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<font face="sans-serif">I've previously mentioned the CAS initiative
by the BCS. The intention is to change the way computing is taught
in schools. The existing "ICT" syllabus has largely been used to
teach "digital literacy" which apparently means how to use a
word-processor and how to build flashy Powerpoint presentations.
At least that's how some schools are delivering the syllabus.<br>
<br>
CAS wants to change that by teaching "computational thinking" and
programming. Firstly this is an invitation to anyone interested in
the teaching of computing to sign up to the project if they have
something to contribute. There are two mailing lists one for
discussions and one for those making more substantive
contributions. The central web site is at
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/">http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/</a> where volunteers will be
welcome.<br>
<br>
The project includes a number of teachers and other contributors
who are trying to avoid being locked into Microsoft Office running
on Windows. There are others who would like to try out Linux but
have to persuade their network managers that it's safe to do so.
Some hand-holding from the Linux community could help.<br>
<br>
I have failed to take the necessary step backwards and appear to
have volunteered to do some work for the project. I am going to be
collating resources available to teachers, students and most
importantly the parents of students. The teaching covers every
level of student from average seven year olds up to uber-geek
hackers of 18 ready to start their own software house from a back
bedroom. The aim of the project is to persuade at least some of
the students that computing is a sensible career choice and one
that they might enjoy. Another objective (my particular
hobby-horse) is to teach useful skills to the ones that don't take
it up as a career but later have to work with analysts and
programmers.<br>
<br>
So I'm shaking the begging bowl. I'm not looking for cash, what I
need is help from the Linux community. That could be from
experienced Linux sysadmins helping deal with the occasional
obstructive Linux-phobic network admin. It could be from people
who have taught programming and know of accessible resources. I'm
particularly interested in hearing from parents whose children
have learned to program; any platform, any language.<br>
<br>
Feel free to forward this message to anyone else who may be sucker
enough to help out. Please email me with any resources that we may
be able to use, or if you want more information.<br>
<br>
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<pre class="moz-signature" cols="72">--
Bernard Peek
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:bap@shrdlu.com">bap@shrdlu.com</a>
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