Date   : Sun, 02 Apr 2006 11:15:08 +0100
From   : "David Hunt" <dm.hunt@...>
Subject: Re: Basic & BBC Basic

> On 2 Apr 2006, at 06:15, Jon Ripley wrote:
> > An excellent tutorial for beginners is available that is eminently
> > suitable for teaching anyone the basics of the language.  BBC BASIC
> > for Windows is certified by the National Grid for Learning
> >
> > BBC BASIC for Windows:
> > http://rtrussell.co.uk/products/bbcwin/
> 
> Well I've used BBC Basic a fair bit in the last twenty years and I
> still have a lingering affection for it - but I can't see any reason
> to prefer a closed source, proprietary language which is available
> only for Windows over a cleanly designed, modern, free language like
> Python.
> 
> --
> Andy Armstrong, hexten.net

Perhaps this argument is relatively futile.

The computing environment is completely different now than 25 years ago when
the BBC Micro, Apple II and RML 380Z were being shoe-horned into schools.
Back then, you tended to find people learning to program so they could write
applications to help them in their business. These people used "cheap" 8 bit
micros to manage payroll, stock control, mass mailing, medical statistics
etc. It would be assumed that programming was a natural requirement for
entry into this world. Today, most people who use computers aren't worried
about programming, their lives revolve around web browsers, Microsoft Office
(OpenOffice perhaps), Windows and some other application software e.g.
Photoshop, Flash (does let you program to an extent), GoLive etc. In my
experience, the kids who want to program have done so in their own time and
are usually well in advance of the level being taught in school. I found I
used my programming skills in other subjects more than in Computing! e.g.
French/German tutor, measurement in Physics/Chemistry/Biology, simulation in
Electronics, solving and investigation in Maths. I would agree, programming
is essential for those activities, but as for the language, a simple one to
start with, BBC Basic seems like a sane choice, gives students a quick taste
of programming. If programming was deemed as really important, I would
encourage the use of C++ (C++ Builder/VS.NET 2005) or Pascal (Delphi),
although poor teaching can really screw up a budding C++ developer!

BTW: My Father still pines after the BBC Micro and its fantastic I/O, ease
of programming, reliability and size.

Dave ;)