Abstract:
Programming is a valuable skill, but kids face considerable barriers to getting started
learning it.  The MIT teacher education program is developing StarLogo TNG, a programming
environment for kids that aims to lower some of those barriers.  In TNG, kids can construct
programs by snapping together puzzle piece-like blocks, each representing a statement.  TNG
programs control characters and objects in a 3D world, so it's possible to create a variety of
video games.  Try it out here: http://education.mit.edu/starlogo-tng/