Lesson plan

Basic-256

Basic-256 is a project to learn the basics of computer programming. The project started in 2007 inspired by the article “Why Johnny can't code” by David Brin, which also inspired the creation of Microsoft Small Basic. Its main focus is to provide a simple and comprehensive environment for middle/high school students to learn the basics of computer programming. Basic-256 started as a simple version of BASIC: the code editor, text output window and graphics display window are all visible in the same screen. However, successive versions have added new features, namely: * Files (Eof, Size) – Version 9.4d * Mouse events – Version 9.4d * Sprites handling – Version 0.9.6n * Database functions – Version 0.9.6y * Network – Version 0.9.6.31 * Real Functions and Subroutines – Version 0.9.9.1 * Maps (Dictionaries) – Version 2.0.0.1 Complete documentation is available in English, Russian, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.

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Article summary

Basic-256 is a project to learn the basics of computer programming. The project started in 2007 inspired by the article “Why Johnny can't code” by David Brin, which also inspired the creation of Microsoft Small Basic. Its main focus is to provide a simple and comprehensive environment for middle/high school students to learn the basics of computer programming. Basic-256 started as a simple version of BASIC: the code editor, text output window and graphics display window are all visible in the same screen. However, successive versions have added new features, namely: * Files (Eof, Size) – Version 9.4d * Mouse events – Version 9.4d * Sprites handling – Version 0.9.6n * Database functions – Version 0.9.6y * Network – Version 0.9.6.31 * Real Functions and Subroutines – Version 0.9.9.1 * Maps (Dictionaries) – Version 2.0.0.1 Complete documentation is available in English, Russian, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese.

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Discussion questions

  1. Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
  2. Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
  3. If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?

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Key claims and bibliography are generated from the same tracked claims and sources as the article page.