Just thought I'd share.... We have just started using "Pure & Simple Computer Science" this week, and dd is really loving it It is specifically written form homeschoolers the parent doesn't have to know anything or do anything beyond basic computer skills like be able to use the internet and a word processor Anyway, just in case any of you were looking for a great computer studies program, I think we've found it! Hurray!
what all does it teach? My kids know power point, movie making programs, set up of programs, word processing, paint, internet , making thier own web pages, they probably know Excell but I will have to check , they now how to make thier own cards and stationary, dd created an iron on from reorganising a already there pic trademark. But I don't want them to miss anything?
Speaking as an IT professional, they don't need more than that. As long as they can operate the computer and use Word, Powerpoint and some Excel, download stuff, etc, they don't need more. If they want more there are free programming languages for kids. Just google Logo programming language for kids and you will get a ton of links, also thefreecountry.com has a lot of links. But this is if your kids are really into computers and would like to perhaps work in this area as gronw-ups.
my ds 10 plans to be an architect my ds 17 is really wants to be a game maker i think...so they are into the graphic arts?
If your son wants to create computer games he should definitely start programming, especially being 17. I would suggest learning Java.NET or C#. I can HIGHLY recommend the Learn to Program series by John Smiley. The books are written like a novel, but they teach you great habits and gets you thinking the right way right from the start.
it covers the basics - word, excell etc, which we have done before, but it also teaches logo programming and simple animation, web page design, none of which we've covered yet, and is well out of my skill level I think dd loves it b/c she is into this stuff, and thinks maybe it will be her career...
