I run the computer lab and teach technology classes at an elementary school in California. Are there any similar programs in the states?
In the last year especially, I have seen lots of technology education programs like this start up in the UK. Seeing them in the UK is still inspiring and pushes me to do more, but I wish there were programs like this in the states.
Well, great for him! Many a programmer started this way. IMO it's one of the best motivation ever to start programming, and to actually learn stuff (you try to make a game, and suddenly maths and physics become interesting).
I know i started out that way. Then I realized that I could do a lot more with a lot less work in web programming. Games are hard and the payoff is much less compared to, say, making a web app.
Unfortunately most people don't understand that video games are one of the more difficult things to program. I know many people who start Comp Sci as a major and then quit as soon as they get past Java 101 (or some that quit before).
I second this idea. The old Klik-n-Play program contributed to my inspiration when I was a kid, and the license agreement forbidding distribution of my creations helped motivate me to continue to learn to code. My next step after Klik-n-Play and QuickBasic was Allegro and DJGPP.
Great idea- I've signed up. The most challenging aspect is how to make these things accessible, enjoyable and educational all at the same time, while still doing some proper 'coding'
I wish I had the time to really help out and engage fully in the going-to-schools aspect, but I can't. However, if there is anything else you need help with, let me know!
Thank you.
It shouldn't be any direct costs to teachers. The lessons might need to be supervised by a teacher, which would be an hour of their time once a week.
As for volunteers, one hour once a week, plus travel, plus time to prepare (this will vary from person to person).
We need to raise £5000 pounds before we can register as a charity http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charitable_organization#Charity...
Thanks for your reply. It sounds perfectly reasonable in terms of committment.
A further though is that if arts/crafts/sports-type workshop runners are charging around £200 a day for their work in schools, you could potentially tap into this portion of school budgets to earn the £5000 required or set up as a limited company with a social purpose. I suppose you've made plans on the costs front, and that fund raising for £5k a year is perhaps very manageable.
If not, you could set up on a UK-based Kickstarter-type site and I, for one, would be happy to contribute and potentially volunteer for our local school.
