Apple Stores Replace Kids' Table iMacs With iPads

[spacepower7]

If the family computer is an iPad, there goes any chance of learning to code. This is exactly what the Raspberry Pi guys are fighting against. Not saying what's right, but if you can't write code at home you won't learn how to code, and not everyone can afford multiple computing devices.

Why do all the programmers assume everybody needs to learn to code. There are many other career paths out in the world and if a technological device can inspire passion in a child, you should be happy regardless of what that leads to.

What if an iPad inspires a child to learn math, astronomy, biology etc... To become a future scientist? Maybe a childhood experience on an iPad may inspire a child to study aerospace engineering and become a NASA scientist? Maybe the coders here can write all the software to control the first manned Mars landing based on the engineering efforts of that child?

From many of the "coders" comments, it sounds like most of them don't have children. A good parent will support their child's interest (within reason) not force their own interests on a child.

I disagree with the assumption that the simplification of computing devices will result in in less tinkerers. I believe that the opposite is true, many children will have hands on experience and natural curiosity about how these devices work.

Just let the children be themselves.

 

[Medic278]

I a going to miss the iMacs I always loved playing with them when I was a child. Although I can understand why Apple went with iPads as its the future and easier to get mom and dad to buy an iPad then an iMac.

 

[itad]

Wowza..

Wish I had these when I was a kid!

 

[ProVideo]

 

[tech4all]

If the family computer is an iPad, there goes any chance of learning to code. This is exactly what the Raspberry Pi guys are fighting against. Not saying what's right, but if you can't write code at home you won't learn how to code, and not everyone can afford multiple computing devices.

Yea cause every career in this world requires a person to write code

Besides it's highly unlikely a child who wants to eventually become a programmer of some sort will be hindered because they used an iPad as a child. If they're smart enough to write code, they're smart enough to know they need a computer to do it on.

 

[KnightWRX]

Besides it's highly unlikely a child who wants to eventually become a programmer of some sort will be hindered because they used an iPad as a child. If they're smart enough to write code, they're smart enough to know they need a computer to do it on.

A lot of programmers didn't "want to be a coder when I grow up". They discovered it through curiosity and playing on around on the family computer. That's how I got into the business. If I had had a game console as my only "family computer", I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today.

That's the whole point.

 

[kingtj]

Then that's a lousy point ...

I'm sorry, but you can't compare your past to what's going on with today's technology. I grew up in the 70's and 80's, with one of the early home computers that didn't do a whole lot unless you coded applications into it yourself, line by line, in BASIC. When more advanced computers came along and everyone standardized on pre-packaged software for most tasks (Microsoft Office, for example, or the Lotus suite before that), BASIC pretty much vanished -- and a lot of people I knew said the same thing. "Today's kids won't grow up learning to code like they used to, since computers don't even come with an instruction manual with a list of commands anymore!" But oddly enough? They still kept learning to code, in droves!

Today, most kids are playing on consoles instead of computers, but so what? Every last console game was coded first on a computer, and a certain percentage of kids who play those games are eventually going ask, "How can I make one of these things myself?" That will push them towards a home computer capable of doing the task.

Still others will learn the basic concepts of coding through some of today's games. Even popular titles like Little Big Planet, or Minecraft pocket edition for iOS encourage creating new things in the game with a toolset.

A lot of programmers didn't "want to be a coder when I grow up". They discovered it through curiosity and playing on around on the family computer. That's how I got into the business. If I had had a game console as my only "family computer", I wouldn't be doing what I am doing today.

That's the whole point.