
24 Chapter Two Generalizing by Removing Detail
2. A Brief Introduction to ToonTalk
After thirty years of mixed results, many educators today question the value
of teaching programming to children. It is difficult, and children can do so
many other things with computers. Proponents of teaching programming
argue that programming can provide a very fertile ground for discovering
and mastering powerful ideas and thinking skills (Papert 1980). Further-
more, programming can be a very empowering and creative experience.
Children who can program can turn computers into electronic games, sim-
ulators, art or music generators, ...