[Watford] Something else discussed last night

[M Fernandes]

That article has exposed a hidden side which is difficult for outsiders to
see.  It's changed my whole perspective on the matter.  We shouldn't use
children...ever.

Mike


On 11 February 2014 10:28, Alain Williams <addw at phcomp.co.uk> wrote:

> On Tue, Feb 11, 2014 at 09:11:43AM +0000, M Fernandes wrote:
> > I too had the same thoughts when I was trying to show my young girls the
> > rudimentaries of programming.  I showed them the "hello world" program
> > (Python) and I was surprised at how curious they became.  It's all about
> > how you present the concept to them.  I'm not an expert, not by a long
> > shot, but, that was my attempt to help them understand.  One of my
> > daughters has asked me for that program again, so, I've had partial
> > success!!  :-)
> >
> > Incidentally, I've just come across this article:
> >
> http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/get-coding-people-its-the-new-mandarin-and-its-not-just-children-who-can-learn-how-to-do-it-9117071.html
> .
> >  I think she has been let down by the PR machine, which, I suspect, is
> > currently engaged combating the negative press surrounding flooding.
> > Wasn't the gist of her message correct though?
>
> It is talked about in el Reg today:
>
>     http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/11/coding_in_schools_madness/
>
> I commented:
>
>     Would they appoint as head of the English Tourist Board someone who had
>     never been to the country or even seen a map ? Of course not. However:
> the
>     numpties who appointed her are so clueless that they could not
> understand
>     that having some understanding and insight is necessary.
>
> --
> Alain Williams
> Linux/GNU Consultant - Mail systems, Web sites, Networking, Programmer, IT
> Lecturer.
> +44 (0) 787 668 0256  http://www.phcomp.co.uk/
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