[SMforshort]

My son is 10, very bright, and loves playing computer games. Particularly online multi-player games.


I'd like to encourage him to expand his use of computers into doing some more creative things. He does talk of wanting to be a programmer when he "grows up" but although he has done some computers at school that teaches how to use Microsoft Office etc. he hasn't ever done any simple programming or website design.

How do you teach a child to create their own program or website? I remember writing simple programs as a child on my commodore 64 computer but that was a long time ago.

Can anyone suggest any websites that teach basic computer programming, ap design or website design or any computer games that encourage this type of creativity?

He has access to a PC, and IPad and a WII.

Thanks SM

[countrymel]

DP - a programmer/software architect who has been doing this since he was a wee lad making punch cards suggests:

scratch.mit.edu


He is also very impressed that you are guiding your child on such a glorious path! "That - right there is good parenting!"

[ZombieMum]

I was going to suggest Scratch as well.

I jokingly tell all my kids that when they learn a new programming language, their very first program should be "Hello world" because that was always the first example we were given in our Uni programming subjects.

My DH was very much into Linux when I met him. He's learnt a lot of invaluable skills/knowledge this way.


I'd also try and encourage him in other areas as well, so that he has a more rounded exposure that could help him further down the track. My DD was really into Google Sketchup when she was about 9. She also had a play around with GIMP.

[JRA]

There are also various school holiday programs, and possibly during term, for teaching kids how to "program" apps.

[Procrastinator50...]

Another vote for Scratch - it is a good way for them to understand the basics of how programming works.

I like JRA's suggestion of holiday courses too.

[Jeyamoo]

I think if computers are going to be your sons "thing" then there is no need to teach him he will just pick it up himself. My son is 13 now but has been making his own computer games and gaming "mods" (not entirely sure what they are actually) for a few years now which he sells online (again not exactly sure how, wow just realising I really need to be a bit more proactive with the computer supervision in this house!!)

Anyway my point is he taught himself how do it by reading various websites, you tube etc. I think it's more satisfying for kids that way.

[lishermide]

My DS has been using a program called GameMaker. Is for making their own computer games.

[SMforshort]

Thanks Ladies and countrymel's DP, we'll definitely have a look at scratch, sketchup, GIMP and Gamemaker. I might even have a play myself.

I appreciate you advice and countrymel, your DPs approval of my parenting made me smile. I can't possibly get this parenting thing wrong all the time....

SM

[laridae]

I started programing when I was 6 - with a little help from my Dad
Mostly I learned from a book about programing Space Games. This was back in the days of Basic though.... on a System-80 clone.
I always wanted to be a programmer! It didn't really happen though (but I do work in IT).
I suggest downloading Visual Studio Express - its free, its from Microsoft, and you can do real programming in it.


He will probably get more opportunity to do programming once he gets to highschool.

[linnieloo62]

DD loves to play with Alice.org
That fact that her name is Alice is a bonus