I like the idea of visual programming as a way of making introductory programming classes more engaging and draw kids into programming. But it's definitely not a new concept, and many kids in previous generations have had LOGO classes.
I have a major problem with this post's attitude though. In the same way LOGO classes did not make programming more accessible to "non-White/Asian males", block language like Snap wouldn't.
Girls don't need the programming language to be pink and pretty so that they could properly learn program. In fact, the period where the female programmers in the US had the largest representation was exactly the period of inaccessible beasts which had to be fed machine-code instructions directly in plugboards and switches. I know it's hard to tell from the black-and-white photos today, but the ENIAC switchboards were definitely not pink.
What drives women out of technology today is that they are discouraged by society to be enthusiastic about computers and Math early on, and when they become older and do want to try, they find a largely-male field with people who had early access to programming having the upper hand on them, and often treating them with prejudice.
The reason black and hispanic people are underrepresented in programming (in the US, of course - in other countries that would be other ethnic groups, but railing against Americanocentrism is out of fashion I guess) is that they are provided a much lower level of education in general.
The best way to increase the number of female programmers is to simply encourage young girls to program by not making it 'a boys' thing', without segregating them into programming in visual block languages which would earn them (undeserved, but very real) scorn later on. The best way to encourage more ethnic diversity is to raise the level of education in the schools the go to, as well as dealing with the socio-economic problems that make them disadvantaged compared to their peers.
As much as I like the idea in general, introducing Snap as a language specifically targeted for 'underrepresented demographics' is only going to strengthen the misconception that these demographics are 'less smarter' than the White and Asian boys who ace programming without needing all these fancy visual blocks.
It seems like there must be some other reason why you're bothered by this project, because these just look like rationalizations:
First of all, why do you think Snap is dumbed down? It's a language that has macros (special forms) and even call with continuation. It seems like that's rather advanced stuff.
Second, as I remember it, Logo was pretty fun and reasonably popular. It seems like it was a success. Scratch is also a success. Why not build on success?
Third, the Snap UI is not pink. Nothing in Snap's UI says it's specifically targeted towards anyone other than beginning programmers.
The researchers say they're interested in reaching minorities. As you say, it's a tough problem, and it's likely that a good programming environment won't solve it alone. But that's why they're putting together a curriculum for teachers. And who knows, maybe learning about computer programming might get kids interested in math, rather the other way around?
This project is at the very least harmless. They're going to do the experiment and if it doesn't work, they'll make adjustments or maybe rethink their approach.
Maybe think a bit deeper about why you really find it objectionable?
Did I ever said snap is dumbed down? Read my post again.
I said it would get the undeserved reputation of being "dumber" than "real programming".
Did I ever say Logo was unsuccessful? It was at the very least tremendously popular in schools. But it didn't bring more underrepresented demographics into the fold.
Did I ever say snap's UI was pink?
Before ascribing ulterior motives or unconscious reasons to me, please make sure to read what I wrote properly.
If it wasn't clear, I've got nothing against Snap and I think it's very good to have a visual programming language that tries to support important CS concepts like recursion and closures. I've got nothing against Snap - rather the contrary.
I just thinks the premise of this post is misguided and the spirit behind it is actually detrimental to its stated goals.
Snap could be great as an engaging teaching tools for novice programmers of ALL demographics. But marketing as an aid for increasing diversity is not just wrong, but could be even harmful, since it could pave the road for technical segregation.
Okay, fair enough. Sorry for misunderstanding you.
But I'm still not clear about what the turnoff is supposed to be. Marketing something as an "aid for increasing diversity" to teachers seems likely to be appealing to them. Teachers are interested in reaching all their students, particularly in a place like NYC.
Maybe it's not great for reaching kids directly, but that's a different marketing campaign. (Snap doesn't seem to be designed to let kids jump right in like they would with a game.)
Technical segregation seems unlikely; assuming the kids become genuinely interested in programming, they will move on to other languages like they did from Logo.
I have a major problem with this post's attitude though. In the same way LOGO classes did not make programming more accessible to "non-White/Asian males", block language like Snap wouldn't.
Girls don't need the programming language to be pink and pretty so that they could properly learn program. In fact, the period where the female programmers in the US had the largest representation was exactly the period of inaccessible beasts which had to be fed machine-code instructions directly in plugboards and switches. I know it's hard to tell from the black-and-white photos today, but the ENIAC switchboards were definitely not pink.
What drives women out of technology today is that they are discouraged by society to be enthusiastic about computers and Math early on, and when they become older and do want to try, they find a largely-male field with people who had early access to programming having the upper hand on them, and often treating them with prejudice.
The reason black and hispanic people are underrepresented in programming (in the US, of course - in other countries that would be other ethnic groups, but railing against Americanocentrism is out of fashion I guess) is that they are provided a much lower level of education in general.
The best way to increase the number of female programmers is to simply encourage young girls to program by not making it 'a boys' thing', without segregating them into programming in visual block languages which would earn them (undeserved, but very real) scorn later on. The best way to encourage more ethnic diversity is to raise the level of education in the schools the go to, as well as dealing with the socio-economic problems that make them disadvantaged compared to their peers.
As much as I like the idea in general, introducing Snap as a language specifically targeted for 'underrepresented demographics' is only going to strengthen the misconception that these demographics are 'less smarter' than the White and Asian boys who ace programming without needing all these fancy visual blocks.