Do you Boku?
Boku is a visual programming language that is being developed by Microsoft Research. It was shown at PDC08. As I am again working on developing curriculum for Microsoft's DigiGirlz events, I am taking a closer look at Boku. There are more videos on the MSR site and I working with the Microsoft Boku program manager to see whether I can get an early (internal only) release to test out. It is interesting to me that the 'programming' is done with a game controller (or a keyboard and mouse, if I understand correctly). I'll be excited to get my hands on an actual release and will review it here -- to coincide with public release cycles of course.
I'd be interested to know if any of you have worked with visual programming languages that you have found to be engaging, fun and effective for getting kids motivated to learn more about programming. 
Comments
Anonymous
December 09, 2008
The demo of Boku at PDC brought out the kid in almost everybody in the audience. It's such a pity that this isn't available to the public yet.Anonymous
December 13, 2008
I am also interested in testing this with my 4 year old daughter. When will it be available internally?Anonymous
December 23, 2008
Like I wrote in a previous post, VPL that comes with Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio with some simple examples and a Lego or fischertechnik robots will be great. The MIT lab developed Scratch an application for kids that is really good too.Anonymous
December 23, 2008
As a MS FTE, I was able to get on an internal beta. I am currently testing Boku for possible use as part of the DigiGirlz curriuculm. If you are a MS employee, send me mail via this blog and I'll connect you to the team lead at MSR. To Imixe - thanks I am also looking at Robotics and Mindstorms. I am looking at Scratch as well. It is good to hear that I seem to be headed in the right direction :)Anonymous
January 02, 2009
Don´t forget Small Basic that brings an implementation of LOGO that was my first programming language at age of 6.