[Edu-sig] CP4E in a third world country

[Winston Wolff]

Hi Miguel-

We teach computer programming with Python at Stratolab, but I like to  
start with Scratch first.  ( scratch.mit.edu )  Scratch builds the  
higher level programming concepts without the burden of learning  
syntax.  Scratch programmers learn problem solving, if-then logic,  
loops, an variables.  With Scratch, students get something working  
quickly, which builds their motivation.  Then the ones who really  
enjoy it can move on to Python.  Many are content using Scratch, which  
I think is fine.  Also Scratch's hardware requirements are relatively  
modest.

For the kids who move to Python, graphics are a great way to go--it  
provides a lot of positive feedback.  PyGame is rather low level.  I  
use my own MoonUnit wrapper around PyGame ( http://stratolab.com/misc/makebot 
  ), but LiveWires is similar.

As far as teaching tips, do you live anywhere near NYC?

-Winston


On Oct 7, 2008, at 11:26 AM, Miguel Turner wrote:

> Hello to all,
>
> I'm posting here because I am planning on teaching a programming  
> class to kids in a small town in Honduras. I am a Peace Corps  
> volunteer currently living in a town of about 2,500 people. I  
> studied CS in college and originally joined the Peace Corps when I  
> learned that they have been seeking volunteers with technical  
> backgrounds for some years now in order to develop the use of  
> technology in third world countries. Needless to say, I am facing a  
> number of challenges and I thought it would be helpful to seek out  
> some advice, and maybe see if there was anyone who has been or is in  
> a similar situation.
>
> I've been a huge fan of Python since I taught it to myself over 3  
> years ago, and I've used it often, since. I enjoy working in C and  
> Assembly, but Python was like a breath of fresh air. So, I'm already  
> sold on the idea of Python as a first language and basically  
> everything about CP4E. I recently read John Miller's excellent  
> dissertation on computer literacy, which is what motivated me to  
> post here.
>
> The colegio (middle/high school) in my town has maybe 150 students,  
> and 8 working, donated computers. There is currently a computer  
> teacher who gives very basic lessons in Windows and Microsoft Office  
> to the 20 or so high schoolers. The town has 1 public internet  
> connection at an internet cafe with 3 computers and a satellite  
> dish. Very few families have personal computers and far fewer can  
> afford to connect to the internet via mobile phone, which is the  
> cheapest option available. In short, there is very little exposure  
> to computers here. It is not unusual to find kids who struggle with  
> using a mouse. But there are also some kids who like to spend their  
> time at the internet cafe chatting and downloading music to their  
> cellphones (plenty of those here).
>
> The lack of computers and internet is the first challenge, though  
> not one I can do much about. Another is language. I speak Spanish  
> well enough, though I do anticipate difficulties when trying to  
> explain programming concepts in ways that make sense in this  
> culture. There is also the fact that most documentation, code, and  
> the language itself, are all in English. I'm aware of some books  
> that have been translated, but I'm mainly concerned with how  
> frustrating it will be for the students to debug their programs when  
> all of the error messages are in English.
>
> Another major challenge is the educational system, and indeed, the  
> educational culture here. It's a bit complicated, so I will just say  
> that only about 8% of kids make it through high school and most of  
> those will graduate without ever seeing algebra. The worst of it is  
> that it's hard to find people who actually want to learn, or even  
> think. When I showed the computer teacher here Guido van Robot she  
> said, "doesn't all that thinking make your head hurt?" This is  
> reflected in the lack of self-confidence a lot of the kids have that  
> they're smart enough to learn difficult things. It's very  
> frustrating, but it makes me think that a programming course would  
> be all the more worthwhile, assuming I can get past enough of that  
> sort of thinking to get started.
>
> Practicality is also very important here. Given that, and the  
> generally low level of education, I am interested in integrating  
> other subjects into the class, such as algebra, reading material,  
> and whatever I can include that might be more directly related to  
> local life. I don't intend programming to be an end, so much as the  
> means to an end.
>
> I have considered, in some depth, using another method for teaching  
> programming, such as Alice or Guido van Robot. Perhaps in another  
> post I can give my reasons for deciding against those and going with  
> Python. I've looked at the OLPC project too, but, unfortunately, it  
> doesn't look like that will be making it to Honduras for a while.
>
> My biggest concern, it must be said, is that I have no real teaching  
> experience - I'm a programmer. I'm sure I can muddle through until I  
> can get the hang of it, but given all the other challenges I have to  
> face, I'm not sure the kids (or the teachers) will have the patience  
> to stick with me until I do. So, I'd appreciate recommendations for  
> good teaching resources, as well.
>
> I could say much more, but I only wanted to introduce myself.  
> Hopefully someone can give me some idea how far up the creek I am,  
> though I'd be happy to hear comments on anything that I've brought  
> up. I'm open to criticism as well, if anyone has any compelling  
> reasons for why this might not be a good idea. I know most, or all,  
> of these kids will never become programmers, but that's not the  
> point, is it?
>
> Thanks for reading,
> Miguel Turner
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Winston Wolff
Stratolab - Computer Courses for Teens and Kids
(646) 827-2242 - http://stratolab.com