End User Programming - Real Computer Literacy

BASIC was the engine for end user programming in the early days, and still would be I think if Windows, Mac and Linux would just include it.  Easy programming languages are missing or hidden from the user.

Why don't people create their own software anymore? They don't feel the need for it. They can just buy what they need.  While this is true, there are so many times when packaged software doesn't do exactly what is needed. There are also so many kinds of useful software that could be written that will not make it onto store shelves.

In fact they may even wonder why they should bother. They don't know what they're missing if you ask me. Programming is a much better way to spend brain cells than watching TV or surfing the web.

It is really hard to create software with the programming languages endorsed by the mainstream.  We have gotten away from simpler languages like BASIC, perhaps under the assumption that more complexity is better, but good computing avoids needless complexity.  Even with a language like Python there is too much to learn before you get results.  The Raspberry Pi is a strong device for many purposes but it is too complicated to be a foundation for teaching computing.

Computers don't come with an easy to use programming language anymore.  This is SOOOO important. It used to be that when you turned the average computer on, the first thing it did was start BASIC. You could start programming immediately, and it was very easy to pick up. Nothing bad happened if you made a mistake, and it was fun!

People like to say that BASIC is a bad language for teaching programming.  The early versions of BASIC do have their bad points, but newer versions of BASIC are very strong for students and end users.  An entire industry of computer software came out of young people using computers that started up in BASIC programming mode.

People today think that programming isn't an important part of computer literacy.  They think that knowing how to use a phone or tablet makes you a genius, and that young people are so smart because they understand arcane settings on these things and how to tweak them.

Most people will agree that it is good to understand the mechanical working of cars if you are going to drive one. It helps you to drive more safely, and if you break down somewhere you stand a chance of helping yourself out of a tough spot. It is no different with computers. If you learn to program computers it helps you to take advantage of them, and not the other way around.