2024 Autumn · K-12 Programming Education
Icebreaker: if I were to take my course and popularize it to high-schoolers with no programming background, where would I start? Ideas from different course TAs:
- Data structures & algorithms: binary search? From continuous equation-solving to binary search on a discrete array.
- Computational neuroscience & brain science: quite interesting and cognitive; interactive experiments, e.g. optical-illusion examples.
- Computer culture basics: start with AI tools, answer basic questions with AI; use Scratch modular programming for primary-schoolers, then gradually abstract to writing code; data collection?
- Digital-logic lab: first explain the difference between software and hardware programming, and from a career perspective why hardware earns less than software (discourage kids from hardware?), cultivating market-thinking.
- Operating systems: may be too specialized to explain to zero-basis kids; first popularize the general structure of a computer (hardware, software, OS, applications). It seems middle-schoolers' computing level is declining.
- Computer networks: "when you type an address in a browser and press Enter, what happens?" — sharable at any depth.
Discussion
- Zhejiang new gaokao technology subject (IT part) exam: too hard or too easy for most high-schoolers? Could it be promoted to more provinces as a gaokao subject?
- How to implement the 2022 new curriculum standard? Many information-technology teachers say they don't know how to teach it — why, and what to do?
- CCF GESP grading framework: can it validate children's learning? Will teaching directly by such a grading framework spark interest? How to view the current "children's programming boom" — sustainable?
Further reading
- Seymour Papert, Mindstorms (invented Logo, vision to let children learn math through programming rather than the computer controlling children).
- The game-making course for high-schoolers by 落日间.
- The Ender's Game bridge "do children need a special keyboard for typing?"