Although computer programming has existed in its modern form for half a century, it still eludes all but a small fraction of society. While programming is an inherently difficult activity, there are currently many barriers, both mechanical and sociological, that prevent large portions of the population from learning to program a computer.
Learning to program a computer is hard.
Alice
address both the mechanical and sociological barriers that currently
prevent many students from successfully learning to program a computer. Alice
addresses the mechanical barriers to programming by
making it much easier for students to create programs. Rather than
having to correctly type commands according to obscure rules of
syntax, students drag-and-drop words in a direct manipulation
interface. This user
interface ensures that programs are always well-formed. In addition,
Alice reifies object-based programming by providing animated,
on-screen 3D virtual objects.
Alice makes learning to program easier. And it's fun.
Sociological barriers are far more complex.Alice addresses the specific needs of the subpopulation of
middle school girls. By
supporting storytelling, an intrinsically motivating activity for
middle school girls, Alice will make programming a means to an
exciting end.
Alice makes programming more accessible to girls as
well as boys.