Computer programming isn't typically taught in grade schools, but there's no reason it can't be, according to researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab. They have designed a new programming language, called Scratch, intended to demystify code writing for students who haven't even reached their teens.
Scratch's graphical interface may seem reminiscent of Logo, the pioneering programming language, which was created four decades ago in Cambridge, Mass. But the new language is much more powerful, as The Boston Globe reports:
Christine Leung and Nancy Chomitz, both 12, began by making simple animations in which characters talk onscreen, but have begun to try interactive projects. Nancy's "flying moon hippo," for instance, blurts out funny phrases when people press different letters. In their current project, a snowman floats across the screen; when he gets into certain spots, a cartoon bubble appears saying, "OMG!! I'M MELTING!!"
To promote the program, MIT is taking a page from MySpace's book: The Media Lab has built a social-networking site that will allow students to share their programming projects. –Brock Read
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