A few classes a go we walked through a 20 step program (http://studio.code.org/hoc/1) that walked us through using computer programing to finish tasks in the context of video games. This was the best experience I have ever had with programing. In my experience programing has always been like a foreign language to me and therefore trying to make anything has always been a struggle.
Then we went to a website called scratch where we worked on creating a "program." Before we started to create a game that actually involved math we were asked to simply play around and make something. Brittany and I were able to create a cat and mouse game. You start the mouse moving and then control where the cat goes in hope of "catching" the mouse. While this is not a very complex game the program behind it was much harder than you would think.
Here is a link to what we created --> http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/49234414/
Overall I think that this is a great resource to become more familiar with. I am working on trying to create a game that is more math centered but I am still struggling to become familiar with scratch.
This entire process has reminded me a lot of my experience with LaTex. LaTex is a program that is frequently used in the math world and I absolutely loath it. I started working with it in Math 210 (our first proofs class) and immediately I struggled with it. I would constantly work through the math required for my proofs and then be unable to make them look presentable due to programming issues. Eventually the class ended and I did my best to forget about it. I am now in Math 310 (another proof class) and it is all coming back to haunt me. My lack of LaTex skills are really hurting my ability to write good proofs.
While I understand that middle schools are not going to be asked to use a program to write a proof I think that it would be very helpful to them to introduce them to some form of computer programing. Our world has become so based on technology that I doubt they will make it through without having to program something or other. Math class is a great place to give them a peak into the world of programing because there is a surprising amount of math involved in programing.
And so if given the chance I would love to have a lesson in which the kids are introduced to programing (however, that means I need to work on my programing in order to be able to help them).
