Re: Free GNU/Linux intro class for teens advice? Purchase box? Squeak/Smalltalk programming
Op Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:12:10 -0400, schreef Marc D Ronell:
> I am working toward teaching a free introductory class to teens on
> GNU/Linux and the philosophy of free software at the Newton Free
> Library in MA this coming September.
>
> For the class, the participants will need access to GNU/Linux. After
> reviewing some options, including sdf.org, virtual machines,
> Chromebooks, etc., I am considering just asking participants to
> purchase a dedicated laptop and installing the OS. I may be able to
> direct students to install fests in the area before the class starts.
> I am not sure that this is the best idea, but it offers significant
> advantages including a potentially working box as part of the results
> of the course.
>
> As a test, I purchased a laptop (Toshiba Satellite C75-B7180) on sale
> for $350 at our local Microcenter in Cambridge and was able to load
> GNU/Linux for my son. I am thinking of working some programming
> assignments in Squeak (Smalltalk), but maybe C is a better choice for
> an OS class?
>
> Has anyone tried running a GNU/Linux intro class for teens? Can
> anyone share their experiences, thoughts or suggestions? Feedback
> based on actual experience would be most helpful, I think, but I would
> appreciate any insights.
>
> Thanks for your thoughts,
>
> Marc
If it's an intro class to Linux, I would expose them to the system first,
install later. If so, then it could suffice to setup a VPS server and
make SSH accounts for the students.
You could then even have them make a ssh connection from a Windows box,
and with the help of Xming run graphical programs from their Win box.
It doesn't cost them any money, and it's easy to setup.
You could focus on teaching instead of installing. When they get the hang
of the system, you could always go with the laptop route.
As for programming assignments, C has a learning curve.
Python might be better suited, don't know about Smalltalk as I haven't
used it. You may want to focus on ideas and how to translate those in a
program, not fight with syntaxes.
Regards,
Bene
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