I heard an interview on the CBC with the author of this book.
I thought it sounded a bit ambitious in its claims at first, but then the interview started to grow on me. It sounds like a fascinating project, and perhaps even a really great kids' book. I think I'm going to order a copy for Emmett.
This is the introduction to the book:
"I feel I should warn you. No computers will be found in this book. If the idea of a computer science book without computers upsets you, please close your eyes until you’ve finished reading the rest of this page.
The truth is that computer science is not really about the computer. It is just a tool to help you see ideas more clearly. You can see the moon and stars without a telescope, smell the flowers without a fluoroscope, have fun without a funoscope, and be silly sans oscilloscope.
You can also play with computer science without... you-know-what. Ideas are the real stuff of computer science. This book is about those ideas, and how to find them."
I'm totally on board with finding creative ways to promote digital literacy in a meaningful way that doesn't involve creating a faux Facebook page for Jay Gatsby, etc. I'm more interested in teaching students how to THINK, especially about technology and problem solving. I'm curious to read it.
I thought it sounded a bit ambitious in its claims at first, but then the interview started to grow on me. It sounds like a fascinating project, and perhaps even a really great kids' book. I think I'm going to order a copy for Emmett.
This is the introduction to the book:
"I feel I should warn you. No computers will be found in this book. If the idea of a computer science book without computers upsets you, please close your eyes until you’ve finished reading the rest of this page.
The truth is that computer science is not really about the computer. It is just a tool to help you see ideas more clearly. You can see the moon and stars without a telescope, smell the flowers without a fluoroscope, have fun without a funoscope, and be silly sans oscilloscope.
You can also play with computer science without... you-know-what. Ideas are the real stuff of computer science. This book is about those ideas, and how to find them."
I'm totally on board with finding creative ways to promote digital literacy in a meaningful way that doesn't involve creating a faux Facebook page for Jay Gatsby, etc. I'm more interested in teaching students how to THINK, especially about technology and problem solving. I'm curious to read it.