KVJ Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Just want to pick the brains trust here about this. I have an 8 year old son who I would like to get interested in programming and I'm wondering if the Raspberry Pi would be the way to go. Definitely don't want to have another passive toy to play with but something he can started on the basics of progamming. I know next to nothing about programming myself but am quite happy to learn along with him. Is this the right device for him? I'm not getting much info out of all the youtube stuff. Seems to be something that adult computer hobbyists are getting into rather than kids?? Appreciate any thoughts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloggie Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 You can tell your son to start with "Scratch" - https://scratch.mit.edu/ Works also on the Pi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted August 15, 2015 Author Share Posted August 15, 2015 Thanks will look into that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
User3 Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Given that the original intent of the Raspberry Pi was to bring affordable programming platform to less fortunate people (kids) and that it is heavily slanted towards programming I'd say it would be an excellent starter for your son. If both of you are new to this, though, you should stick to the more mainstream operating system and mainstream programming languages. You will find over time that Linux is a total pain in the a$$ due to the many competing versions that exist which are sort of, but not exactly, compatible with each other. If Linux had ever gotten it's act together we would all be thumbing our noses at Microsoft but alas it has remained a hobbyist platform for the most part although there are some exceptions wherein good, solid application programs have come from the open source community.Notice also that the cost of getting into this is really minimal so if it doesn't work out for you then your loss is only a few bucks. You only have to pay for the Raspberry Pi which was around 30 bucks when I got mine, a power supply which is any 1amp wall wart, about 5 bucks at any computer/cell store, and a memory card of at least 8 gigs, around 8 bucks. You have a computer now, so only need to download a program called 'Putty' and log in remotely to the Pi via your main computer(assuming you are on Windows) which avoids the need to buy a display/keyboard/mouse until you decide if the Pi will be a viable learing tool and worth spending extra bucks on.I'd suggest taking a look at Linux User, which is a magazine based in the UK (I think) as they seem to be the most active Raspberry Pi fanboys at present.For a low cost platform that is heavily slanted to teaching computers/programming to kids there probably isn't a better one available.Mine is in a box in a cupboard as I just couldn't be bothered to devote the time needed to get it to do what I wanted- which was act as a recipe displayer in the kitchen. It worked fine for that, as connected to the LAN in the house, but I also wanted sound and that is the Pi's biggest failing so I gave up on it and got some Intel NUC's from InvadeIT that are also very low power consumption and far easier and more powerful, albeit a bit more expensive. Good luck. If you want any more info feel free to contact me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloggie Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 You want to know what is all possible with the Raspberry Pi - have a look at their magazine at: https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thaimite Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Agreed. This is an excellent lagazine for learning the Pi with lots of projects for all levels You want to know what is all possible with the Raspberry Pi - have a look at their magazine at: https://www.raspberrypi.org/magpi/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 I can't think of anything better to start your kid on, other than a Commodore64 They wont get distracted by anything - because it only does what you make it do. Todays' consumer OS's have killed off the need for people to learn how computers work - the Pi is an awesome way to learn "the old school way" but without having to compromise on capabilities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCor Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Find 'several' some affordable projects for the Pi that your son would like to accomplish. Start easy and work your way through them. Just remember, the Pi can be a full blown 'computer' and a 'controller' to sense and manipulate external devices Some kids are inspired by what can happen on a screen, while others are inspired and motivated by a Pi manipulating the real world. The 'process' of accomplishing each project can teach some very valuable life skills. My Adventures with Raspberry Pi Kids, Code and Comp Sci Magazine | by TIM SLAVIN | NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE Raspberry Pi and Coder by Google for beginners and kids OpenSource | by Luis Ibanez | Posted 28 Nov 2014 While the Pi can be removed and reused from most 'projects', you may find your son wants to keep some around so you may need to purchase more Pi kits. Luckily they're not that expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 15, 2015 Share Posted August 15, 2015 Find 'several' some affordable projects for the Pi that your son would like to accomplish. Start easy and work your way through them. Just remember, the Pi can be a full blown 'computer' and a 'controller' to sense and manipulate external devices Some kids are inspired by what can happen on a screen, while others are inspired and motivated by a Pi manipulating the real world. The 'process' of accomplishing each project can teach some very valuable life skills. My Adventures with Raspberry Pi Kids, Code and Comp Sci Magazine | by TIM SLAVIN | NOVEMBER 2013 ISSUE Raspberry Pi and Coder by Google for beginners and kids OpenSource | by Luis Ibanez | Posted 28 Nov 2014 While the Pi can be removed and reused from most 'projects', you may find your son wants to keep some around so you may need to purchase more Pi kits. Luckily they're not that expensive. Or at least, a few SD cards so he can swap them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted August 16, 2015 Author Share Posted August 16, 2015 Excellent replies here guys. Thanks heaps. I think we'll give it a whirl. Like one commentator said it doesn't cost a whole lot so if it doesn't work out its no big deal. What's the best way to get a hold of one of these in Thailand via internet order? I looked on some old threads and seems there is a few shady dealers around? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cloggie Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Bought mine at: http://www.thaieasyelec.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 Also available from the actual source, with free shipping: http://th.rs-online.com/web/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted August 16, 2015 Author Share Posted August 16, 2015 Great. Will grab one. Cheers. Wish me luck! Hope the boy goes for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
