I have always been fascinated by how kids learn and think. I studied Mathematics Education (because they did not offer a course Computer Education) and had the pleasure of learning from Bob Davis, while he was at Rutgers.
I am teaching courses to kids (from ages 8 to 12) on how to program. After looking at Python, eToys, Alice, and Scratch, I finally chose eToys as the best vehicle. As the kids get older, I plan to transition them to Squeak and perhaps some Python.
I am interested in:
- Helping kids develop "Tools to Think With"
- Discovering interesting problems that can be used with eToys to teach kids to think and introduce them to programming
- Using games as a vehicle to motivate kids to learn (I tell the kids we are going to play games and learn to create games, and tell the parents they are learning programming)
I have four kids that we homeschool, so I get plenty of practice.
During the day I support my wife and four kids by working as a Software Consultant and ran my own Software Consulting company for 10+ years.
I also attempted and failed at starting a Not-for-Profit, that was based on a business model where we actually made our own money to support our causes. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot, including what I am not good at.
I have a love science and math and have a strong faith in God, its one of the many seeming paradoxes I have learned to live with, but I keep questioning and seeking while having a lot of fun along the way.
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