How to Get Your Children Coding

I also believe in such exposure for young people.

20 odd years ago I built a computer department, from the ground up, with basically everything needed for the local school, when I found out that they only had one PC for everyone - apalling.......

I manged to get a full Network, PCs & printers and a trained teacher!!!

I managed to persuade the company I worked for to "give" everything needed......and we ended up with 30 PCs and a lot of spares. It has been updated many times since of course....

I do know that the room was popular, but I only know actually of two people that have gone into the industry from that school, but I haven't asked either! But of course many others have learnt Microsoft Office and have no worries about sitting down at a screen.....

To get a bit more serious, I personally recommend the PICAXE system, also a UK education "invention"......really cheap, pocket money level, provided at least an old computer Win98SE or later, with either a COM: or USB Port is available. A printer is also a nice extra I find....

All needed software is free to download as are all documentation. I am using Win7 64 bit laptop with no problems.

Start-up kits come with a CD with all software, hardware infos and manuals which saves on some big downloads.....you can use BASIC or COMPILE. Lots of teaching tools/aids for schools.

Chips start at around $2.00, PCBs from $3.00 and USB Download cables at around $20.00, but a DIY COM: Port cable can easily be made for next to nothing instead if price is a problem......

With downloads for free and careful buying, it would be possible to start programming for around $20.00, kits start (with a USB cable included as well as the CD) from about $30.00 plus postage....(.Not including the cost of an old PC/Laptop.)

If you are interested, start here:-

PICAXE

Most countries have distributors, the cheapest being the UK of course....check prices carefully as the UK can often beat the price locally in spite of postage costs......true of Germany for example....

There are websites and forums devoted to it and a lot of people around to help you if you get stuck.

I am not personally an expert by any means, but I will try and help if needed.....

Education is needed in this area for schools and homes.....