Thanks, I guess? I'm not sure if you're being sarcastic it's hard to tell online. Just so you know I am not trying to argue with you, just sharing my experience with BGC.
You are correct that Beta is a tool being used at BGC, and we collaborate with other organizations listed by mikeleeorg.
I understand what you are saying however it's my opinion that any community (racial, ethnic, religious etc) that is attempting to impart knowledge is doing a good thing. Particularly when that knowledge is important and beneficial to the future, as I believe programming is.
Hey I'm a white dude and I've worked with Black Girls Code on a few workshops. Just FYI girls of any race are allowed, it's just that this particular group caters primarily to black girls.
I'd say from the outside looking in it is a thorny subject, but in my observance BGC are good people who care about their community and are giving back to it through the knowledge and resources they've accrued.
Hey great list. I'm working on a game that teaches programming and game design. It's now available for download at www.betathegame.com. One of our co-founders is a female!
This resonates with me- particularly the 'it obviously follows', (huge jump in complexity and then --->) 'so we already know that x, so obviously- y'.
I think a lot of teachers aren't cognizant of the fact that what is obvious to then isn't automatically obvious to students. I had what I would say is at best a mediocre HS math teacher and completely tuned out. It was my fault in the end, but the teacher didn't help.
I'm now trying to learn a bunch of things that require math and mathematic theory when you get to higher levels. So - learning math is what I have to do. It's kind of fun, and yes it is hard work. Like, brain-hurting hard work.
Betathegame.com - Beta is a game that teaches players programming, game design, and facilitates synergistic learning.
I think it's super cool because it's one of the few games I've played that has a heavy educational component while also being fun. It's also cool because it's extremely open. Through the use of the in-game terminal, players are able to build intricate levels and puzzles, then share them with others.
Due to the extremely customizable nature of the game, I foresee teachers being able to create homeworks/tests/assignments within. That's the synergistic learning part :)
We've done workshops with Black Girls Code, DIY Days, The Village, and the Grace Hopper Convention in places like NYC, Sheffield (UK), Philly, Minneapolis, and most recently Toronto. With each iteration we are seeing more and more excitement, from kids and adults as well.
If your interested and located in NYC, we're doing a game demo this Monday night (10/28) at Microsoft HQ (www.meetup.com/gaming/events/139786752/). stop by, play our game, chat with us, play other cool indie games and have fun!
This post is extremely helpful and the game looks awesome, I wonder if the tactile experience of an actual board game may be more of an effective teaching aid for young children. It will be interesting to see how kids take to it when it is released.
My buddies and I have a project in the same space and are considering Kickstarting too.
We are building a platform game that teaches programming through gameplay by incorporating a terminal-like language we created called codePop.
If your interested check it out at www.betathegame.com
Interesting to read this. I'm a guy that played sports in HS and was very far from what one would classify as a 'geek'. Now I am learning programming and the reception from other more experienced programmers has been icy at times. It's interesting to see this - I would chalk it up to sexism, insecurity, and being territorial. If you're an outsider in any way, you will be told one way or another. Keep going!
On that note, my friends and I are working on a game that teaches game design, analytical thinking and programming. We're aiming to teach the skills needed to work in tech to people of all stripes. Check it out at www.betathegame.com
This looks pretty interesting. My friends and I are working on a game in a similar vein to this one (teaching programming through gameplay) however it is a 2D platform game. If you like this sort of stuff check the project I'm working on at www.betathegame.com .
We have done workshops with kids and have footage although we aren't releasing playable demo's just yet. We are closing in on completion. No need for donations but if you like what we're doing please share!
Apparently it's not all that exclusive to get top-secret clearance to government intel (as evidenced by the Snowden incident).
Also, who is it that was calling him 'very smart, opinionated, and political'? It could be that he was smart, opinionated, and political in favor of the agenda that the army invaded Iraq & Afghanistan under. If I'm in a position of power in the Army and I see that someone is smart and opinionated in favor of my agenda, that's someone likely to gain a security clearance from me.
I don't completely disagree with you though. It seems pretty logical to me that war is a nasty business where morals are swept under the rug.
I think it would take more thorough research to postulate on Manning's political leanings prior to the war. My gut feeling is he was liberal-leaning prior, and his conscience was attacked by the reality of what he experienced.
I love hacker News and wouldn't consider posting this unless I were certain that it applied. My friends and I are working on a game that will teach players (mainly kids) how to code. We have done workshops in NYC, Philly and Sheffield, England. I'd love for you guys to take a look at it and give feedback, we think we're making something pretty cool. www.betathegame.com
There's a free trial download at www.betathegame.com