Idea for Kids Track

[groundwater]

Not sure if this is the right place for it, but I talked to a few people and we thought that a kids-track would be a great addition.

There are numerous logistical considerations here which I am going to mention but gloss over.

• can we accomodate extra space for kids
• who provides the kids with their computers?
• kids are likely at very different levels

Problems aside, I really liked the family-friendly approach to the conference. The 2013 conference really showed that Nodejs has a wide array of applications outside of just web development. Using node as a kid to remote control a helicopter, even in a group, would have blown my mind.

/cc @othiym23

[mikeal]

This is the right place.

We did do a kids track that was geared towards younger kids, but it was more of an arts and crafts track than programming. And we also don't run it quite as long as the sessions, giving kids and family more time to enjoy the space.

You're correct that the biggest challenge would be the age range. Prior to this year we hadn't had children attend that weren't still too young to really do programming but, I am proud to say, some of the older kids got a chance to fly drones in the free time :)

[groundwater]

If there is legitimate interest I am certainly willing to help work on solving some of the logistical problems.

I think a single morning, and single afternoon session would suffice. Perhaps immediately after breakfast and lunch for 45 minutes on fri-sat making four total sessions. I would even suggest welcoming anyone in the SO track to join these sessions.

Off the top of my head, an example session might be giving everyone a fully-functional, but simple HTML5 game. The game however has variable parameters that change the experience. For example, in a platformer the run-speed, and acceleration-from-gravity. Kids can team up and work on creating a unique game experience by adjusting the game parameters. Their customized games can be shared with the rest of the class, and even the rest of the conference.

[mikeal]

definitely interested.

getting the attention of @maxogden @substack and @voodootikigod because I think they'd also find this compelling.

[max-mapper]

voxel.js is basically designed to be a way for kids to learn to code and use NPM

examples: http://creator.voxeljs.com/ http://voxelbuilder.com/ http://shama.github.io/voxel-critter/ http://gifblocks.com/

[aemaier]

Hey what about me @mikeal lol? Anyway, @jacobgroundwater I think that creating more integration between the tech content and other SO Track (families/kids/significant others) activities is a great idea. This year, and in past years, my focus has been on organizing fun activities so that non-programmers who attend the conference can get to know each other, feel more part of the node community, and enjoy the location where the conference is held. For example, in Portland we went on a culinary walking tour and drove up to Multnomah Falls. This year, there was swimming, hiking, arts and crafts, etc. However, my favorite experience at the conference this year was flying a drone, and I would love to find a way to make these opportunities more accessible to those participating in the SO Track at future events.

I will say that historically, SO Track attendance has been almost entirely adults who don't work in tech, or children under the age of 5. There have been very few kids old enough to participate meaningfully. However, if we organized and publicized this ahead of time, we might draw more of the older crowd. Plus, I think adults would benefit from this idea as well. It's a great way to provide entry level access to node for non-programmers, many of whom are women (myself included!).

[groundwater]

@aemaier I think we would have to actively advertise the sessions beforehand. I really have no idea what the interest level would be, it might be nil, or it might be large enough to demand its own event. I hope we end up somewhere between that, say up to a dozen.

I think the largest challenge here is finding resources for the kids to work with. I think groups of 3-4 work well, with about two volunteers for every ~10 kids. Perhaps a few last-generation laptops, or even a few older desktops. We can probably get sponsors to donate/lend these items. Well-managed, kids are pretty responsible, I don't think they'd break everything.

Most of these problems seem pretty easy to solve given a bit of careful planning.

[aemaier]

@jacobgroundwater Yes, I agree that it would be manageable, and with proper planning and publicity up front I'm sure we would draw some interest. I used to be an elementary school teacher, so I have no qualms with organizing or managing kids :). I guess my thinking is more along the lines of "node for beginners," designed in a way that is inclusive of everyone at the conf who might be interested in learning more about programming. Obviously the content would need to be delivered slightly differently for kids vs adults, but I'm assuming the activities themselves wouldn't differ all that much. I mean, using node to remote control a drone blew MY mind! However, I could be wrong...would be interested in hearing thoughts from others who have more familiarity with designing tech materials/activities for beginners. @jlord?

[groundwater]

@aemaier while I think it would be realistic for adults to join a kids class on node, I think kids would not benefit much from a "node for beginners" class. Often adult-oriented beginners classes begin by teaching fundamentals and primitives. Adults can see the benefit up front of sitting down and learning the core principles, but kids will not. My main goal would be just to peak interest in technology through node. The real benefit of using node is that we as content and curriculum creators can make rich, cool, interactive sessions for kids to really get into.

I suppose the difference is like giving kids a graphing calculator, and doing a lesson on creating cool images versus teaching them the fundamentals of functions and graphing.

The node copter example is perfect. You don't have to understand the fundamentals involved to have fun and do something cool. I would like to make an impression that lasts, and perhaps convinces some kids on the fence about technology that it's worth toughing out those difficult math classes.

[jlord]

Yeaaaaah!

This is awesome. If there were a group of hacking-age kids it would be awesome to do some sessions for them. Earlier this year I was a Maker-in-Residence at DIY.org where I built guides and curriculum for tech things aimed at kids (and centering around JS and Node). Each of these things, I think, could be cool workshops.

• Opensourcer the guide
• Frontend Dev the guide
• Backend Dev the guide
• Sys Admin
• Game Dev
• Web Designer

[mikefrey]

I've done this (http://drtechniko.com/2012/04/09/how-to-train-your-robot/) with a wide range of kids to great success. I was talking about it quite a bit at NodeConf this year with other attendees that are also parents.

Think of it as learning the basics of programming without using a computer. It teaches kids how to think with syntax and how to think logically without having to learn how to use a computer (or program). It really doesn't even require the ability to read. It also allows lots of flexibility so kids can be creative and make up their own commands.

[groundwater]

I was at Node Bots Day, and @mjpizz had a great activity.

He had a programmable sphero and created a wonderful browser-interface for it.

The kids then cut up cardboard to create a maze for it, then used the browser interface to program the sphero to solve the maze. The kids were ages 9-12 and they loved it.

[aemaier]

I'm loving all these great ideas! @mikeal and I are definitely on board with the kids track. We'll need to put some thought into how to structure the logistics once the planning for NodeConf 2014 gets under way more seriously. I think the ideas posted here make it clear that there are lots of exciting avenues to pursue. I'll be in touch to see who wants to get involved once the planning for next year starts coming together. Especially you, @jacobgroundwater :). Thanks everyone!