This is about balance and perspective. Today over 90% of kids with access to technology are literate users whether it be games, surfing or messaging. Probably less than 10% are able to design and create the programmes that deliver those experiences that the 90% enjoy consuming. If in any other industry 10% manufactured and 90% consumed then we would be describing it as an economic disaster. It is this imbalance that we need to address. Not everyone will becoming programming experts, but if some do to fuel the manufacturing skills of the future, our kids lives and our society will be better for it. I bet coding is fun, but there are way too many languages it's not worth learning any of them.

I agree with you. They should learn Python.

No scratch is a good language for kids that what my younger ones are learning though.

netesy: No scratch is a good language for kids that what my younger ones are learning though.

+1 for scratch. At a young age, you want to encourage creativity, not force kids to think like computers. Python is more intuitive than C for example, but neither are suitable for youngsters. Funny enough, I learnt programming with BASIC and C as a kid. I cant imagine the kind of applications I would have written if I had scratch

Maybe you would be Nigeria own Bjarne Stroustrup

^somehow I doubt it

Why? I believe in you.

Seun: I agree with you. They should learn Python.

Good things to suggest a programming language you're used to but does that make it the best and why?

netesy: No scratch is a good language for kids that what my younger ones are learning though.

i agree with you on scratch

Coding isn’t just for computer whizzes, the benefits of teaching kids to code, so they can do more than just “read” new technologies -- but also create them. "Code" has different meanings depending on context. "Scratch" is a much higher level environment than HTML, say, or Java. That means everything. I agree that kids should learn to DESIGN and to BUILD and to IMAGINE, but we have to give them the right building blocks and tools. "Scratch" seems to be a step in that direction. Bravo!

Freezle: Coding isn’t just for computer whizzes, the benefits of teaching kids to code, so they can do more than just “read” new technologies -- but also create them. "Code" has different meanings depending on context. "Scratch" is a much higher level environment than HTML, say, or Java. That means everything. I agree that kids should learn to DESIGN and to BUILD and to IMAGINE, but we have to give them the right building blocks and tools. "Scratch" seems to be a step in that direction. Bravo!

well said

this thing you have all been saying has been only on your mouth. When do u begin cos am interested?

Obinnau: this thing you have all been saying has been only on your mouth. When do u begin cos am interested?

LoL.. Abi o them just dey yarn many many

netesy: Why? I believe in you.

Obinnau: this thing you have all been saying has been only on your mouth. When do u begin cos am interested?

Dont wait for Seun. You have to seize the time yourself

Seams like scratch serves it then. Xo who's our lecturer on this one?

And just to be sure do i need the internet to start programing?

Search the internet bro, and my mum cant teach ya online

Hey seun, This should make front page because we have to enlighten our fellow Nigerians on the important of programming and it has to be done from childhood. If some of us were opportune to learn this as a kid you bet what we would be doing on system.

Hello guys, how do I get a programming tutor for my 8year old? I contacted Code Week Nigeria but they have events only in Lagos and Abuja.
I gathered that their events are handled by Microsoft facilitators and am wondering if one can get any of those guys?

Shinatu:
Hello guys, how do I get a programming tutor for my 8year old? I contacted Code Week Nigeria but they have events only in Lagos and Abuja.
I gathered that their events are handled by Microsoft facilitators and am wondering if one can get any of those guys?

There are loads of tutorials you can download for him on youtube.

It's all about the interest. If you spark it up in him/her then he/she is good to go. Most of the great programmers are self thought. They only need a mentor of sort to spark up the interest.

^^^^^ Thank you. I'll need someone good with children (who trains/has trained children) to help 'spark up the interest'

Kids.. Why don't we start from a more open level the teenagers those in secondary schools and with that kids would definitely come along, concerning language I personally learnt basic in senior school but python sounds like the next best thing