Scratch

First of all, my name is Jason.  I am NOT a recovering alcoholic.  But I am quite interested in using Scratch to help people learn the basics of programming and computer science, as shown here:

when gf clicked
forever
  if <not <(using Scratch) = [0]>>
  set (knowledge) to <(knowledge) + [1]>
end
think (join ["I now have "] (join (knowledge) [" arbitrary units of knowledge about programming."]))
wait [60] secs

I've always had an interest in education and educational theory, and I have a background in computer science.  I feel like it's important that more people understand the basic ideas behind computer science.  I started teaching myself to program on an Apple IIe when I was about 11 years old, so I believe most people are capable of learning how programming works.

I've repeatedly made the argument that CS concepts should be an essential part of any educational curriculum.  It's at least as important and useful as subjects like geometry, biology, trigonometry, or chemistry.  Programming encourages creating ideas and figuring out how to express those ideas, which can make it a really fun way to learn.  Scratch seems to really help make everything more approachable, and it looks like a great way to get people into the mindset of thinking about how programs are put together.

Anyway, thanks to everyone here for providing such a great resource -- and what looks to be an excellent community to help support it.