[Gllug] Computing At School

[Bernard Peek]

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.

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 http://www.computingatschool.org.uk/ where volunteers will be welcome.

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.

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.

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.

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.

-- 
Bernard Peek
bap at shrdlu.com

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