 A lot of students will touch Java as a foundation for Jscript and JavaScript for web programming, which are on their way out too. The evolution of computer languages is great. :) Take a look at F# and HTML5. I would not mess with it at all unless you plan to take the AP CS test. And, even then, I would not make it your language of study. I would make it a subset of the cumulative resources that you use so that you understand and have a firm grounding in logic leaving only the Java syntax to master for the test. :) That will make it tons easier. As a matter of fact, a more closer related language that has more use and benefit with ASP.Net is C# or VB. :) VB is often not so Greek to newbie programmers too. A lack of programming logic will hurt you on that test. FYI, syntax in PC language is like saying punctuation in grammar. :) Yes, I know ... shut up now. I can see you rolling your eyes. I love computers <sigh> ... they were my first dates! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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