userabcd Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 (edited) Bought my Rpi2 and its case from RScomponents in Thailand and delivery from the UK/Singapore took a few days. Cheap as well. In Fortune, Gravitech on the 3rd floor are selling them and have other arm components and books. They are a little more expensive though. web site https://www.gravitechthai.com Edited August 16, 2015 by userabcd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichCor Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I can't think of anything better to start your kid on, other than a Commodore64 They wont get distracted by anything - because it only does what you make it do. Todays' consumer OS's have killed off the need for people to learn how computers work - the Pi is an awesome way to learn "the old school way" but without having to compromise on capabilities. Loose lips sinks ships COMMODORE C16 RESURRECTION WITH A RASPBERRY PI Hack-a-Day | by Al Williams | August 16, 2015 [lactobacillusprime] had a non-working Commodore C16 and too many Raspberry Pi computers, so he decided to bring the C16 back to life by emulating it on the Pi. At the heart of the project is the Pi, along with a small board that converts the old style Commodore keyboards (and joysticks) to a USB port. Don't tell me the Internet isn't listening in on our conversations Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 16, 2015 Share Posted August 16, 2015 I can't think of anything better to start your kid on, other than a Commodore64 They wont get distracted by anything - because it only does what you make it do. Todays' consumer OS's have killed off the need for people to learn how computers work - the Pi is an awesome way to learn "the old school way" but without having to compromise on capabilities. Loose lips sinks ships COMMODORE C16 RESURRECTION WITH A RASPBERRY PI Hack-a-Day | by Al Williams | August 16, 2015 [lactobacillusprime] had a non-working Commodore C16 and too many Raspberry Pi computers, so he decided to bring the C16 back to life by emulating it on the Pi. At the heart of the project is the Pi, along with a small board that converts the old style Commodore keyboards (and joysticks) to a USB port. Don't tell me the Internet isn't listening in on our conversations Hehehe, I have seen C64's gutted and retrofitted with Pi innards. Complete sacrilege to me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dddave Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 Jack Tramiel's spirit is undoubtedly lurking, trying to figure out how to file a lawsuit against Raspberry from wherever in hell he is. He was an amazing visionary but an impossible man to work with...paranoid micro-manager doesn't even come close. I got to meet him but fortunately didn't work for him. My friend who did emerged after 2 years like a zombie from a train wreck. If his people skills had matched his capacity for innovative thinking, he could have outdone both Gates and Jobs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperylobster Posted August 17, 2015 Share Posted August 17, 2015 (edited) Bought mine at: http://www.thaieasyelec.com/ Thanks for that link. I am checking to see if they will deliver to my door. Did you get the PI 2? Anyone know where I can buy a Rasberry PI 2 (with accessories in a package kit)..in Chiang Mai? I would like to use it for my Tahr Puppy (Linux), which runs on my flash drive. Absolutely no need for anything else, when I travel....as 99 percent of what I use a computer for is online. I have gone through 4 expensive laptops, in the past six years...and now just am looking for the lowest price. As far as Tahr Puppy...it boots in ram...and saves/updates to a small flash thumb drive for the next boot. I run opera and firefox...and the software/opsys is free. Has VLC, PDF editiors, Pic Viewer/editors and music players. The Puppy runs whatever I need. For the posters son....download AutoIT..for windows. He can learn programming with that. I can make small programs that simplify my windows 7 on my laptop. (there are tons of free stuff on their forum to download). Working with it is a pleasure, and there is a fun forum group. Very easy to program with....and addictive. Edited August 17, 2015 by slipperylobster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted August 17, 2015 Author Share Posted August 17, 2015 Bought mine at: http://www.thaieasyelec.com/ For the posters son....download AutoIT..for windows. He can learn programming with that. I can make small programs that simplify my windows 7 on my laptop. (there are tons of free stuff on their forum to download). Working with it is a pleasure, and there is a fun forum group. Very easy to program with....and addictive. Excellent. Thanks for that. Trying to gather as many resources as I can to throw at him and see what sticks. Hopefully something will. Want to get him off that damn tablet! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) Bought mine at: http://www.thaieasyelec.com/ For the posters son....download AutoIT..for windows. He can learn programming with that. I can make small programs that simplify my windows 7 on my laptop. (there are tons of free stuff on their forum to download). Working with it is a pleasure, and there is a fun forum group. Very easy to program with....and addictive. Excellent. Thanks for that. Trying to gather as many resources as I can to throw at him and see what sticks. Hopefully something will. Want to get him off that damn tablet! If he's into games, so him some retropie videos Edited August 18, 2015 by IMHO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KVJ Posted August 18, 2015 Author Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks IMO. Just youtube that or is there a particular youtube channel or website? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMHO Posted August 18, 2015 Share Posted August 18, 2015 Thanks IMO. Just youtube that or is there a particular youtube channel or website? A YT search will get you a bunch of examples, tutes and some homebrew cabinets / suporting electronics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now