Special Issue on Kids and Other Novices Learning to Code: Insights, Tools and Lessons from the Visual Programming Frontline

摘要

The theme for this issue is the environments designed to help novices to learn to code, with insights about tools and lessons from some of those that design, build and support the environments. Currently there is much discussion around the world about the place of computer programming in school curricula. There is a spreading realisation of the shortage of skilled coders to drive innovation and productivity improvements for business, government and the community. Further, that the need for coders continues to accelerate. Many questions arise from that realisation. When should education in programming start? Are children ready or is it a graduate skill? Should computer programming be in school curricula and should it be a mandatory topic?