Resources/tips for teaching kids programming

[campbellcj]

I think it's time (if not late already) to introduce my 10 year-old son to software development concepts and try some practical exercises. He is very into gaming and totally adept with Windows, PS3 and iOS platforms from a usage standpoint, but has never done any coding of any sort yet.

(A little background context, I started coding around age 11 and am in the software business now, just a few...ahem...years later. I have coded in numerous languages over the years. But I have never taught programming to adults let alone kids.)

What would be the best language, environment or tools to start with? I know Python is used for CS education quite a bit these days, as is Java. Any good sites or books you guys would recommend on this subject? Maybe online classes/webinars?

My other thought is to learn a 3D graphics framework like Unity (UNITY: Game Development Tool) or the XBox dev environment together, but we dabbled in Unity a bit without any guidance and I found it pretty damn intimidating myself!

Thanks for any suggestions.

[dad911]

How about programming robots. Kids like to 'see' their program run....

Vex stuff is pretty good, programming is in 'C'

[id10t]

Anything to get the basics of programming and problem solving (since 90% of programming is problem solving). Once he/she has those skills, programming in C or C++ and use one of the Free game engines like the quake3 engine. Benefit of this is that people that have already made modifications to it release their source code as well ... sending a PM to a reference for free books.

[74-911]

Originally Posted by id10t

Anything to get the basics of programming and problem solving (since 90% of programming is problem solving).

Absolutely. This isn't a good example for a 10 year old but I will never forget how that point was driven home to me. Waaay back in 1968 the USAF sent me to programming school. At the end of the first day the instructor gave us our assignment for next day: write out detailed step by step instructions for shaving your face (no females were in the class).

Next morning, one at a time, each of us took our instructions to the front of the class where there was a sink with faucet, can of shaving cream, a towel and a razor (no blade) and proceeded to follow our "detailed step by step instructions" as our instructor read them out to us.
What a joke as no ones instructions were even close to being detailed enough but the point was made.

To say that programming languages and procedures have changed since 1968 is a mild understatement but the basics are still the same.. Burroughs B263 EZCODER anyone, how about a little BASIC or FORTRAN or COBOL on the side ???

[s_wilwerding]

Perl is a good place to start - it is easier to learn than the full programming languages, but will teach concepts like loops, if statements, etc.

[David]

I don't know much about Java but that's what my son's been learning in his HS computer science class. I guess it's working because he made 5 out of 5 on the AP Computer Science A exam.

[masraum]

How about you just waterboard him instead. The experience should be about the same. I've tried programming, Basic when I was young, then Fortran 77 was required in college. Its just not for me. I'm good with computers, their OS, and make a good living configuring and troubleshooting Cisco gear. Just remember, programming isn't for everyone.

[legion]

I think the first program I "wrote" (copied from a book into a computer) was in BASIC. Why not start there?

Do a simple "Hello World" program. Have him modify it to say something different. Add logic over time to make it more interactive.

The first programming language I really understood and wrote (not copied) programs in was VB4. I've been getting paid for development for 12 years now, and I've done work in VB, COBOL, Aion, and Java.

When I was learning Java last summer (on the company's dime), I was finishing the assignments VERY fast, so I challenged myself to write a text-driven blackjack game. I included logic for choosing a single-deck or eight-deck game, dealing cards from the shoe, placing the marker, shuffling and reshuffling, placing bets, splitting, doubling down, hitting, scoring a hand, going bust, dealer logic for standing/hitting and so on. It took me about a week to write. I'd never written a game before, but I realized that good object design was key to making the game easy to write.

One thing I've never done is any kind of graphic programming. Don't know the first thing about it.

[LSA]

I think C is a great place to start, it's simple and is a great introduction for Java/C++

I have not seen python so far, Junior IT major cs minor. It's mostly been Java. Like they said above programming is mostly problem solving through logic once you know the syntax it's gravy.

If you really want to torture him you can always teach him assembly language!

[campbellcj]

Thanks everyone. Lots of possible directions to chew on. I do think something involving games/graphics or music would be more engaging.

BTW Legion - my brother was one of the core original developers of Aion. I haven't worked on anything quite that esoteric myself.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by LSA

If you really want to torture him you can always teach him assembly language!

I've known/met a couple of folks that worked in assembly. I'm pretty sure they were aliens.

[Brando]

If you would like them to get into Object-Oriented Programming, you can start with Lego Mindstorms or Arduino robotics controllers. They are relatively inexpensive to get into and it gives them an opportunity to see their code have an actual physical reaction.

[campbellcj]

Cool, he is REALLY into LEGO but I wasn't aware they had programmable controllers.

I have coded in assembly on various platforms and I'm not an alien. Or else Mom hasn't told me yet.

One of the early learning platforms with my Dad was the TI-99 programmable calculator. It had a magstrip storage system and printer. This was in 1977 or so. Also got an Apple II+ in that timeframe and it has been in the DNA since.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by Brando

If you would like them to get into Object-Oriented Programming, you can start with Lego Mindstorms or Arduino robotics controllers. They are relatively inexpensive to get into and it gives them an opportunity to see their code have an actual physical reaction.

^^^^This,

We had some on display here... don't be surprised if you find yourself playing with the darn thing!

[MBAtarga]

I was a judge for a local LEGO FIRST competition that was held here in Atlanta at GA TECH. It is a robotics LEGO based competition. You might want to check and see if there are any local groups participating.

USFIRST.org - Welcome to FIRST

[legion]

Originally Posted by campbellcj

BTW Legion - my brother was one of the core original developers of Aion. I haven't worked on anything quite that esoteric myself.

Nice! Usually no one knows that one when I throw it out. I still do about 90% of my development work in Aion.

In its current form, it is even more object-oriented than Java, being that it has no "primitives", and is composed entirely of objects. I think this makes it much easier to work with. It is also based on C like Java, and it has all of the same features, plus an inference engine. Whenever I go back to Java I always struggle for a short while as I re-acquaint myself with all of the low-level work that Java makes you do. (Especially with strings.)

IIRC, Aion got bought by Trinsic, which got bought by Platinum, which got bought by CA. I assume your brother jumped ship somewhere in there.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by campbellcj

I have coded in assembly on various platforms THEREFORE I'm an alien.

Fixed it for you!

[john70t]

As a child, I wanted to learn all about those new things called "computers", but after looking at the 6" thick beginers user's guide for dad's KayproII, I was lost, and gave up. Flashing arcade lights and jourdash jeans were an easy distraction for understanding.

The basic problem-solving of understanding how pecking at the keyboard could make those intricate electronic circuits function competely under my direction remained an uncrossed bridge.

Thirty-five years later, I reflect to think the basics(to coin a term) to learning are childlike:
1.) There has to be an ever-lasting interest....something beyond dad's expectations, or fufillment of a temporary school project. Something that encourages learning in any way possible. Something that distracts from the knuckle-dragging society that is pushed upon the youth of today. Computer science is overlapping and in so many fields today, that the future will only necessitate more.

2). There should be solidity in simple concepts of software and hardware. Finalize those connections, but understand today's tech will change, but will remain valid(and important) for a while. All is not lost on learning a soon-to-be-dead language.

3) When in a pinch, guidence will be needed. Having an experienced father for a debugger/encourager is a big springboard. Someone to fill in the gaps when needed, but not steal the mojo. Experience is it's own limitation.

4). Knowing something is different from understanding something. Understanding means surounding it and recognizing it is small and fits into a bigger picture.