[Coco] Computer learning tools (was: Coco4..Who needs it? I do.)

[Paul E. Jones]

James,

My son has a Lego Mindstorm NXT robot.  While I am quite interested in it --
pretty cool with the Bluetooth interface and programmable microcontroller --
he is far less interested.  The reason is that if he creates something, he
can't share his creations.  He gets more enjoyment out of scripting on video
games sites and updating his own web site.

I think it is the aspect of sharing what you have and what you do that helps
entice his interest and what I believe can help build a community.

He could get into things like Visual Basic or C++, but both of those present
huge learning curves.  There's a lot to be said for being able to create
something fairly easily and then sharing that with somebody who can build on
it.  It was precisely that kind of thing that helped me as I started
exploring computers.  Magazines like Hot Coco and Rainbow were wonderful,
with all of the sample programs, hints, and tips.  CoCo user groups sprang
up all over.

Whatever gets produced, I think it needs to have that same kind of impact.

Paul

> -----Original Message-----
> From: coco-bounces at maltedmedia.com [mailto:coco-
> bounces at maltedmedia.com] On Behalf Of James Dessart
> Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 12:08 PM
> To: CoCoList for Color Computer Enthusiasts
> Subject: [Coco] Computer learning tools (was: Coco4..Who needs it? I
> do.)
> 
> As far as simple programming goes, I had a lot of fun with Hypercard
> on my Mac, after "graduating" from my CoCo. A more modern equivalent,
> again on the Mac, would be AppleScript Studio.
> 
> Now, I'm not saying everyone should go out and buy a Mac, but I'm sure
> there must be similar solutions on the PC. I'd suggest VisualBasic,
> but afaic, that's like polluting a child's mind. :)
> 
> There are a number of learning environments out there. There's one set
> up for Squeak that provides kids with a nice framework for learning
> programming. Don't remember the name, but it should be easy to find.
> 
> As for hardware, there are so many different programming
> microcontrollers out there now, many with USB interfaces, that I'm
> sure someone will eventually make one that's as easy to use as the
> CoCo was for hardware hacking. Maybe Arduino is that, I haven't looked
> into it too deeply.
> 
> Actually, just looked into Arduino. It uses Processing, which may
> indeed also be a good programming learning tool. Haven't looked much
> into it either, but it's intended for visual arts folk, meaning it'd
> probably be fine for kids as well.
> 
> Now, do we need to call this set of software and hardware a CoCo 4?
> no. The CoCo will always be what it is right now, culminating in the
> CoCo 3. I don't think a product based on the CoCo name would be all
> that successful, and certainly not successful enough to go to the
> expense of full R&D for a product.
> 
> --
> James Dessart
> <http://skwirl.com/cody/>
> 
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