[Yr7-10it] Scratch, Gamemaker, VB.net, Python, PHP and MySQL - Programming for all levels

[Bill Kerr]

what should be our criteria in selecting a programming language for young
learners?

here's my list, which is what inclines me towards  etoys  / squeak:

1. good visual drag and drop of some type
2. dynamic typing (easier to learn without extensive type declarations)
3. late binding (ability to observe and modify program while it is running)
4. debugging messages that make sense readily
5. good tools for exploration of the language features with examples etc.
6. low entry - high ceiling
7. ability to share fully with other children in the world, rich or poor
(ie. open source,  multi-lingual, its on the OLPC)

http://www.sauria.com/blog/education/1457.html
why we took the kids off python
(his 5yo daughter found squeak easier)


-- 
Bill Kerr
http://billkerr2.blogspot.com/
http://www.users.on.net/~billkerr/
skype: billkerr2006


On 9/13/07, Donna Benjamin <donna at vitta.org.au> wrote:
>
> Hi Everyone,
>
> We've just been putting the finishing touches on the VITTA conference
> program. Fingers crossed it should be online next week. Here's a sneak
> preview for those of you diving into programming, we're running a huge range
> of programming related sessions.
>
> Gamemaker
> - Tony Forster (mon)
>
> Scratch
> - Sarah Pulis (tues)
> - Liddy Neville (tues)
> - Darrel Branson (wed)
>
> Squeak eToys
> - Bill Kerr (tues)
>
> Python
> - Roland Gesthuizen (tues)
>
> VB.Net
> - Harry Schlanger (tues)
> - Graeme Summers (mon)
>
> PHP for VCE SD
> - Kevork Krozian (mon)
>
> Databases
> - Stewart Smith (wed)
> - Arjen Lentz (wed)
> - Theresa Deshon (wed)
>
> Cascading Style Sheets
> - Maggie Iaquinto (mon)
>
> ActionScript
> - Scott Vaughan (mon)
> - Michelle Dennis (wed)
>
> cheers
> Donna
>
> --
> Donna Benjamin
> Conference Co-ordinator
> 2007 VITTA Conference and Expo
> Rethinking Education: You say you want a revolution?
> 19-21 November, The Grandstand, Flemington Racecourse
> http://www.vitta.org.au/2007
>
> Victorian IT Teachers Association Inc
> T: +61 3 9495 6836
> F: +61 3 9495 6834
> E: donna at vitta.org.au
> W: http://www.vitta.org.au
> Suite 202, 134-136 Cambridge St
> Collingwood  VIC  3066, Australia
>
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>
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